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Platanos Maduros

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This classic vegan side dish celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe plantains. Platanos maduros are a staple in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, loved for their caramelised edges and soft, tender centres. The key to success lies in the ripeness of the fruit; look for plantains with heavily spotted yellow or even completely black skins. This indicates the starches have converted to sugar, ensuring a rich and jammy flavour once they hit the frying pan.

Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, these sweet plantains make an excellent accompaniment to savoury black beans and rice or spicy jerk dishes. While traditionally served as a savoury side, their honey-like sweetness makes them a versatile addition to any plant-based repertoire. Serve them immediately while hot to enjoy the contrast between the crisp exterior and the meltingly soft middle.

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Ingredients for Platanos Maduros

  • 3 to 4 ripe (heavily spotted yellow to brown) or very ripe (brown to black) plantains

  • 80 to 120ml olive or canola oil for sautéing

How to make Platanos Maduros

Cut ends from plantains and peel fruit. Diagonally cut plantains into 1/2-inch-thick slices. In a large nonstick skillet heat 80ml oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté plantains in batches, without crowding, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes on each side, adding more oil to skillet as necessary. With a spatula transfer plantains as sautéed to paper towels to drain and season with salt if desired.

Serve plantains immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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