Join us as we delve into the world of plantains! If you’re craving more than just a handful of banana recipes, get ready for a culinary adventure with these 38 delectable plantain-based dishes.
At first glance, it’s easy to confuse bananas and plantains due to their similar appearance. However, don’t be fooled – they have distinct differences in flavor and usage that set them apart.
Bananas are typically characterized by their elongated shape and thick skin, making them a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. As they ripen, bananas become sweeter and softer, offering a range of flavors to savor.
On the other hand, plantains are a type of banana that’s often larger and starchier than the typical yellow banana. They’re not as sweet and aren’t typically eaten raw – instead, they require cooking to bring out their unique flavor profiles.
Today, I’m shining the spotlight on one of my favorite ingredients: the humble plantain. Whether it’s baked, fried, or grilled, this incredible fruit is a chameleon that adapts perfectly to various culinary styles.
From appetizers and side dishes to main courses, plantains offer an astonishing array of options, making them an exciting ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen.
Caribbean Plantain Curry
Whenever I’m entertaining guests who are looking for a meat-free option, my Caribbean curry dish featuring plantains is always a crowd-pleaser. The harmonious blend of sweet plantain, earthy sweet potato, crunchy bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, creamy kidney beans, and rich coconut milk combines to create a vibrant fusion of Caribbean flavors.
The added depth comes from the aromatic trio of curry powder, black pepper, and pimento berries, which mingle with ground coriander to produce a savory and complex curry experience. For an extra layer of excitement, consider sprinkling some chili powder into the mix for a subtle kick of heat.
Dominican Mangu
This beloved Dominican recipe is a staple in many households, enjoyed for both breakfast and dinner. If you’re new to this culinary delight, now’s the perfect opportunity to give it a try! The dish combines the natural sweetness of green plantains with the brightness of lime, richness of olive oil and butter, and a savory touch from sautéed onion and ground black pepper. When served alongside a perfectly grilled steak and roasted asparagus, this recipe truly shines.
Caramelized Cinnamon Plantains
Indulge in the simplicity of caramelized plantains, a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare! With only four essential ingredients – plantains, maple syrup, cinnamon, and coconut oil – you’ll be amazed at how effortless this sweet indulgence is. Whether serving as a side dish or dessert, these caramelized plantains are sure to please. A quick tip: when selecting plantains, opt for those with ripened black spots for the best results.
Nigerian Plantain Porridge
The essence of Nigerian plantain porridge lies in its distinctive flavor profile, heavily reliant on palm oil’s rich and authentic taste. This core ingredient sets the dish apart from others, imbuing it with a unique character. Beyond the palm oil, the blended pepper mixture – comprising onions and red peppers – amplifies the smoked turkey’s savory notes, while oregano and curry powder infuse the dish with an earthy freshness.
The harmonious balance of these flavors creates a truly authentic culinary experience. For those without access to smoked turkey, rest assured that smoked fish can be a suitable substitute, allowing the recipe’s versatility to shine.
Cod & Plantain Fritters
When it comes to indulging in the delicious Cod & Plantain Fritters, pairing them with chipotle dipping sauce elevates the flavor profile to new heights. The harmonious union of these two components creates a symphony of taste sensations that will leave your senses tingling! Additionally, the recipe requires some essential ingredients, including arrow powder, red onion, garlic, and cilantro.
For those who are passionate about plantains, this seafood-based dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Vegan Plantain Brownies
When you think brownies, plantains might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind. But trust us, incorporating them into your recipe can take your brownie game to the next level. The key is in the simplicity and decadent taste of this sweet treat. In fact, the star of the show is the plantain, which provides a unique flavor profile when paired with coconut sugar and cocoa powder. These three ingredients come together to create a rich, chocolatey taste that’s sure to impress.
One quick tip to keep in mind: for the best results, choose ripe plantains that are almost black and have a soft, mushy texture.
Ripe Plantain & Coconut Mini Cakes
Indulge in the sweet and creamy delight of oven-baked plantain cakes! These heavenly treats are made with ripe plantains, eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of grated coconut as the crowning glory. The end result is a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. And the best part? It pairs exquisitely with a variety of beverages, whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, refreshing iced tea, or tangy lemonade.
