Tostones de Plátano con Aji

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

Crispy fried plantain slices served with a spicy garlic-habanero dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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