Crispy Puerto Rican Tostones with Garlic Infusion
Indulge in the delightful crunch of these Crispy Puerto Rican Tostones, a beloved snack that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. Made from green plantains, these twice-fried treats are seasoned with fresh garlic and a sprinkle of salt, delivering a taste experience like no other. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these tostones are best enjoyed hot and crispy, making them an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces for an added burst of flavor.
30
Servings
70
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
very green plantains
3 large (peeled and sliced into 1 inch thick sections)
crushed fresh garlic
3 teaspoons (freshly crushed)
salt
4 teaspoons (for soaking and seasoning)
water
4 cups (for soaking the plantains)
olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the green plantains and slicing them into 1-inch thick sections.
2
In a large baking pan, combine the water, salt, and crushed garlic to create a soaking mixture.
3
Immerse the plantain slices into the garlic mixture and let them soak for 20 minutes to absorb the flavor.
4
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 365 degrees Fahrenheit.
5
Carefully add the soaked plantains to the hot oil and fry them until they turn a golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
6
Once fried, remove the plantains from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
7
Next, flatten each fried plantain slice between sheets of wax paper using a plate or the palm of your hand until they're about 1/4 inch thick.
8
Re-dip the flattened plantains in the garlic mixture briefly for added flavor, then return them to the hot oil.
9
Fry the flattened plantains again until they become crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
10
Remove from the oil, sprinkle with salt to taste, and serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Puerto Rican tostones?
Tostones are traditional Caribbean snacks made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, flattened, and then fried again until crispy.
What type of plantains should I use?
You must use very green plantains for this recipe to ensure the proper savory flavor and crunchy texture.
How many plantains are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large green plantains.
How thick should I slice the plantains initially?
Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick sections before the first fry.
What is the purpose of the garlic soaking mixture?
The garlic mixture, made of water, salt, and crushed garlic, allows the plantains to absorb flavor before and during the cooking process.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of freshly crushed garlic.
How long should the plantains soak in the garlic water?
Immerse the plantain slices in the mixture for 20 minutes.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying tostones?
Heat your frying oil to 365 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Which oils are recommended for frying?
You can use either olive oil or canola oil for frying these tostones.
How long is the first frying stage?
Fry the soaked slices for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
How do I flatten the tostones?
Place the fried plantain between sheets of wax paper and flatten it to about 1/4 inch thickness using a plate or your palm.
Why are the tostones dipped in the garlic mixture a second time?
Re-dipping the flattened plantains briefly provides an extra burst of garlic flavor before the final crisping.
How long is the second frying stage?
Fry the flattened plantains for another 2-3 minutes until they become very crispy and golden.
Are these tostones vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains only plantains, garlic, salt, water, and vegetable-based oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these tostones are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the total number of servings?
This recipe makes 30 servings.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these tostones?
There is 1 gram of protein per serving.
Can I use yellow plantains?
No, yellow plantains are sweet and soft; green plantains are necessary for the starchy, crispy texture of tostones.
When should I add the final seasoning?
Remove the tostones from the oil and immediately sprinkle them with salt to taste while they are still hot.
What is the best way to serve tostones?
Tostones are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy, often served with dipping sauces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: green plantains, garlic, salt, water, and oil.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are an excellent appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
How much water is needed for the soak?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of water for the soaking mixture.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be freshly crushed to release the most flavor.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no sugar.
What cuisine is this dish from?
This dish is a staple of Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine.
How do I prevent the plantains from sticking when flattening?
Using sheets of wax paper between the plantain and the flattening tool prevents sticking.