Tostones de Plátano con Aji

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried plantain slices served with a spicy garlic-habanero dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium green plantains, olive oil, habanero peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel plantains and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels, then flatten each piece with a fork to 1/4-inch thickness.
  2. Step 2: Return flattened plantains to the oil and fry for 2 more minutes until crispy and golden. Drain again and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Step 3: Blend habanero, 2 minced garlic cloves, lime juice, and 1/4 cup cilantro in a food processor until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Stir sour cream into the sauce until fully incorporated. Add salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve tostones immediately with the aji sauce on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tostones de Plátano con Aji 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 Tostones de Plátano con Aji?

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 medium green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tostones de Plátano con Aji?

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 de Plátano con Aji 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 Tostones de Plátano con Aji 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.

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