Q&A for How to Fry Plantains

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  • Question
    What can I do with lots of plantains?
    Randall Chambers
    Randall Chambers
    Personal Chef
    Randall (Randy) Chambers is a Personal Chef and the Owner of Luxury Meals From Home based in Arvada, Colorado. He has more than 16 years of commercial kitchen experience, five years of sous chef experience, and two years of experience as an executive chef. Chef Randy draws inspiration from his half Bolivian background and his forte is South American cuisine. He holds an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute.
    Randall Chambers
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    Make a sweet appetizer with them! Just bake the plantains in honey and cinnamon or something similar.
  • Question
    Do plantains turn into bananas?
    Randall Chambers
    Randall Chambers
    Personal Chef
    Randall (Randy) Chambers is a Personal Chef and the Owner of Luxury Meals From Home based in Arvada, Colorado. He has more than 16 years of commercial kitchen experience, five years of sous chef experience, and two years of experience as an executive chef. Chef Randy draws inspiration from his half Bolivian background and his forte is South American cuisine. He holds an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute.
    Randall Chambers
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    Nope! While similar, plantains and bananas are different overall. For instance, you can't use a plantain in a smoothie like you would a banana.
  • Question
    Why does frying not work as well with bananas?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Plantains and bananas have different textures. Bananas are softer than plantains, which is why they do not fry as well.
  • Question
    Why are the plantains fried twice?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For tostones, the first time through the fryer softens the fruit and prepares it for the final frying, during which they become soft inside and golden and crispy on the outside.
  • Question
    How do I fry plantain with a crust?
    Caeiia
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Fry them like above, then mash them together flat with a fork. Fry again, and make sure not to turn the flattened patty until the fried side has developed a crust.
  • Question
    Why do we need sugar for frying plantain?
    Lucy Vee
    Lucy Vee
    Top Answerer
    Sugar helps with browning, flavor, and texture when frying. It caramelizes, creating a sweet, golden crust and deeper flavor. Sugar also promotes faster surface browning, giving a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft. In savory preparations, a little sugar balances acidity and bitterness. Too much sugar can burn at high heat, so fry moderately ripe plantains, or use moderate oil temperature (325–350°F / 160–175°C).
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