Puerto Rican Tostones Recipe

Green plantains: These are unripe plantains that are starchy and firm, perfect for frying.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the plantain slices to achieve a crispy texture.

Salt: Adds flavor to the tostones after frying.

When preparing tostones, ensure that the green plantains are truly green and firm. Ripe plantains will be too soft and sweet for this recipe. For an extra layer of flavor, soak the flattened plantains in a mixture of garlic and salted water for a few minutes before the second fry. This will infuse the tostones with a subtle, savory taste.

• green plantains - Substitute with green bananas: Green bananas have a similar starchy texture and can be fried to achieve a similar consistency to green plantains.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying tostones.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil also has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor that can complement the tostones.

• salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the taste of the tostones.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• Allow the tostones to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled tostones in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.

• To freeze, arrange the tostones in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This flash-freezing method prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the tostones to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated tostones in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they regain their crispiness. For frozen tostones, extend the reheating time to 10-12 minutes.

• Alternatively, you can reheat tostones in a skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are crispy and heated through.

• Avoid microwaving tostones as it can make them chewy and less crispy.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tostones on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the tostones in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed and regain their crispiness.

• Use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Place the tostones in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• For a quick microwave method, place the tostones on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Note: This method may not retain the original crispiness as well as other methods.

• Frying pan: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying the plantain slices.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried plantains.

• Flat object: Such as the bottom of a glass, used to flatten the plantain slices.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the plantain slices in the hot oil.

• Knife: For peeling and slicing the green plantains into 1-inch pieces.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely slice the plantains.

• Measuring cup: To measure the vegetable oil for frying.

• Stove: Used to heat the oil in the frying pan.

• Salt shaker: For seasoning the tostones to taste.

Preheat the oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you peel and slice the plantains to save time.

Use a microwave: Microwave the plantain slices for 1-2 minutes before frying to reduce the initial frying time.

Batch frying: Fry multiple plantain slices at once to speed up the process.

Prepare flattening tool: Have a flat object ready to quickly flatten the plantains after the first fry.

Season immediately: Season the tostones with salt right after the second fry while they are still hot to enhance flavor.