19 Tostones Recipe Puerto Rican Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and unique dishes. One of the most beloved dishes in Puerto Rico is tostones, a popular side dish made from fried plantains. These crispy and delicious tostones are a staple in Puerto Rican households and can be found in many Puerto Rican restaurants. In this article, we will share with you a traditional tostones recipe Puerto Rican that will transport you to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico with just one bite. So, let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Oil, Plantains, Cold Water, Salt
Puerto Rican tostones, also known as fried plantains, are a staple dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. These delicious and crispy plantain slices are a perfect side dish or snack. They are typically served with a garlic dipping sauce and can be found in many Puerto Rican restaurants all over the world.
To make tostones, you will need green plantains, oil for frying, and salt. The plantains are first sliced and then fried until they are slightly golden. After frying, they are flattened and fried again until they are crispy. Once they are done, they are sprinkled with salt and served hot.
2of 17
Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Mayonnaise
In Puerto Rico, tostones are often served with a traditional dish called mofongo. Mofongo is made by mashing fried plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and olive oil. It is then shaped into a ball and served with various meats and sauces. Tostones are also commonly served as a side dish with rice and beans or with a dish called arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).
One of the best things about tostones is their versatility. You can add different seasonings and toppings to make them your own. Some popular variations include topping them with avocado, shrimp, or shredded beef. You can also get creative and use them as a base for nachos or as a substitute for tortilla chips in a dip.
3of 17
Traditional Puerto Rican Tostones
Main Ingredients: Salt, Plantains, Frying Oil
No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of beans. Puerto Rican style beans, also known as habichuelas, are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. They are typically made with red or pink beans, sofrito (a blend of vegetables and herbs), and various seasonings. The beans are slow-cooked until they are soft and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
While the traditional recipe calls for pork, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat. The sofrito and seasonings add enough flavor to make the beans just as tasty without the meat. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice and avocado on top.
4of 17
Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
Sofrito is the base for many Puerto Rican dishes, including beans, rice, and stews. It is a blend of vegetables and herbs, typically including onions, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, and culantro. Culantro, also known as sawtooth coriander, is a herb that is commonly used in Puerto Rican cooking. It has a similar flavor to cilantro but is slightly stronger.
To make sofrito, all the ingredients are finely chopped and then sautéed in oil until they are soft and fragrant. The sofrito can be used immediately or frozen for later use. It adds a delicious depth of flavor to any dish and is an essential ingredient in Puerto Rican cuisine.
Garlic tostones are a variation of traditional tostones that are infused with garlic flavor. The garlic is typically added to the oil when frying the plantains, giving them a subtle, yet delicious, garlic taste. They are then flattened and fried again until they are crispy. The result is a perfect balance of garlic and plantain flavor in every bite.
These garlic tostones are often served with a garlic dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, and lime juice. The combination of the crispy plantains and the creamy garlic sauce is irresistible. They can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer for a tasty Puerto Rican-inspired meal.
6of 17
Garlic Tostones | Puerto Rican Twice Fried Plantains...
Main Ingredients: Green Plantain, Oil, Garlic, Water, Salt
Picadillo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is similar to a hash. It is made with ground beef, sofrito, and various seasonings. It can also include other ingredients such as potatoes, olives, and raisins. The dish is typically served with rice and beans and is a favorite among Puerto Rican families.
The key to making the perfect picadillo is to make sure the meat is well seasoned and cooked until it is tender. The sofrito and other seasonings add a depth of flavor to the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It can also be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
7of 17
Puerto Rican Picadillo
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Spanish Olives
Puerto Rican chicken and rice, also known as arroz con pollo, is a popular dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with chicken, rice, and various vegetables and seasonings. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of citrus juices and spices before being cooked with the rice. This adds a delicious flavor to the dish and ensures that the chicken is tender and juicy.
The traditional recipe calls for long-grain rice, but you can use any type of rice you prefer. The vegetables, such as peppers, onions, and peas, add color and texture to the dish. It is a one-pot meal that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Rice with pigeon peas, or arroz con gandules, is another staple dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with rice, pigeon peas, and various seasonings. The pigeon peas add a unique flavor and texture to the dish and are a common ingredient in many Puerto Rican dishes.
To make this dish, the rice is first sautéed with sofrito and then cooked with the pigeon peas and other seasonings. It is typically served as a side dish with meat or other main dishes. It is a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy rice and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
9of 17
Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Banana Peppers, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro
Pernil, or roasted pork shoulder, is a popular dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, especially during holidays and celebrations. It is a slow-cooked pork shoulder that is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, including garlic, oregano, and adobo seasoning. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that is perfect for any occasion.
While the traditional recipe calls for roasting the pork in the oven, you can also make it in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. This is a great option for those who don't have access to an oven or for busy days when you still want to enjoy a delicious Puerto Rican meal. Serve it with rice, beans, and tostones for a complete and satisfying meal.
Puerto Rican rice and beans, or habichuelas guisadas, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any day of the week. It is made with red or pink beans, sofrito, and various seasonings. The beans are slow-cooked until they are soft and flavorful, and then served with rice and other side dishes.