Plantain Fried Rice
Swap your usual rice for plantains to bring a burst of color and flavor to this vibrant dish. The best part? It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in just 30 minutes – yes, you read that right! It’s a game-changer. What makes it so delicious is the harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and five-spice powder, which comes together to create a truly mouthwatering experience. You’re welcome for this culinary revelation!
Fried Plantains
If you’re on the hunt for creative green plantain recipes, look no further! One of our personal favorites is a simple yet satisfying fried plantain appetizer that requires just three ingredients: cooking oil, green plantains, and salt. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. And to take it to the next level, don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite dipping sauces – think BBQ sauce, avocado sauce, or garlic sauce. But here’s the thing: why stop at just one flavor combination?
Feel free to experiment and add your own unique twist by incorporating herbs and spices of your liking. The possibilities are endless!
Baked Plantain Chips
For newcomers to the world of plantains, Baked Plantain Chips offer a fantastic introduction. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to flavoring – sweet, spicy, or a harmonious blend of both are all possibilities. What’s more, these Baked Plantain Chips are remarkably well-suited to any of these flavor profiles.
While there are undoubtedly many baked plantain recipes available online, this particular entree is definitely worth including in your recipe collection, especially if you’re always on the lookout for delicious snacks to enjoy at home.
Kelewele
This African-inspired fried plantain recipe is a flavorful blend of ginger, hot pepper, and salt. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can tailor it to your taste by adding your favorite spices. What sets this treat apart is the perfect harmony of textures: the satisfying crunch on the outside giving way to softness within each bite. For me, there’s no better accompaniment than a plate of fluffy lemon rice and roasted chicken.
And when I’m in the mood for something more indulgent, I love pairing them with crunchy roasted peanuts as an afternoon snack.
Plantain Lasagna
While browsing for sweet plantain recipes, I chanced upon an innovative take on the classic Italian dish – lasagna. What caught my attention was the substitution of traditional lasagna noodles with ripe plantains. This unconventional approach not only adds a unique twist to the dish but also complements the rich flavors of the ground beef sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella.
The harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes is sure to tantalize your taste buds and encourage you to reconsider your traditional lasagna recipe.
Plantain Tempeh Breakfast Hash
Kickstart your morning with a nutritious and satisfying meal! A flavorful Plantain Tempeh Breakfast Hash is the perfect way to begin the day, packed with bell peppers, black beans, vegetable broth, lime juice, and aromatic spices. This hearty breakfast dish is elevated when paired with a spoonful of your favorite salsa or served alongside creamy avocado or guacamole. For an added twist, wrap it all up in a warm tortilla and enjoy on-the-go!
Caribbean Nachos
Trade in traditional nachos for a Caribbean twist that’s sure to delight. Crunchy fried green plantain, spicy red chili sauce, tender pulled pork, and creamy pinto beans come together in a flavor fusion that’s hard to resist. This game-changing snack is perfect for sharing with family or friends on game day, guaranteeing a winning performance. And if you’re looking to feed a bigger crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week, simply double the recipe and get ready to score.
Tostones With Garlic Sauce
Elevate your typical fried green plantains or tostones by immersing them in a rich and savory garlic dipping sauce. This simple yet flavorful condiment is perfect as an appetizer for any meal, requiring only a few minutes of preparation time. What’s more, it’s comprised of pantry staples you may already possess, making it a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire.
The harmonious pairing of these crispy tostones with pork, Puerto Rican chicken, rice, or black beans is nothing short of exceptional.
Cheesy Caribbean Plantain Gratin
While it’s difficult to imagine a dish that’s unpleasant with cheddar cheese, there are certainly some exceptions. One such culinary delight is the Caribbean Plantain Gratin recipe, which combines the richness of comfort food with the warm, inviting flavors of the Caribbean.
The gratin itself is a masterclass in creamy goodness, boasting a satisfying texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Meanwhile, the béchamel sauce – crafted from milk, butter, flour, garlic, nutmeg, and dried thyme – adds an impressive range of flavors to this plantain-based masterpiece.
Fried Plantain Arañitas
Elevate your green plantain game by indulging in these crispy, flavorful arañitas. With a few simple ingredients – including green plantains, garlic salt, and oil – you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious snack that’s sure to please. Start by peeling the plantains and grating them into thin strips. Then, form the mixture into bite-sized pieces and fry until they’re golden brown. But don’t stop there!
