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Fried Sweet Plantain Slices (Platanos Maduros Fritos) ~ Scrumptious sweet, ripe plantains fried to perfection. Simple and easy, this is the best appetizer or side dish for any meal.
When I was a young child, I was a picky eater. This is something my mom likes to remind me every time I complain about my daughter’s difficult eating habits.
The truth is that I do not need my mother’s constant reminder of how picky I was. I remember it clearly. I remember that for many years, there were only a handful of meals I would eat. The number one being these Sweet Fried Plantains accompanied by scrambled eggs. That was my meal of choice. The second was this Sweet Plantains and Picadillo Casserole because I just loved sweet plantains in every way.
I loved these dishes so much that at some point, I refused to eat anything else. Naturally, in real Dominican mom form, my mother began making it for me every day, three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), until I did not want to eat it anymore. Not because I stopped liking them, but because I had just eaten way too much of it and started craving something else.
What are Maduros?
Maduros or plátano maduro are simply ripened plantains. When ripe, plantains become sweet and the skin starts turning yellow. As it continues to ripen, the skin starts turning black and the more black the skin is the sweeter the plantain.
Maduros can be cooked fried, boiled and baked. It is certainly way simpler to cook sweet plantains than green plantains, but both are just as tasty in different ways.
Check out my post on how to make tostones, to learn how to cook fried green plantains.
How to Make Maduros?
To cook Maduros or sweet fried plantains, simply peel and slice the ripe plantains. Fry them in vegetable oil until cooked through and golden on both sides.
The secret to very sweet and tender fried sweet plantains is to get very ripe plantains. That is if you like them really sweet. If not, you can get the ripe plantains that have not yet turned dark on the outside. These will still be great too, only slightly less sweet and a bit starchy.
Serve it with eggs, meat, cheese. It goes well with anything, really.
Other Plantain Recipes you’d Like:
- Sweet Plantains and Picadillo Casserole
- Tostones (Fried Plantains)
- Stuffed Plantain Cups (Tostones Rellenos)
INGREDIENTS
- 2 very ripe, sweet plantains
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- salt (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Peel plantains and cut into ½ inch thick slices. Add to the frying pan.
- Cook on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oil into a plate covered with a paper towel to remove excess grease. Sprinkle with a little salt, if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition
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This recipe was originally posted on July 26, 2016, and has been updated with new information.
Jamie
Delicious using coconut oil!
Crystal
When I made these they were dried out on the inside. What am i doing wrong?
Vanessa
Hi Crystal, if your maduros are dry inside and taste a bit starchy, it might be because the plantain is not ripe enough. I suggest getting plantains that are very ripe with the skin turning black. Using very ripe plantains will result in sweet juicy maduros. 🙂 I hope that is helpful.
Brittany
Hello can I use avacado oil instead of vegetable oil?
Vanessa
Hi Brittany! Yes, you can use avocado oil. 🙂
Anne Hernandez
I made these to go with dinner tonight, Arroz con Gandules, and my husband said that they tasted better than the ones at the Cuban restaurant. I'll definitely be making these again!
Vanessa
So glad you and your husband enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for the message. 🙂
Eddie
Maduros with scrambled Egg must has been your thing ... But Cubans do not eat Mauros for breakfast
Vanessa
Hi Eddie,
It sure was my thing and I’m sure not just me. FYI, I’m not Cuban. 😉
Dora L Stone
I love maduros. Do you usually serve them by themselves or topped with something??
Vanessa
I usually serve them as a side dish. 🙂 Love Maduros with everything.
Silvia Martinez
Wow! Heaven, I love fried sweet plantains!
Ale
Madly in love with fried plantains! I love them with white rice and salsa!
Vanessa
Yum! Yes, they are delicious with white rice and salsa. Also, try them with white rice and beans!
Tiffany Bendayan
Maduros are on of my favorite side dishes! In Venezuela we serve them almost everyday
Enriqueta Lemoine
OMG! Who doesn't love maduros?
New mom in a new era
As a mexicana I really didn't know how to make plantains & I can't believe it was so easy! Gracias ?