How to Make Tostones at Home: A Crispy, Flavorful Treat with Fresh Salsa
Tostones, a beloved staple of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, are crispy, twice-fried green plantains that pair beautifully with a variety of dips and toppings.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through our tried-and-true method for making tostones, inspired by our latest **YouTube tutorial**. As a bonus, we’ll share a tropical salsa recipe that takes this dish to the next level. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Tostones:
- 2-3 young green plantains
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 3 cups spring water
- 2 tbsp sea moss gel (optional, for added nutrients)
- Avocado oil (for frying)
For Tropical Salsa:
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
- ½ cup mango chunks
- ½ cup diced roma tomato
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- ¼ jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely diced (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Step 1: Preparing the Plantains
1. Peel the Plantains:
Use a small, sharp paring knife (we recommend the Paudin 5 piece knife set. https://amzn.to/4fXkSm4) to remove the tough green peel from the plantains. Carefully slice lengthwise along the ridges, ensuring you don’t cut into the fruit, then remove the peel.
2. Cut into Pieces:
Slice the plantain into 6-8 equal pieces and set aside.
3. Prepare the Saltwater:
Dissolve a generous pinch of sea salt into 3 cups of spring water in a glass bowl. If you’re adding sea moss gel, dissolve 2 tablespoons of gel into the hot water before adding the salt. Set aside.
Step 2: First Frying
1. Heat the Oil:
Add avocado oil to a frying pan, using enough to submerge the plantain slices halfway. Heat the oil on medium until warm.
2. Fry the Plantains:
Place the slices in the oil. For stainless steel pans, keep moving the plantains around to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat as needed.
3. Flip and Fry Evenly:
Once the bottoms turn light golden brown, flip the slices. When both sides are golden, stand them on their edges to cook evenly. Remove from oil when the outer layers are golden and set them on a cutting board.
Step 3: Flatten the Plantains
1. Press the Plantains:
Using a large cutting board as your base and a smaller cutting board as your press (like this [Bamboo or Wood Cutting Boards]https://amzn.to/3V2fOVl), flatten 4-6 plantains at a time to save time. Press until they’re thin but not breaking apart.
2. Dip in Saltwater:
Quickly dip each flattened plantain in the prepared saltwater to coat them lightly.
Step 4: Second Frying
1. Heat a Second Pan of Oil:
If you’re making a large batch, use two pans to streamline the process. Add more avocado oil and heat on medium.
2. Fry the Flattened Plantains:
Cook the plantains on both sides until they’re golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and let them cool on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Salsa
This tropical salsa is a fresh, zesty topping for your tostones. Here’s how to prepare it:
1. Dice the Ingredients:
- Cut ½ cup of pineapple and mango into small chunks.
- Finely chop ¼ cup of fresh cilantro and 2 scallions.
- Mince 1 small shallot and 4 cloves of garlic.
- Dice ¼ jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for less heat).
2. Combine Everything:
In a medium bowl, mix the pineapple, mango, cilantro, scallions, shallot, garlic, and jalapeño. Sprinkle in ½ tsp of sea salt, adjusting to taste. Let the salsa sit for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Place the tostones on a serving plate and top with a generous spoonful of tropical salsa. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor. These are perfect for parties, family meals, or as a fun snack.
Why We Add Sea Moss Gel
We love sneaking in extra nutrients whenever possible, and sea moss gel is a simple way to boost the health benefits of your tostones without altering their taste. You can purchase high-quality sea moss gel from our [online store](https://www.caribsunsations.com/shop).
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
If you’d like to see these steps in action, check out our YouTube video on how to make tostones with tropical salsa. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more delicious recipes!
Making tostones at home is easier than you might think, and pairing them with a fresh, vibrant salsa takes them to a whole new level. Try this recipe for your next family gathering or meal prep day, and let us know how it turns out.
Happy cooking!
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