↑

Delicious Little Bites

Loving Life One Bite at a Time

  • About
    • Disclosure Statement
    • Work With Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Low Carb
  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarian
  • Desserts
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains

Published June 6, 2022 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

Fried plantains with text overlay.
Fried plantains with text overlay.
Fried plantains with text overlay.

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.

Sweet fried plantains in a white bowl with part of a wood spoon and towel showing.

 

This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information.

My husband 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.

He came home with Jamaican take out food one days and had fried sweet plantains, also called maduros, as a side. After my first bite, I was hooked. Now I make them all the time, usually alongside of Cuban Pork and Creamy Coconut Rice. Another favorite plantain recipe of ours is Sweet Plantain Lasagna (Puerto Rican Lasagna).

While authentic fried plantains don’t have much, if anything, added to them, this recipe results in stickier, even sweeter plantains due to the addition of brown sugar and maple syrup. Using unrefined coconut oil and vanilla extract adds a touch more flavor, as well.

How To Choose Plantains

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 fried 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!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients to make sweet fried plantains on a marble background with text overlay.

  • 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.

 

Prep!

Plantain slices on a cutting board.

Slice your plantains into coins or at an angle into 1/2-inch 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 flavor.

Create!

Plantain slices in a bowl with brown sugar.

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

Fried plantain coins in a skillet.

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

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!

Drizzle on the maple syrup and vanilla mixture and toss to coat.

Present!

Overhead close up of sweet fried plantains.

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 flavor.
  • 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 sweeten as they ripen in the same way as a banana, they have a unique flavor all their own.

More Fruit Side Dish Recipes

Spicy Mango Salsa
This Spicy Mango Salsa is a little sweet and a little spicy. It can be made in just 10 minutes and is delicious on top of chicken, pork, and seafood. Serve it as a side dish to add even more flavor to so many different dishes.
Get The Recipe
Overhead close up of spicy mango salsa in a white square bowl over a white background with a white napkin
Mango Barbecue Sauce
Sweeten up all of your barbecue creations by adding this homemade, delicious Mango Barbecue Sauce! This sauce tastes amazing on pork, chicken, and seafood. You can even use on breakfast sandwiches!
Get The Recipe
A hand dipping a chicken tender into a square dish of Mango Barbecue Sauce with a blue and white napkin and small plate of more chicken in the background
Raspberry Barbecue Sauce
Fire up your grill and keep barbecue season going strong with this deliciously unique recipe for Raspberry Barbecue Sauce! Try it on all types of recipes! It's especially tasty on chicken and pork!
Get The Recipe
Spooning raspberry barbecue sauce over sliced meat on a white tray with raspberries on the side

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!

Overhead of a white bowl full of fried sweet plantains.
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 (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Add the plantains and brown sugar to a large bowl and gently toss to coat.
    3 ripe plantains, 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.  Once hot, add the plantains.
    1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 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. 
  • Mix together the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Carefully pour onto the plantains and toss to combine.
    1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Transfer to a bowl or plate and serve warm.

Notes

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!
** 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. It was updated with new images, step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques and FAQ’s in June 2022.

Related Posts

Peach Syrup Recipe
Grilled plantains on a white plate with a fork.
Grilled Plantains
A paddle standing on a gray background with caramel buttercream frosting on it.
Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Easy garlic chicken breasts in a skillet.
Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO
Raspberry Sauce

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

Comments

  1. Ann says

    June 26, 2022 at 3:14 pm

    I have never had a plantain before, but they sound delicious! I am going to have to keep my eye out for them in the store!

    Reply
  2. Amy Liu Dong says

    June 24, 2022 at 10:26 am

    This is one of my favorite desserts because it’s easy and delicious.
    I am going to make this again for everyone!

    Reply
  3. Lauren V says

    June 8, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    I usually don’t leave comments or reviews to new recipes I try, but this recipe is better than any sweet platain recipe I have ever tried. I love plantains, but this recipe has made them that much better. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      June 9, 2021 at 9:03 am

      I appreciate you taking the time to comment so much! It actually helps a ton to get the recipe in front of more people. I’m glad that you enjoyed the recipe – I love plantains all ways, but this is definitely my favorite and it’s so fun seeing other people enjoy it too!

      – Lauren

      Reply
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Me says

    June 24, 2020 at 9:15 pm

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

    Reply
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Sara Welch says

    April 22, 2019 at 11:09 am

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

    Reply
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




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...

as seen on


Copyright ©2022, Delicious Little Bites. All Rights Reserved.