Feel free to add your own twist with red onions, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Plantain Salsa
If you’re seeking a more vibrant way to savor plantain’s unique flavor profile, look no further than the delectable plantain salsa! Its tangy, slightly spicy essence pairs perfectly with a citrus vinaigrette when served atop a juicy chicken taco. In fact, once you experience this combination, it’s unlikely you’ll ever settle for your usual salsa again.
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste buds by adjusting ingredients to create your ultimate go-to salsa.
The possibilities are endless!
Plantain Pancakes
Indulging in these plantain pancakes is a truly extraordinary experience. The perfect balance of density and lightness makes each bite a delight. What’s more, the sweetness of the maple syrup, expertly complemented by subtle vanilla undertones, renders added sugar in the batter unnecessary. This innovative breakfast alternative is a game-changer for anyone seeking to mix things up and start their day on a remarkable note.
Pasteles En Hoja (Dominican Plantain Leaf Pockets)
Turon (Filipino Banana Lumpia)
In the Philippines, Turon has earned its spot as a beloved street food and snack. This sweet indulgence begins with ripe and succulent plantains that are carefully coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The plantain slices are then wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior giving way to a soft and moist interior.
As you take each bite, the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon fills your senses, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the plantains. When served with an extra dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream, Turon truly becomes a match made in heaven.
Mofongo
The connection between Mofongo’s Puerto Rican cuisine and African roots is undeniable. A staple in many African households, mashed plantains are a common ingredient that adds depth and richness to the dish. The combination of chewy shrimp, flavorful sauce, and unripe mashed plantains creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more. The saltiness of Mofongo is elevated by the addition of fried pork rinds, which provide a satisfying crunch and savory flavor.
This harmonious blend of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds tantalized and eager for the next culinary delight.
Ground Beef & Plantain Patties
Ditch the store-bought patties and take a culinary journey with these unique plantain-flavored ground beef creations. The harmonious blend of tender, soft textures and intriguing flavors will have you hooked from the first bite.
Baked-Bacon Wrapped Plantains
Indulge in this irresistible appetizer and get ready to rave about it for days! The perfect harmony of flavors and textures comes from the combination of crispy bacon and tender plantain. As you take your first bite, the savory sweetness of the dish will leave you smitten, with the contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft interior creating a truly delightful mouth-feeling experience.
Plantain Picadillo Empanadas (Empanadas De Platano)
The recipe’s flank steak, finely chopped and infused with the bold flavors of Mexican chipotle sauce, offers a beefy twist on traditional ground beef. This substitution yields a more robust taste experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Poulet DG
Poulet DG, literally translating to ‘chicken for the Director General’, was a culinary delicacy reserved for the aristocracy in France. This exquisite dish is elevated by the harmonious union of green seasoning paste and habanero pepper, which infuse it with a subtle freshness, heat, and smokiness. The presentation is just as impressive, featuring an assortment of colorful vegetables such as green beans, carrots, and ripe plantains.
As a result, Poulet DG’s allure transcends its flavor to include its visually appealing nature.
Roasted Plantain Bean Stew
If you’re familiar with cooking plantains, then you know how versatile they can be. However, if not, don’t worry – starting with a stew is an excellent way to introduce yourself to their unique flavor profile. The caramelized sweetness that develops from roasting the plantains pairs perfectly with the rich flavors in this dish. The smoky undertones of fire-roasted tomatoes provide a depth of flavor that’s further enhanced by the subtle warmth and peppery spice of turmeric.
When all these elements come together, you’re left with a culinary experience that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.
Three Cheese Plantain Crust Pizza
As the excitement builds for tonight’s big game, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: will it be pizza night? The answer lies in the unique flavor profile of this extraordinary pie. At its core is a plantain-based dough that infuses the crust with a natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by the tanginess of cherry tomato toppings.
But what truly sets this pizza apart are the rich and creamy cheese toppings – ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan combine to create a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. With its unbeatable flavor, homemade pizzas like this one may just render store-bought options obsolete.
Plantain Arepas
A staple in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine, the Arepa is a beloved snack that has gained popularity worldwide. Traditionally cooked in a specialized pan called the budare, these crispy cornmeal patties can also be prepared using various methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Regardless of the cooking technique, the resulting texture is often characterized by a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
One of the best parts about arepas is that they can be customized to suit any taste preference – simply fill them with your favorite ingredients like shredded chicken, beef, or beans, or top them with melted cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Stuffed Plantains
Does the memory of crafting Pastelón still linger vividly in your mind? If so, let’s refresh our recollection. This recipe has been cleverly adapted to yield delectable individual servings, perfect for a cozy evening or quick snack. Imagine the tender fusion of fried plantains, rich ground meat, and a medley of flavors including garlic, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings. The crowning glory? A sprinkle of melted cheese that elevates each bite to new heights.
