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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

Published April 4, 2019. Last updated June 21, 2020 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

Plantains are notorious for bringing a taste of the islands to any meal. These Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains are an extra sweetened up version that are just as great as a side dish or as dessert!

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains Close Up on a blue plate

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My fiancĂ© first introduced me to the deliciousness that is fried sweet plantains. Since I had never had them growing up, I didn’t ever really give much thought to trying them.

Then, one day he came home with Jamaican take out food with fried sweet plantains, also called maduros, on the side. After my first bite, I was hooked. Now I make them all the time, usually alongside of Cuban Pork and Creamy Coconut Rice!

3 Plantains on a Wood Backdrop

I always thought plantains would taste like bananas, but they really are quite unique. When they are green and not ripe at all, they don’t have nearly as much flavor and are very starchy. While I even like them this way, my favorite plantains are more ripe.

As they ripen, they turn from green to yellow to dark yellow with blacks spots to black and they get sweeter and sweeter as they continue ripening. You can cook plantains, in different ways, at any stage of ripeness.

For this recipe, you need to use plantains that are just ripened to very ripe. Overly ripened, black plantains won’t work as well because they will be too soft and mushy.

The plantains I used for this recipe were at the earliest stage of ripening. The skin was a darker yellow and they were were just starting to turn black at the ends with black some spots on the middle. They were still somewhat firm, but soft under pressure.

After quite a few recipe testing sessions, I finally have this recipe perfected to give you the most perfect friend plantains ever!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe brings a sweet taste of the islands to any meal you serve them with – even dessert!

Sweet Fried Plantains are a family friendly dish even kids will love.

Using just ripened plantains keeps them from turning to mush as they cook, giving you perfect, delicious results every time!

How to Make Sweet Fried Plantains

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe plantains
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

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.

Sweet Fried Plantains Cooking in a Skillet close up

Prep!

Slice your plantains into coins or at an angle into 1/2″ thick pieces.

Whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Don’t cheat yourself here. I always recommend using real maple syrup and vanilla extract for the best results.

Create!

Raw Plantains Tossed with Brown Sugar in a silver bowl

Add the plantains and brown sugar to a large bowl and gently toss to thoroughly coat them.

Raw Plantains Cooking in Coconut Oil in a black skillet

Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the plantains into the hot oil and drizzle on the maple syrup and vanilla mixture. Cook until golden brown and crispy on the bottom, about 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Browned Plantains Cooking in oil in a Black Skillet

Once browned, flip and cook an additional 2-4 minutes. The bottom side will usually cook faster as the sugar heats up and starts caramelizing, so be sure to watch them closely!

Present!

Sweet Fried Plantains Piled High on a Blue Plate

Remove from the heat and pile onto a serving plate or into a bowl. Do not place them on a paper towel, as this recipe results in sticky plantains and they will surely stick to the paper.

Techniques & Tips

  • Be sure to use plantains that are just ripe to very ripe. Avoid using overly ripe, black plantains for this recipe.
  • Tossing the plantains in the brown sugar, rather than sprinkling it on, will give you more evenly caramelization.
  • Use real maple syrup and vanilla extract for the best results.
  • Whisking together the maple syrup and vanilla extract helps ensure an even distribution of flavor.
  • Keep the heat set to medium. The sugar will heat up as it caramelized, so if you need to work in batches, be prepared for the second batch to brown up much quicker!
  • Do not place the cooked plantains on a paper towel-lined plate – they will surely stick!

FAQ’s

How Ripe Should Plantains Be For Frying

Plantains can be anywhere from unripened to very ripe for frying depending on how firm and how sweet you want them to be. Avoid using overly ripened, black plantains.

What Do You Serve Fried Plantains With?

Try the Fried Sweet Plantains alongside of a Cuban pork or chicken dish. They are also great over ice cream or eaten alone as a snack or dessert.

Do Plantains Taste Like Bananas?

No, not at all. While they resemble a banana and sweetened as they ripen in the same way as a banana, they have a unique flavor all their own.

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Love this Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains Close Up
Print

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

Plantains are notorious for bringing a taste of the islands to any meal. These Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains are great as a side dish or dessert!
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 262kcal
Author Lauren Vavala

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe plantains
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar * packed
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • Peel and cut the plantains into 1/2" coins or slices. Whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
  • Add the plantains and brown sugar to a large bowl and gently toss to coat.
  • In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.  Once hot, add the plantains and evenly pour on the maple syrup mixture.
  •  Cook until browned and crisp on the bottoms, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning!
  • Once browned, flip the plantains and cook an additional 2-4 minutes, again watching closely to prevent burning. 
  • Transfer to a bowl or plate and serve warm.

Notes

Techniques & Tips for the Best Sweet Fried Plantains

  • Be sure to use plantains that are just ripe to very ripe. Avoid using overly ripe, black plantains for this recipe.
  • Tossing the plantains in the brown sugar, rather than sprinkling it on, will give you more evenly caramelization.
  • Use real maple syrup and vanilla extract for the best results.
  • Whisking together the maple syrup and vanilla extract helps ensure an even distribution of flavor.
  • Keep the heat set to medium. The sugar will heat up as it caramelized, so if you need to work in batches, be prepared for the second batch to brown up much quicker!
  • Do not place the cooked plantains on a paper towel-lined plate - they will surely stick!

