How to Make the Perfect Crispy Tostones with Dipping Sauce
Latin American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings

These crispy tostones are a super kid friendly recipe because kids absolutely love the crunchy twice-fried green plantain discs. Paired with a simple garlic dipping sauce they make a fantastic snack or side dish that disappears fast.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Tostones with Dipping Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole green plantains peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: First Fry the Plantains
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry plantain rounds for 3 minutes per side until lightly golden then remove and drain.
Step 2: Smash Them Flat
Place each plantain round on a cutting board and press flat with the bottom of a glass or flat spatula to about quarter inch thickness.
Step 3: Second Fry Until Crispy
Return smashed plantains to hot oil and fry again for 2 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy, then drain and salt.
Step 4: Make Dip and Serve
Mix mayonnaise with garlic and lime juice for a simple dipping sauce and serve alongside hot tostones.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- vegetable oil → coconut oil for a lighter frying option with a subtle flavor
- mayonnaise dip → sour cream dip for a tangy alternative kids enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using ripe yellow plantains instead of green ones results in sweet soft tostones instead of crispy savory ones
- Skipping the second fry means the tostones will not be crispy and will disappoint kids expecting a crunch
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 2g protein, 36g carbs, 9g fat, 3g fiber.
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