Sweet Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters

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

Golden fried fritters combining ripe sweet plantains with shredded salted cod, seasoned with island spices and fresh herbs. This caribbean-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes turns large, peeled and mashed ripe plantains, all-purpose flour, finely chopped scallions 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 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 large peeled and mashed ripe plantains with 1/2 lb shredded soaked salted cod, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 3 chopped scallions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper if using.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 1/4 cup water and mix until the batter is thick but spoonable and holds together well.
  3. Step 3: Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Step 4: Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, frying 3-4 fritters at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with a tangy dipping sauce or alongside your favorite Caribbean meal for a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Sweet Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters?

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 Sweet Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters?

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 Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Plantain and Salted Cod Fritters?

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.

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