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It’s no secret I love plantains! They’re a staple in my weekend breakfasts and something I look forward to all week long. I’ve received many questions here and on Instagram asking how I fry my plantains so I thought I’d give you a tutorial today on plantain frying. My only disclaimer is that I am in no way a plantain making expert (not sure you really have to be), but I will tell you everything I know about How To Make Perfect Plantains!

How To Make Perfect Plantains

The first step is buying plantains. I buy mine at Sprouts or Walmart. Look for smooth ones that aren’t bruised. Plantains are similar to bananas. If they’re green, they are not ripe, but will eventually (or should) ripen and turn yellow. I buy mine green or with a hint of yellow that aren’t fully ripened. Also, look for smooth ones that aren’t bruised. From time to time, I get weird plantains that don’t turn yellow. When this happens I either throw them out or wrestle getting the skin off because I’m in desperate need of my plantains!

How To Make Perfect Plantains

You can cook them either green or yellow. The more ripe they are, they sweeter they will be. The greener they are, the crispier they will be. For breakfast, I like plantains ripe and sweet. For dinner, I like them a bit green which means they will be crispy like hearty fries! Ripe or unripe, the process for frying them is the same.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 1: Remove both ends of the plantains with a knife.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 2: Using a knife, make a gentle slit in the skin lengthwise on the plantain then run your finger under the skin to pull it off the plantain.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 3: Slice your plantain into quarter size pieces.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 4: Add one tablespoon of coconut oil to a frying pan set to medium high heat. Once the oil is hot and sizzling, lower the heat to medium low and add the plantains.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 5: Cook plantains 3-4 minutes then flip them using a tongs and cook another 3 minutes until both sides are light brown.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 6: Remove plantains from the frying pan and place on a paper towel. Pat the plantains dry, sprinkle with sea salt.

How To Make Perfect Plantains

Step 7: Transfer to a plate and devour!

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Megan

Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.

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14 Comments

  1. David Summerbell says:

    I love step by step guides like this so thanks for sharing. These look sooo yummy 🙂

  2. Jody - Fit at 58 says:

    Everything looks so great!

  3. Katiuska says:

    Delicious! I love plantain too !

    1. Megan says:

      You really can’t go wrong with them!

  4. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says:

    I haven’t made plantains in so long… definitely time to bring it back. I love frying them in coconut oil and drizzling them with cocoa powder sauce and cinnamon for dessert!

    1. Megan says:

      OMG that sounds so good! I HAVE to make that. Don’t be surprised if it shows up around here.

  5. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says:

    I don’t think I’ve ever bought a plantain in my life. I need to get on that.

    1. Megan says:

      You will LOVE!

  6. Anne says:

    Thanks for posting! I always see plantains in Whole Foods, but when I think about buying them, I always wonder what to do with them. Definitely going to try this–they look so good!

    1. Megan says:

      You won’t be disappointed!

  7. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says:

    Aren’t they awesome?! So much plantain love here!

    1. Megan says:

      Right? I’d make them for everyone if I could!

  8. Susie @ SuzLyfe says:

    Plantains are so freaking delcious. But I will say that you definitely have to start with the right plantain. Otherwise, regardless of whatyou do, you will be SOL!

    1. Megan says:

      Yes! I’ve definitely had my fair share of duds. Seems to be the case with men too. 😉