Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
Sweet ripe plantains pan-fried until golden and caramelized, dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar for a simple Guatemalan-inspired treat. This latin american-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes turns vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, brown sugar into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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
- 3 large, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces ripe plantains
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- a pinch salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Step 2: Carefully add the 3 large peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces) in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
- Step 3: Fry the plantains for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown caramelized crust and are tender inside. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooked plantains to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 6: While still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the plantains and serve immediately as a sweet snack or dessert.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar?
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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar 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 Plantains with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar 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.
