Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco
Golden caramelized plantains topped with a savory garlic-cheese blend and fresh herb finish. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Plantains, Olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 Plantains
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Queso fresco
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel plantains and slice each into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add plantain slices in a single layer to the skillet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender, flipping once.
- Step 3: While plantains cook, mix 2 minced garlic cloves with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Transfer cooked plantains to a plate, top with the garlic-cheese mixture, and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco?
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 plantains from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco?
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 Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Fried Plantains with Garlic and Queso Fresco 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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
