Description
Crispy twice-fried green plantains served with a tangy garlic mojo sauce, delivering authentic Cuban flavors in a vibrant and crunchy appetizer that is simple to prepare and plant-based friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tostones
- 3 firm green plantains
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, a pinch
For the Garlic Mojo Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Finely chopped jalapeños or paprika (for spicy mojo)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (herbed mojo)
- Crispy smoked turkey bacon bits (topping)
- Melted plant-based cheese drizzle
- Roasted garlic cloves (for roasted garlic mojo)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel the green plantains carefully, then slice them into thick rounds about one inch wide. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat dry thoroughly to minimize oil splatter during frying.
- First Fry: Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the plantain slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn soft golden yellow to soften the plantains for smashing.
- Smash the Plantains: Using a tostonera or the bottom of a sturdy glass, press each fried slice gently until flattened to about half its original thickness to ensure a crisp texture on the second fry.
- Second Fry: Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden color and crisp texture develop. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Garlic Mojo: While the tostones cool slightly, combine finely minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well blended and aromatic.
- Serve: Serve hot, crispy tostones with a generous drizzle or dipping bowl of garlic mojo. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or optional smoked turkey bacon bits for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use firm green plantains for the best authentic texture and crunch.
- Maintain medium heat during frying to prevent soggy tostones.
- Be patient during the second fry for perfect golden crispiness.
- Minced fresh garlic should be added to mojo just before serving for intense flavor.
- Drain tostones well on paper towels after frying to keep them light and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cuban Tostones, Garlic Mojo, plantains, Caribbean appetizer, crispy snack, plant-based, vegan appetizer
