Abuela’s Cuban Tostones

This Cuban Tostones Recipe is a guide to making Cuban fried plantains right at home. Easy to follow and so delicious. Let’s jump in.

Why do we love Cuban Tostones?

A tostone is a smashed and fried plantain. A plantain, or a green plantain, is a type of cooking banana. Cooking bananas are a group of starchy banana that is commonly used in cooking as they are not as good when left raw.

They can be be steamed, baked, or broiled. The absolute best way (In our opinion) is to fry them. Fried plátano, or Cuban Tostones, are an essential part of any Cuban diet.

Tostones are a savory, starchy side dish. crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right amount of salty on top. You might say, “What do they pair well with?” and the answer is Absolutely Everything!

Our Biggest Tip for the Best Cuban Tostones

This tip will guarantee a crisp tostone. You must make sure to dip the tostone in salty water before frying it for the second time. The little dip ensures that golden crust.

Find our Reel on Instagram where we take you step by step through making the perfect Cuban Tostones HERE

What to Pair With The Tostones

Instant Pot: Ropa Vieja, Cuban Class: Vaca Frita, Fricase de Pollo , Arroz Con Pollo, Classic Picadillo and Pollo Empanizado

Abuela’s Cuban Tostones

Recipe by Abuelas Cuban CounterCourse: SidesCuisine: CubanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 green plantains
  

• 2 cups water

• 2 tsp sea salt plus more for serving 

•  1 – 2 cups of canola oil or avocado oil 

Directions

• In a large bowl combine water and salt. Set aside. 
  
• Cut the ends off the plantains and peel the skin. Cut the plantains into 1 1/2-inch thick slices. 
• Preheat oil in a frying pan at medium heat. Gently place each of the slices into the oil and fry for approximately 3 minutes until slightly golden. 
  
• Remove the plantains and drain with a paper towel. Individually place the cooked slices inside a zip bag. Smash each plantain with a plantain press or heavy pot while they are warm. Set aside. 
• Dip each piece in salty water. Set aside
• Fry in oil for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  
• Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.