Grilled Plantains are an easy-to-prepare summer side dish that can be paired with many main dishes. They can be enjoyed as is or seasoned with a variety of sweeteners and spices. This dish is sure to be the perfect complement to all of your island-inspired meals.
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Grilled Plantains are one of the best side dishes for summer. They are easy to prepare and bring a taste of the islands to your dinner table, as they are very popular in the cuisines of Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rica.
These plantains pair great with Grilled Cuban Pork Chops, chicken, steak and even seafood dishes.
If you enjoy plantains, you will also love these recipes for Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains and Sweet Plantain Lasagna (Puerto Rican Lasagna).
Why This Recipe Works
Grilling plantains is quick and easy. You only need two ingredients and about 15 minutes to make this recipe.
They aren’t the same old barbecue side dish. Plantains aren’t unusual, but they are something a little different for a lot of people.
This is a very versatile recipe. You can enjoy these grilled plantains as is or add brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, cinnamon or any spices that you prefer.
How To Grill Plantains
Ingredients
- 3 plantains: I prefer to use ripe, but still firm, plantains where the skin is yellow with only a few black areas. If you prefer super ripe plantains, where the skin is mostly black, you may want to grill them wrapped in foil so that they don’t fall apart.
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Chef’s Tip: if you don’t like the taste of coconut, you can use refined coconut oil that has no flavor or scent or you can simply use melted butter.
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Cut the ends off of the plantains, then slice the skin down the center vertically, being careful not to cut into the plantain itself.
Peel the skin off and discard. Cut each plantain in half horizontally, then vertically so that you have 12 pieces.
Preheat your grill to high or 500°F.
Note: you can use an indoor grill for this recipe, if you prefer.
Create!
Brush one side of the plantains with the coconut oil and place oil side down on the grill. Brush the tops with more oil.
Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes, basting with the oil as needed to keep the plantains from drying out, or until lightly browned.
Flip and continue grilling and basting as needed until lightly browned and tender.
Present!
Serve as is or sprinkle on brown sugar, maple syrup and/or honey, if desired
Tips and Techniques
- You can refined coconut oil if you don’t like the taste of unrefined coconut oil or you can simply use melted butter instead.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
Are Grilled Plantains Healthy?
Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. Coconut oil does add saturated fats to this recipe so only use as much as you really need.
Can You Grill Green Plantains?
Green plantains can be grilled, but will take longer to cook. They are starchy and not sweet like yellow or black plantains.
More Grilled Recipes
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Grilled Plantains
Ingredients
- 3 plantains (ripe, but still firm is best)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high or 500°F.
- Cut the ends off of the plantains, then slice the skin down the center vertically, being careful not to cut into the plantain itself. Peel the skin off and discard. Cut each plantain in half horizontally, then vertically so that you have 12 pieces.3 plantains
- Brush one side of the plantains with the coconut oil and place oil side down on the grill. Brush the tops with more oil.2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes, basting with the oil as needed to keep the plantains from drying out, or until lightly browned.
- Flip and continue grilling and basting as needed until lightly browned and tender.
- Serve as is or sprinkle on brown sugar, maple syrup and/or honey, if desired
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- You can refined coconut oil if you don’t like the taste of unrefined coconut oil or you can simply use melted butter instead.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days.
Katherine says
This was my first time grilling plantains and it worked so well! Loved them.
Anjali says
These plantains were so easy to make and grilling them brought out a nice caramelization on the outside that we loved! We paired them with some black beans and rice for an easy meal!
Ieva says
Yum, I don’t cook plantains enough for sure, but the simplicity of this recipe encouraged me to buy some – and I was actually inspired by how delicious and easy it is. Superb recipe – will definitely have a look at your other plantain recipes too!
Adri says
I have only had fried plantains before and I don’t always feel like frying things at home. But, I never realised it was this easy to cook them on the grill! Can’t wait to get my hands on some plantains now! Thank you for the recipe.
DK says
This reminds me of the plantains at my favorite Brazilian steak house! I’m so glad I know how to make it now at home!
Ann says
I have never had a plantain before, but this sounds like a wonderful side dish option! I am excited to give it a try! Thanks for the share!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
Plantains always make me smile, as they evoke such joyful emotion and memories of our time in Jamaica! Plantain is one of those ingredients that stands strong simply and has such a unique texture and flavor. Love how you grilled these and so right about it being a great side to many a protein! Thanks for sharing!❤
Michele says
This was my first time to grill plantains but it certainly won’t be my last. They were delicious and super easy to do. Great side dish.
Tammy says
I love plantains especially plantain chips. I’ve never grilled them before until now but they were so delicious. A perfect summer side.
Megan says
So easy! Love my plaintains and this is such a great way to prepare them.
Sean says
I love plantains and I have had them all kinds of ways and these were so good.
Jenny says
What a wonderful recipe! The plantains look delicious. We love them and never make them, but I have plantains and coconut oil in my pantry right now. Thank you for your post; I will make them tonight for dinner. I can’t wait!
Marta says
Plantains (or platanos) are a staple in our house. I’ve never tried them grilled, though, so I made this recipe for our Sunday dinner and the entire family raved about how good they were.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Oh! Nice! I seem to always forget about plantains! I had never had them until my friend retuned from serving in the Peace Corps in Africa. These really are fun and they make a fab side dish! Thanks for the recipe & reminder!
Bernice says
Delicious! I’ve always fried my plantains so I was a bit nervous to grill them but they turned out so tasty. I’ll be making them this way from now on.