Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce
Golden-fried green plantain slices paired with a zesty cilantro-garlic sauce, a traditional Puerto Rican appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or as a side. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs Green plantains (peeled and sliced), Vegetable oil (for frying), Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (1 lb) Green plantains (peeled and sliced)
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp White vinegar
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- pinch Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry plantain slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: For the mojo, combine chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides after 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Serve tostones immediately with mojo sauce for dipping, ensuring the sauce is vibrant green and the tostones are hot and crispy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil (for frying) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Tostones with Vibrant Green Mojo Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
