Tostones, also known as fried green plantains, are a popular side dish in Belize, enjoyed for their crispy exterior and soft interior. This Belizean Tostones recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to bring a taste of Belize to your table. Tostones are very similar to regular fried plantains, the main difference is choosing a green plantain for tostones. Overripe plantains are used for Regular Belizean Fried Plantains.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Belizean Tostones Recipe Ingredients
- 2 large green plantains
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional for serving: grated cheese, garlic sauce, or a simple salsa
How to make Belizean Tostones
1. Prepare the Plantains:
- Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a lengthwise slit through the skin. Carefully remove the skin in strips.
- Slice the plantains into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick.
2. First Fry:
- Heat a large amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the plantain slices.
- Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are just starting to turn golden. They should not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove the plantains from the oil and drain on paper towels.
3. Flatten the Plantains:
- Use a tostonera (plantain press) or a tortilla press or the bottom of a heavy glass or jar to flatten each fried plantain slice to about half its thickness.
- Sprinkle the flattened plantains with a little salt (to taste).
4. Second Fry:
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oil and drain again on paper towels.
5. Serve:
- Serve your Belizean Tostones hot, optionally topped with grated cheese, drizzled with garlic sauce, or accompanied by a simple salsa for dipping.
Estimated Nutritional Information
- Calories: 123 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 13.5 g
- Fat: 1.75 g
Tostones Tips
- Choosing the right plantains is crucial; they should be green and firm, indicating they are not yet ripe.
- Adjust the frying time based on the thickness of your slices and the desired level of crispiness.
- Tostones are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
Enjoy your Belizean Tostones as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish to any main course, bringing a touch of Belize’s culinary tradition to your dining experience. Tostones pair well with shrimp and guacamole.
Shop This Recipe
Spider Strainer
Tostones fry twice — lifting them out of hot oil without dragging grease back wants a solid-wire spider strainer.
Cast Iron Skillet
Frying plantain rounds for tostones works best in cast iron — the heat retention keeps the oil temp steady through the batch.
Splatter Screen
Frying plantains at 350°F throws splatter — a screen keeps the stove and counter clean.
About Joe Post
Joe Post is the founder and editor of Belize News Post. He grew up in Corozal Town, Belize, on the Caribbean sea with a view across Corozal Bay to Cerro Maya. He has lived in Costa Rica, Kenya, England, Spain, and the United States. He grew up cooking alongside his mother and grandmother, and has personally tested the vast majority of the recipes on this site. He started BNP in the early 2000s as one of the few independent Belizean news sources online. Over the years, the food became the stickiest thing. News comes and goes. Food stays.
