Description
Patacones are crispy, twice-fried green plantain slices popular in Latin American cuisine. This simple recipe involves frying green plantain discs, flattening them, and frying again until golden and crunchy. Seasoned with sea salt, patacones make a perfect side dish or snack served with guacamole, salsa, or ceviche.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 green plantain, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices (discs)
- 2 cups cooking oil such as canola or avocado oil
- Sea salt (such as Maldon) or kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the plate: Line a plate with a double layer of paper towels to absorb excess oil from the fried plantains.
- Initial frying: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the sliced plantains and fry for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and develop color. Remove and transfer them to the paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- Flatten the plantains: Lay two overlapping 12-15 inch pieces of plastic wrap on your counter. Place one fried plantain disc in the center between the layers. Using a cutting board, press firmly down on the plantain to flatten it to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Remove the flattened plantain gently and transfer it to a plate. Repeat for all slices. This step can be done a few hours in advance.
- Second frying: Just before serving, reheat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the flattened plantains in batches for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Season and serve: While still hot, sprinkle the patacones with sea salt. Serve immediately with your choice of dips like guacamole, salsa, or ceviche.
Notes
- Use green plantains for optimal firmness and flavor; ripe plantains will be too soft.
- Be careful when frying to avoid oil splatters; use a deep skillet or pan with sides.
- Flattening the plantains between plastic wrap prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Patacones are best served immediately to retain their crispiness.
- Leftover patacones can be reheated in a skillet or oven but may lose some crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
