Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa
Thinly sliced plantain chips dusted with warm spices served alongside a fresh and tangy mango salsa for a tropical snack. This caribbean-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends for frying vegetable oil, ground cinnamon, ground cumin 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 250 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, peeled and thinly sliced ripe plantains
- 2 cups, for frying vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 medium, diced ripe mango
- 1/4 small, finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, finely minced red onion
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F using a deep-fry thermometer.
- Step 2: Carefully fry thinly sliced 2 medium peeled plantains in batches for 2-3 minutes each until golden and crisp, stirring gently to avoid sticking.
- Step 3: Using a slotted spoon, transfer fried plantain chips to a paper towel-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin while still hot to allow spices to adhere.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 diced ripe mango, 1/4 diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp minced red onion, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt; mix gently to create the mango salsa.
- Step 5: Serve the warm spiced plantain chips alongside the fresh mango salsa for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa?
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 Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa?
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 Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa 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 Sweet and Spiced Plantain Chips with Caribbean Mango Salsa?
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.
