Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Twice-fried green plantain slices served crispy and golden with a zesty garlic and citrus mojo sauce for dipping. This Caribbean-inspired recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, turns green plantains, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 2 large green plantains by cutting off ends and slicing lengthwise to remove skin. Cut into 1-inch thick rounds.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry plantain rounds in batches for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Using the bottom of a glass or flat utensil, carefully flatten each fried plantain round to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  4. Step 4: Return flattened plantains to hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: For mojo sauce, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl until emulsified.
  6. Step 6: Serve crispy tostones warm with mojo garlic sauce for dipping, highlighting the balance of savory and bright citrus flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic Sauce?

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 Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic 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 Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic 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 Puerto Rican Tostones with Mojo Garlic Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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