Crispy Cuban Tostones

Tostones are a beloved Caribbean side dish made from green plantains that are fried, flattened, and fried again until wonderfully crisp.
They offer steady energy while remaining simple but satisfying.
The twice-fried technique creates crunchy golden edges with a tender center.
A fresh garlic-lime dipping sauce adds bright, savory flavor to every bite.
Popular in Cuban cooking and throughout the Caribbean, tostones are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ideal for maintaining a steady plant-forward lifestyle.

Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide

Video

Olivia

Crispy Cuban Tostones

No ratings yet

Make these crispy Cuban tostones in just 35 minutes with green plantains and a simple garlic-lime sauce. Perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or flavorful Caribbean side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: cuban

Calories: 304

Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 large green plantains
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• For the Garlic-Lime Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Frying Pan

$47.99

Buy Now

08/25/2026 03:00 pm GMT

Frying Pan

Cooking Instructions

 

1. Cut off both ends of each plantain and carefully score the peel lengthwise. Remove the peel.
2. Cut the plantains crosswise into pieces about 1 inch thick.
3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the plantain pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden and slightly softened.
5. Remove the plantains and drain briefly on paper towels.
6. Using a tostonera, the bottom of a glass, or a small plate, gently flatten each plantain piece into a thick disk.
7. Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil.
8. Fry for another 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden on both sides. Drain and season immediately with salt.
9. For the dipping sauce, combine the garlic, olive oil, lime juice, water, herbs, salt, and black pepper.
10. Serve the hot, crispy tostones immediately with the garlic-lime sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0.5mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 612mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use green, unripe plantains, not yellow or ripe plantains, for traditional tostones.
Flatten the plantains while they are still warm after the first frying.
Serve immediately after the second frying for the crispiest texture.
Tostones pair well with black beans, rice, avocado salad, or other Cuban-inspired dishes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!