Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro
Crisp plantain rounds sautéed with aromatic garlic and fresh cilantro for a simple, vibrant side dish. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium (about 1.5 lbs) green plantains, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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
- 4 medium (about 1.5 lbs) green plantains
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 4 medium green plantains and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, flipping once.
- Step 3: Remove the plantains from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh cilantro and cook for 30 seconds. Return the plantains to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-cilantro oil. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then cook for 1 minute more to heat through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro?
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 Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro 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 Pan-Fried Green Plantains with Garlic and Cilantro 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
