Tostones con Queso y Tomate
Crispy twice-fried plantains topped with melted cheese and fresh tomato salsa, a beloved Puerto Rican street food twist. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs mozzarella, sliced cheese, medium, diced tomato, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick green plantains
- 4 oz, mozzarella, sliced cheese
- 1 medium, diced tomato
- 2 tbsp, finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup, for frying olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: Return skillet to medium heat, add fried plantains, and press gently with a spatula to flatten. Fry for another 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden on both sides.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Spoon a generous portion over each tostone.
- Step 4: Top with mozzarella slices and let melt for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tostones con Queso y Tomate take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Tostones con Queso y Tomate?
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 mozzarella, sliced cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tostones con Queso y Tomate?
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 Tostones con Queso y Tomate for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tostones con Queso y Tomate 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to quick meals dish. We make it weekly.
