Puerto Rican Tostones

When I was planning out this series for JoMaine’s Kitchen, I knew I wanted to highlight Puerto Rican recipes. Food has always been a huge part of my life, and Puerto Rican food especially takes me right back to the island and the family trips we took when I was younger. Those memories live rent-free in my mind… and my stomach. 😋

As you probably already know, I LOVE food. Like, deeply. Passionately.😊 But Puerto Rican food? That’s on another level. It’s comforting, bold, flavorful, and always feels like home no matter where you’re eating it.

My mom has been encouraging me for years to open a Puerto Rican restaurant here in the Coachella Valley. And honestly, I’ve thought about it. But after my final assignment at Le Cordon Bleu, I realized the traditional restaurant life might not be for me.😂 That said… she and Joseph have both been floating the idea of a food truck. Sooooo never say never. You might just see that pop up one day 👀🚚

And yes, they even got me to eat ketchup. 🤯

I’m not a ketchup fan. At all. Never have been. But tostones are traditionally served with mayoketchup, a simple mix of mayo and ketchup, and that I will absolutely eat. I mean… I LOVE mayo. No shame. None!!! 😂

What Are Tostones?

Tostones are a classic Puerto Rican dish made from green (unripe) plantains that are sliced, fried, smashed, and then fried again until golden and crispy. The double-fry is what gives them that perfect texture: crunchy on the outside with just the right bite on the inside.

You’ll find tostones all over Puerto Rico, served as a snack, a side dish, or alongside just about anything. They’re simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether you eat them plain, with garlic sauce, or dipped in mayoketchup, they always hit.

What I love most about tostones is how approachable they are. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. They’re easy to make, quick to fry, and guaranteed to disappear fast once they hit the table. They’re one of those foods that feel nostalgic and familiar from the very first bite.

For me, tostones are pure comfort food. They remind me of the island, family meals, and those flavors that never get old. Crispy, salty, and satisfying every single time.

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups canola oil for frying

• 6 cloves garlic

• 3 green plantains 

• Salt to taste

For Mayo-ketchup 

• Mayonnaise 

• Ketchup 

Directions

1. Heat frying oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut the ends off of the green plantains, divide in half width wise, slice into 1/2 inch rounds, and carefully peel off the skins. After slicing place the rounds in a large bowl and cover them with water. 

2. Crush each garlic clove with a knife, and peel off the skins. Place them into another bowl and cover with warm water.

3. Fry the plantain rounds till crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain. 

4. Use a cup to smash the pieces into disks. Dip the pieces into your garlic mixture for about 15-30 seconds then fry again until crispy! 

(For a dipping sauce, mix together a bit of mayo with a touch of ketchup.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht25JP5OAQg