This dish is a staple in Puerto Rican households and is often served as a main course. It is also a popular dish at parties and gatherings. The combination of rice and beans is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein and fiber. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Puerto Rico.
11of 17
Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
Rice and beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and are often served together as a side dish or as a main course. The combination of the two provides a complete source of protein and is a satisfying and flavorful dish. The beans are typically cooked with sofrito and various seasonings, while the rice is cooked separately and then mixed together with the beans. It is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed with any meal.
12of 17
Puerto Rican Rice (An Authentic)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Sazon, Adobo, Sofrito
Pastelon, also known as Puerto Rican lasagna, is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to become a family favorite. It is made with layers of sweet plantains, ground beef, and cheese, and then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a fusion of Puerto Rican and Italian flavors that is both unique and delicious.
The sweet plantains add a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the ground beef and cheese provide a savory and comforting element. It is a great dish to make for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests. Serve it with a side salad or rice and beans for a complete meal.
13of 17
Traditional Puerto Rican Rice Arroz con Gandules
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cubanelle Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Fresh Cilantro
Rice is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is served with almost every meal. It is typically cooked with sofrito and other seasonings, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. The traditional recipe calls for long-grain white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option.
The key to making perfect Puerto Rican rice is to make sure it is not too dry or too wet. It should be fluffy and well-seasoned. It can be served as a side dish or as a base for other dishes such as picadillo or arroz con pollo. No matter how you serve it, Puerto Rican rice is a delicious and essential part of any Puerto Rican meal.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
Rice with pigeon peas, or arroz con gandules, is another staple dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with rice, pigeon peas, and various seasonings. The pigeon peas add a unique flavor and texture to the dish and are a common ingredient in many Puerto Rican dishes.
To make this dish, the rice is first sautéed with sofrito and then cooked with the pigeon peas and other seasonings. It is typically served as a side dish with meat or other main dishes. It is a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy rice and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
15of 17
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Flan de queso, or cheese flan, is a popular Puerto Rican dessert that is often served at special occasions. It is a combination of traditional flan and cheesecake, with a creamier and smoother texture. It is made with cream cheese, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, giving it a rich and decadent flavor.
The key to making a perfect flan de queso is to make sure it is not overcooked. It should be slightly jiggly in the center when it is done. It is often served with a caramel sauce and can be garnished with fresh fruit or whipped cream. It is a delicious and indulgent way to end any Puerto Rican meal.
16of 17
Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Papas rellenas, or stuffed potatoes, are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. They are made with mashed potatoes that are stuffed with ground beef, spices, and other ingredients, then fried until crispy. The result is a crispy and savory snack that is perfect for a quick bite or as an appetizer.
The filling for papas rellenas can vary, with some recipes including olives, raisins, and other vegetables. They are typically served with a garlic dipping sauce or ketchup. They are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is sure to please any crowd.
17of 17
Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Olive Oil, Salsa, Garlic, Cumin, Chili
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is often served during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. It is similar to eggnog but has a unique Puerto Rican twist. It is made with coconut milk, rum, and various spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a creamy and boozy drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
While the traditional recipe calls for rum, you can also make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the alcohol. Coquito is typically served chilled and can be garnished with ground cinnamon or nutmeg. It is a delicious and festive drink that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
The History of Tostones
Tostones, also known as fried plantains, have been a part of Puerto Rican cuisine for centuries. Plantains, a close cousin of bananas, were brought to the Caribbean from Africa during the transatlantic slave trade. The word "tostones" comes from the Spanish word "tostado", meaning toasted or fried. This dish quickly became popular in Puerto Rico due to the abundance of plantains on the island and its versatility in cooking.
Ingredients for Tostones
To make the perfect tostones, you will need ripe plantains, vegetable oil, and salt. Plantains are different from regular bananas as they are larger, have thicker skin, and are less sweet. It is important to use ripe plantains for this recipe as they will be easier to peel and have a sweeter taste. You can find ripe plantains at most grocery stores or local markets.
The Process of Making Tostones
To make the tostones, start by peeling the plantains and cutting them into 1-inch slices. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the plantains for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden. Remove the plantains from the oil and flatten them with a tostonera, a wooden press specifically used for tostones. If you don't have a tostonera, you can use a flat-bottomed cup or plate to flatten the plantains. Then, fry the flattened plantains again until they are crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle salt over the tostones while they are still hot, and they are ready to be served.
Enjoying Tostones
Tostones can be enjoyed as a side dish or a snack. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as mojo, pique, or mayoketchup. Pair them with traditional Puerto Rican dishes like rice and beans, or enjoy them on their own. Tostones are also a great addition to any party or gathering, as they are easy to make and loved by many.
In conclusion, tostones recipe Puerto Rican is a simple yet delicious dish that will bring a taste of Puerto Rico to your home. With its rich history and flavorful taste, tostones are a must-try for anyone looking to explore Puerto Rican cuisine. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the crispy goodness of tostones. Buen provecho!