Tostoney: A Popular Spanish and Caribbean Food🌸🍋🌸🍋
Tostones or Tosten: A Popular Spanish and Caribbean Dish
Green plantains, lightly fried in oil. Serve with hot sauce and fried eggs or chicken!
This is an easy-to-make Spanish dish, made from scratch with just a few ingredients. It's a complete meal and a perfect anytime eatery.
Ingredients
• 2 green plantains
• 1 or 2 eggs (as needed)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil
• Salt (for sprinkling)
• Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep: Peel the plantains and cut them into rounds 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
2. First Fry: Fry the rounds until they are golden brown.
3. Press: Remove them from the oil and place them in a wooden or steel press (tostonera). Press them one by one.
4. Second Fry: Fry them again for just 1 minute per side.
5. Serve: Remove from the pan and serve with fried eggs or chicken.
Final Touches
Sprinkle it with salt just before serving and add hot sauce if desired. Both salt and hot sauce are optional, depending on your own taste.
For more information, please watch the full video on @TheBakht YouTube channel.
THE FOLLOWING SAUCES CAN BE USED:
1. Classic Garlic Mojo (Mojo de Ajo)
This is the most traditional pairing in many Caribbean households. It’s sharp, savory, and cuts through the richness of the fried plantain.
• Ingredients: 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice (or sour orange), and a pinch of salt.
• Method: Briefly sauté the garlic in the oil until fragrant (don't let it brown!), then stir in the citrus juice.
2. Creamy Mayo-Ketchup (Salsa Rosada)
A staple in Puerto Rico, this is a crowd-pleaser because it balances sweetness with a little tang.
• Ingredients: 2 parts mayonnaise, 1 part ketchup, a dash of garlic powder, and a drop of hot sauce.
• Method: Simply whisk together until smooth.
3. Cilantro Lime Crema
For a brighter, fresher profile that leans toward a Mexican-inspired fusion.
• Ingredients: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, a handful of chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice.
• Method: Blend or finely chop and mix until incorporated.
A Quick Tip for your Video/Recipe
If you want to keep the tostones extra crispy for the camera, some cooks recommend a quick saltwater dip between the first and second fry. It helps the exterior get that perfect "crunch" while keeping the inside tender! #plantain #greenfood #friedplantains #spanishfood #caribbeandish
Tostones are a versatile and beloved dish across many Spanish-speaking and Caribbean cultures, known for their crispy texture and savory flavor. From my personal experience, the key to perfect tostones lies in using firm, green plantains rather than ripe ones, as the starch content gives that ideal crispy outside and tender inside after frying. When preparing tostones, using a tostonera (plantain press) makes pressing easier and ensures even thickness, but if unavailable, a flat-bottomed glass or plate works well too. I’ve also found that frying the plantain rounds twice at medium heat helps prevent them from burning while achieving that satisfying crunch. For an extra crispy finish, some chefs recommend soaking the pressed plantain slices briefly in salted water before the second fry—this simple trick helps create a crispier crust without sacrificing softness inside. Sprinkling salt just after frying enhances the natural flavor, but feel free to substitute or add spices such as smoked paprika for variation. Sauces are integral to enjoying tostones fully. The Classic Garlic Mojo adds a zesty and aromatic punch that cuts through the richness, while the Puerto Rican-style Creamy Mayo-Ketchup balances sweetness and spice perfectly. For a fresh twist, Cilantro Lime Crema offers a bright, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully if you want a fusion flair. I've also enjoyed serving tostones alongside fried eggs for breakfast or with shredded chicken for a more substantial meal. They’re quick to make and can be customized depending on the meal occasion. Whether as a snack, side dish, or main, tostones bring a delightful taste of Caribbean and Spanish culinary tradition to your table.
