Maduros

Name: Maduros
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 3 very ripe plantains (black skin); Vegetable oil for frying; Pinch of salt

Maduros (mah-DOO-rohs)

Fried Sweet Plantains

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 255 kcal

Ripe plantains sliced on the diagonal and fried until caramelized, with crispy golden edges and a soft, sweet interior.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 1.0g

Carbs 38.0g

Fat 11.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

skillet paper towels spatula

Presentation Guide

Vessel: side plate

Garnishes: none needed

Accompaniments: any main dish, rice and beans

Instructions

1
Choose plantains with mostly black skin for maximum sweetness. Peel and slice on the diagonal into half-inch pieces.
2
Heat half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Place plantain slices in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4
Fry three minutes per side until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
5
Remove with a spatula and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
6
Serve immediately while hot and caramelized alongside any main dish.

💡

Did You Know?

Puerto Ricans can judge exactly how ripe a plantain is by looking at its skin — the blacker it is, the sweeter and better for maduros.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

skillet
paper towels
spatula

Garnishing

none needed

Accompaniments

any main dish, rice and beans

The Story Behind Maduros

Maduros, or sweet fried plantains, are one of the simplest yet most essential elements of Puerto Rican cuisine. The technique of frying ripe plantains came to the Caribbean through African culinary traditions and became a universal accompaniment on the island. While tostones use green plantains for a savory, starchy result, maduros celebrate the full sweetness of ripe fruit. The caramelization that occurs during frying creates an irresistible combination of crispy exterior and soft, sweet flesh.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed accompaniment to any meal 📜 Origins: African-Caribbean tradition

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