What Are Tostones? - How To Make Fried Green Plantains

Tostones are a delicious fried snack found in just about every restaraunt on the island. Consisting of a green plantain (banana) that you fry, smash down into a chip and fry again - it's a quick snack that can go with almost any meal. Tostones are a delicious and popular dish in many Hispanic cultures. They are made by frying plantains that have been smashed into thin discs. Tostones are often served with dipping sauces, such as garlic mojo or ají, and can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. Plantains are a staple in many Hispanic cultures and are often used to make dishes such as tostones, mofongo, and platanos maduros. Tostones are made by frying plantains that have been smashed into thin discs. The plantains are first boiled or grilled, then smashed with a tostonera or flat bottomed glass. They are then fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. Tostones are often served with dipping sauces, such as garlic mojo or ají, and can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. Plantains are a nutritious and versatile fruit that can be used in many different dishes. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Plantains are also low in fat and calories. When choosing plantains, look for ones that are yellow or brown in color and are slightly soft to the touch.

What Are Tostones? - How To Make Fried Green Plantains

  • Green Plantains : At least one, but the sky is the limit
  • Oil : 1/2 cup (Enough to submerge & fry your sliced plantains)
  • Salt : 1 tablespoon



  • A preferably deep and thin pan for frying oil
  • A frying pan to smash your plantains, or for perfect tostones every time you can pick up a Tostonera



  • Peel your plantains, removing all of the green exterior and stringy material.
  • Cut your plantains DIAGONALLY. Having your plantains cut diagonally gives your chips more surface when we flatten them out. (This youtube video has a great example of a diagonal cut)
  • Once your oil is hot, place your chopped plantains and let them cook in the oil until they become a light golden-brown.
  • Remove your Tostones and place on a cutting board and using a pot, pan or your new Tostonera, smash the lightly fried plantains into thin (1/4 inch or so) plantain chips, the thinner they are the more crunchy they will get - so experiment and figure out what level of fluffy vs crispy you prefer!
  • Throw your chips back to fry in the oil for a few more minutes until a healthy golden yellow develops on both sides of the plantain chip
  • Throw them into a bowl with some napkins to blot off the excess oil
  • Sprinkle some salt (or what ever seasonings you prefer, experiment!) and enjoy thme with some puerto rican mayo-ketchup!