Tostones with Avocado-Cilantro Dip

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

Twice-fried green plantain slices served with a creamy avocado and cilantro dip, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This Caribbean-inspired recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, turns green plantains, vegetable oil, salt 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 250 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 2 large green plantains and slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry plantain slices for 3-4 minutes until light golden, then remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Using the bottom of a glass or a tostonera, gently press each fried plantain slice to flatten it to about half its thickness.
  3. Step 3: Return flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove and immediately sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: For the dip, mash 1 medium ripe avocado in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the crispy tostones warm alongside the avocado-cilantro dip for a refreshing and crunchy snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tostones with Avocado-Cilantro Dip take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 with Avocado-Cilantro Dip?

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 Tostones with Avocado-Cilantro Dip?

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 with Avocado-Cilantro Dip 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 with Avocado-Cilantro Dip 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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