As the savory aroma wafts through your home, you can almost hear your stomach growling in anticipation – it’s a truly mouthwatering experience!
Caribbean Plantain & Avocado Salad
Summer barbecues often feature classic potato salads, but for a refreshing change of pace, try this unique recipe. To make it, you’ll need to purchase green plantains from the store a few days in advance. The combination of creamy avocado and sweet, ripe plantains is irresistible, while the tangy lime dressing adds a festive flair to the dish.
Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
When it comes to carnitas, there’s a certain textural delight that can’t be replicated – the tender, fall-apart quality that simply melts in your mouth, punctuated by a satisfying crunch from the charred exterior. This harmonious balance of textures is elevated when combined with the deep flavor profiles of black beans, sweet plantains, and the tangy zip of pico de gallo salsa.
Pair these elements with a scoop of aromatic, seasoned rice, and you’re left with a truly satisfying and wholesome meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts – Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls at their finest.
Plantain Kofta
This plantain kofta is a meatball masterpiece that will revolutionize your culinary experience. The genius lies in combining boiled potatoes and plantains, blending them together with a medley of Indian spices including garam masala to infuse a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
The result is an astonishingly tender and flavorful vegetarian delight that effortlessly replaces the need for meat.
As you savor each bite, the textures harmonize beautifully – the richness of the sauce coats your tongue while the juicy plantain koftas provide a satisfying mouthfeel.
Spicy Plantain Black Bean Tacos
Elevate your Meatless Monday game with a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress! Start by selecting ripe and sweet plantains, then take it to the next level by coating them in a bold blend of spicy cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and cumin. This trifecta of flavors will leave you craving more. And the best part? These plantain bites pair perfectly with not just beef or chicken tacos, but also with spicy black beans, thanks to their harmonious flavor profile.
To take it over the top, serve them alongside a sweet and tangy mango salsa for a truly unforgettable experience.
Plantain Hot Cross Buns
Dating back to the 12th century, hot cross buns have evolved into a beloved tradition. These sweet treats are characterized by their soft, yeasty texture and generous filling of fruits like raisins, candied citrus, currants, and spices. The addition of a white icing cross – either etched or carved into the dough – serves as a poignant reminder of the crucifixion.
While many associate hot cross buns with Easter celebrations, specifically Holy Friday, this recipe puts a unique spin on tradition by offering a vegan and gluten-free alternative that diverges from the norm from start to finish.
Plantain Bananas In Syrup (Minatamis Na Saging)
The process of simmering plantains in a sugar syrup yields a rich caramel color and amplifies their natural sweetness. This sweet treat is a staple in Filipino cuisine, offering a delightful sweetness that’s hard to resist. While it’s delicious on its own, the addition of crushed ice, tapioca pearls, and a splash of evaporated milk can elevate it into an even more refreshing summertime dessert experience.
Caribbean Fish Stew
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Caribbean with this delectable fish stew, where perfectly balanced spices and creamy notes come together to create an irresistible culinary experience! The mild flavor of the fish is expertly complemented by the complex taste and aroma of the stew, making it a true showstopper. Feel free to use any type of fish you have available, or mix things up with some succulent shrimp for added seafood variety.
Pair this Caribbean Fish Stew with a warm serving of rice for a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
Berries & Cream Sweet Plantain Waffles
Crafting the ideal blend of flavors and textures, these waffles rely on a combination of ripe and unripe plantains. The sweetness of date sugar adds a subtle butterscotch note, while the earthy essence of cinnamon elevates the dish to new heights. With their versatility in accommodating toppings, from vibrant fresh fruit to mixed berries, fluffy whipped cream, or toasted coconut flakes, these waffles are an absolute delight. Every aspect of this treat screams ‘indulgence’ and ‘deliciousness’.
The bottom line
While it’s common knowledge that bananas and plantains share a familial connection, their shared heritage is more profound than just being part of the same botanical family. In reality, these two popular fruits are so closely related that they’re essentially different species within the same genus.
