Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tostones?
Tostones are twice-fried green plantains, a savory side dish popular in Puerto Rican and Latin American cuisine.
What is the main ingredient for this recipe?
The main ingredient is green plantains, specifically 2 large ones for this recipe.
How many times are the plantains fried?
The plantains are fried twice to achieve their signature crispy texture.
What goes into the Zesty Mojo dip?
The Mojo dip is made by mixing 1/2 cup of ketchup and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
You can use 1/2 cup of either vegetable oil or olive oil for frying the tostones.
How do you peel a green plantain?
Make a lengthwise cut through the skin and carefully peel it away from both sides; this requires some patience.
How thick should the plantains be sliced initially?
The plantains should be sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How long is the first frying stage?
Fry the slices for about 5 minutes total, or approximately 2-1/2 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
How do you flatten the tostones?
Place a fried plantain slice between two pieces of wax paper and gently flatten it with a flat object.
How thick should the tostones be after flattening?
The flattened slices should be approximately 1/4 inch thick.
How long is the second frying stage?
The second fry lasts about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What seasoning is used for Tostones?
They are typically sprinkled with adobo seasoning or salt to taste once they are crispy.
Are tostones served hot or cold?
Tostones should be served hot with the Mojo dip on the side for the best experience.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe for Crispy Tostones with Zesty Mojo Dip is vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the tostones?
Each serving contains about 2g of protein.
What cuisine category does this dish fall under?
This dish is categorized as Latin American, specifically Puerto Rican cuisine.
What can I serve with Tostones?
They pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack.
Should the oil be smoking hot?
No, the oil should be hot enough to sizzle but not smoking.
What is the purpose of the wax paper?
Wax paper is used to prevent the plantain slices from sticking to the surface or the flat object while flattening.
How do you remove excess oil after frying?
Place the fried plantains on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Can I use yellow plantains instead?
This specific recipe calls for green plantains, which are starchier and better suited for the crispy texture of tostones.
What are some other names for this dish?
They are also known as twice-fried green plantains.
How do you know when the first fry is done?
The slices should be lightly golden but not fully browned after the first fry.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: green plantains, oil, adobo/salt, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
Can I use other dips?
Yes, you can experiment with different dips for a creative twist on this traditional snack.
What should the texture of the Mojo dip be?
The dip should be mixed until well combined, resulting in a creamy and tangy consistency.