Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro Sauce
Golden fried plantains with a tangy garlic cilantro sauce make a perfect Caribbean-inspired appetizer or side dish. This caribbean-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends medium green plantains, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 green plantains
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 2 medium green plantains by cutting off the ends and scoring the skin lengthwise; remove the peel carefully. Slice each plantain into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Step 2: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the plantain slices in batches for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Using the bottom of a flat glass or a tostonera, flatten each fried plantain slice to about half its original thickness.
- Step 4: Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on fresh paper towels and season immediately with 1 tsp salt.
- Step 5: To prepare the garlic cilantro sauce, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Serve the warm tostones with the garlic cilantro sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro 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 Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro 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.
What goes well with Grilled Plantain Tostones with Garlic Cilantro Sauce?
Caribbean snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