FAQ's

  • How ripe should plantains be for frying? Plantains can be anywhere from unripened to very ripe for frying depending on how firm and how sweet you want them to be. Avoid using overly ripened, black plantains.
  • What do you serve fried plantains with? Try the Fried Sweet Plantains alongside of a Cuban pork or chicken dish. They are also great over ice cream or eaten alone as a snack or dessert.
  • Do plantains taste like bananas? No, not at all. While they resemble a banana and sweetened as they ripen in the same way as a banana, they have a unique flavor all their own. 
 
** Nutritional information is given as an estimate and will vary
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 699mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1515IU | Vitamin C: 24.7mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.9mg

This recipe was originally published on July 12, 2018. The text was updated in April 2019 to include more thorough instructions, tips, and FAQ’s.

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Filed Under: Desserts, Gluten Free, Recipes, Side Dishes

Comments

  1. Brittany says

    January 7, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Can I use a different oil for this? I don’t tend to cook with coconut oil. Would canola work?

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      January 7, 2021 at 8:35 pm

      Hi Brittany, you can use any cooking oil or even butter. I just like coconut because of the extra flavor it adds.

      – Lauren

      Reply
  2. Swati says

    June 24, 2020 at 10:24 pm

    I never thought of making sweet plantains. That maple syrup sauce looks so tempting. And your recipe is very quick and easy to follow.

    Reply
  3. Me says

    June 24, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    Sooooooo good!!!! And super easy to make, too!

    Reply
  4. Sam says

    June 23, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Wow these are amazing! I wish I could reach in and grab a spoonful. That sauce looks so sweet and sticky. Can’t wait to try this, I have to see if I can grab my hands on some plantains. Would banana work the same?

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      June 23, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      Hi Sam! Banana isn’t quite the same, but the flavors should work out just as well. It will cook much faster, is all.

      – Lauren

      Reply
  5. Spencer Richards says

    May 11, 2020 at 11:44 pm

    Have you tried making these in the Foodi Grill?

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      May 12, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Hi Spencer! I’ve only made plantains with coconut oil in the Ninja Foodi Grill. You can see that recipe/cook times here: Grilled Cuban Pork Chops and Plantains (Ninja Foodi Grill)

      Hope this helps – Lauren

      Reply
  6. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says

    April 22, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    As an afro-latina who grew up in Miami and married an islander, we love a good maduro recipe in this house! Just a happy part of my childhood!

    Reply
  7. Jessica Formicola says

    April 22, 2019 at 11:23 am

    These plantains were absolutely incredible! I already can’t wait to make them again!

    Reply
  8. Sara Welch says

    April 22, 2019 at 11:09 am

    What a lovely treat! These look perfectly sweet and delicious!

    Reply
  9. Jacqueline Debono says

    April 22, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I have never made fried plantains but after seeing this recipe post I am dying to try them!

    Reply
  10. Caroline says

    April 22, 2019 at 10:07 am

    I’m such a fan of fried sweet plantains, I had them almost every meal when we were in Puerto Rico recently. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  11. Kristine says

    July 18, 2018 at 10:19 am

    I’ve never cooked plantains, but this recipe has inspired me! Your photos are gorgeous, making me hungry! ?

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:49 am

      Thanks Kristine 🙂

      Reply
  12. Gabi | Leanjumpstart says

    July 18, 2018 at 10:11 am

    This seems to be such a yummy and simple snack idea. I’m glad to see that you need just 1 tablespoon coconut oil, so the plantains are not too high in fat;)

    Reply
  13. Claudia Lamascolo says

    July 18, 2018 at 10:10 am

    wow talk about a mouth watering photo you aced this one and the recipe I would love to be eating this right this minute!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:49 am

      Thanks so much Claudia 🙂

      Reply
  14. Gloria says

    July 18, 2018 at 10:07 am

    I have not really worked with plantains before. I do remember eating them when I was in St. Lucia. I will have to find some in the market and give this recipe a try.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Hope you can find them – sometimes our stores have them and sometimes they can be hard to find. I think they are becoming more common now though as word has gotten out just how good they are 🙂

      Reply
  15. Dana says

    July 18, 2018 at 9:32 am

    I’ve never made my own and these look delicious!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:58 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  16. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    July 18, 2018 at 9:26 am

    I absolutely love plaintains, but I admit, I’ve never made them myself. Your recipe looks easy and the ingredients sound to die for!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:59 am

      Definitely easy and so good! Hope you get to try it soon!

      Reply
  17. Annemarie says

    July 18, 2018 at 8:30 am

    I forgot how much I love fried plantains! You’ve inspired me to buy some on my next shopping trip.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 8:59 am

      Yay! Enjoy!

      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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