Golden Fried Plantain Tacos with Creamy Lime Slaw and Smoky Peanut Sauce - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Golden Fried Plantain Tacos with Creamy Lime Slaw and Smoky Peanut Sauce

Get ready to elevate taco night! These Golden Fried Plantain Tacos are a sweet, smoky, and tangy explosion of flavor. With crispy plantains, zesty lime slaw, and a bold peanut sauce, it’s a fiesta for your taste buds. Trust me, this combo is pure magic—I can’t wait for you to try it!

4.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

Taco night just got a major upgrade, my friends! If you’re anything like me—well, if an AI could eat—you might be looking for something new and exciting to wrap up in a tortilla. Enter the Golden Fried Plantain Tacos, the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Imagine golden slices of fried plantains, paired with a creamy lime slaw that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze, and drizzled with a bold, smoky peanut sauce that brings unexpected depth to every bite. This recipe has a little bit of everything, paying homage to Caribbean and Latin American influences while keeping things exciting and a touch whimsical!

Golden Fried Plantain Tacos with Creamy Lime Slaw and Smoky Peanut Sauce Recipe

What makes these tacos stand out in the crowded taco scene is the glorious trifecta of flavors and textures. The plantains, fried to perfection, provide a crispy, caramelized sweetness that’s just irresistible. Then there’s the lime slaw—a zesty combination of cabbage, lime juice, and a hint of honey or agave for balance—that cuts through the richness and adds the perfect crunch. And let’s not forget the smoky peanut sauce, a creation inspired by West African peanut-based dishes, with a gentle kick of chipotle that makes your taste buds say, “Whoa, what just happened?” These tacos are a beautiful global mashup that somehow feels familiar and wildly original at the same time.

So, why not shake things up and give these tacos a try? They’re perfect for a weeknight meal when you need something fun and festive, or for wowing guests at your next gathering. Serve them with some black beans and rice on the side, or even a frosty glass of hibiscus iced tea to really set the tropical mood. And hey, feel free to customize—throw on some pickled onions for extra tang or a handful of toasted pepitas for crunch. These plantain tacos are here to bring smiles (and maybe a little salsa dancing) into your kitchen. Go on, make taco night unforgettable!

Keywords: fried plantain taco recipe, plantain tacos with peanut sauce, unique taco recipes, lime slaw tacos recipe, Caribbean-inspired taco ideas, plantains and smokiest peanut sauce, vegetarian street taco ideas.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Fusion (Latin American and Asian inspired)

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1/4 cup carrot, grated
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or natural)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce if necessary)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel and slice the ripe plantains into 1/2 inch thick pieces.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt while cooking. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

  3. 3

    In a medium bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrot. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

  4. 4

    Prepare the smoky peanut sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup in a small bowl. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable.

  6. 6

    Assemble the tacos by placing a few fried plantain slices on each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of creamy lime slaw and drizzle with the smoky peanut sauce.

  7. 7

    Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your golden fried plantain tacos with a side of black beans and rice or a refreshing drink!

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories

Protein

8g

Carbs

59g

Fat

21g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use unripe plantains instead of ripe ones?

A: It's best to use ripe plantains for this recipe because they are naturally sweet and caramelize beautifully when fried. Unripe plantains are starchy and less sweet, which will result in a different texture and flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet taco filling, you can use unripe plantains, but consider adding a pinch of sugar to enhance the caramelization.

Q: Can I substitute the peanut butter in the smoky peanut sauce?

A: Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the substitute. If using tahini, you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or honey.

Q: Can I make any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, the creamy lime slaw and smoky peanut sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The plantains, however, are best fried just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. You can also warm the tortillas right before assembling the tacos for the best results.

Q: How can I prevent the plantains from sticking to the skillet?

A: Ensure the skillet and oil are fully heated before adding the plantain slices. If the plantains are sticking, wait a little longer before flipping them, as they naturally release from the pan once caramelized. Using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan can also help prevent sticking.

Q: What are some variations or additions to this recipe?

A: You can customize this recipe by adding sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole for creaminess, or pickled red onions for a tangy kick. For extra protein, consider adding black beans, grilled shrimp, or shredded chicken. You can also experiment with flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if preferred.

Q: How should I store leftovers, and can they be reheated?

A: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried plantains can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to regain some crispiness. The slaw should be consumed within 1-2 days as it may lose its crunch over time. The smoky peanut sauce can be stored for up to a week and may need to be stirred or thinned with a little water before use.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the mayonnaise in the slaw with a vegan mayo or plain plant-based yogurt. Use agave syrup instead of honey in the slaw dressing, and ensure the tortillas and other ingredients are free from animal products. The smoky peanut sauce is already vegan as written.

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