Tostones with Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce

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

Twice-fried green plantains served with a zesty garlic-lime mojo sauce, a popular Salvadoran snack or side dish bursting with bright flavors and crisp texture. This latin american-inspired breakfast (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes combines large green plantains, vegetable oil, garlic cloves into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 3 large green plantains by cutting off the ends, scoring the skin lengthwise with a knife, then prying off the peel with your fingers. Cut each plantain into 1-inch thick slices.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot over medium-high heat to 350°F.
  3. Step 3: Fry the plantain slices in batches for 3 minutes until they begin to turn golden but are still firm. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Use the bottom of a glass or a tostonera press to flatten each fried plantain slice to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  5. Step 5: Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry a second time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Drain on paper towels and immediately season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: For the mojo sauce, finely mince 6 garlic cloves and whisk together with 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup olive oil until emulsified.
  8. Step 8: Serve the hot tostones with the garlic-lime mojo sauce for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tostones with Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Tostones with Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tostones with Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce?

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 Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce 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 Garlic-Lime Mojo Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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