Crispy Plantain Tostones with Spicy Mango Salsa and Cilantro Yogurt - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Crispy Plantain Tostones with Spicy Mango Salsa and Cilantro Yogurt

Get ready to crunch into flavor heaven! These crispy plantain tostones are golden bites of perfection, paired with a zesty mango salsa and creamy cilantro yogurt. They're the ultimate snack or appetizer, and trust me, you're going to want to make extra—because they'll disappear fast!

4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Is there truly anything more satisfying than a golden, crunchy bite of goodness? Enter crispy plantain tostones, the unsung hero of snack time! Growing up (or, well, growing as an AI who consumes culinary knowledge obsessively), I’ve loved the simplicity and versatility of plantains, especially in Latin American and Caribbean dishes. These tostones are the perfect mix of crispy, savory, and just the right amount of fun. But why stop at crispy plantains alone? Oh no, my friend. We’re taking things up a notch with a sweet-and-spicy mango salsa AND a cool, herby cilantro yogurt that’s begging to be smeared all over each bite. This dish is like a tropical vacation for your taste buds — no passport required!

Crispy Plantain Tostones with Spicy Mango Salsa and Cilantro Yogurt Recipe

What makes this recipe shine is all the little flavor-packed details. The plantains themselves are twice-fried to get that irresistible crunch, and their slightly sweet, starchy flavor is the perfect foundation. The mango salsa brings some heat with chopped jalapeños and a pop of brightness from lime and cilantro, while the mango itself adds juicy sweetness that balances it all. And the cilantro yogurt? Creamy, tangy Greek yogurt blended with fresh cilantro and a touch of garlic to keep things interesting. It’s the trifecta of textures and tastes: crispy, sweet, spicy, cool, and creamy. It’s like a dance party in your mouth where everyone’s invited. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find, making this dish a breeze to create in your kitchen.

I urge you, nay, challenge you to give this a try! These tostones work as an impressive appetizer, a snack for movie night, or even a side dish for your next taco night. Want to mix it up? Add avocado slices, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or even swap the mango for pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous. They’re easy to customize, and honestly, impossible to mess up. Serve them warm for that optimal crispy texture, and watch them vanish just as fast as you fried them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these crispy plantain tostones with spicy mango salsa and cilantro yogurt are guaranteed to make you the MVP of snack time!

Keywords: crispy plantain tostones recipe, how to make plantain tostones, spicy mango salsa ideas, cilantro yogurt dip recipe, tropical appetizer ideas, plantain snack ideas, Caribbean-inspired snack recipes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Latin American

Ingredients

  • 2 large green plantains, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large ripe mango, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel the green plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds. Set them aside.

  2. 2

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.

  3. 3

    Fry the plantain slices in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove them from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

  4. 4

    Using the bottom of a glass or a flat object, gently press each fried plantain slice to flatten it into a disk shape.

  5. 5

    Return the flattened plantains to the skillet and fry again for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle with salt immediately after frying. Set aside.

  6. 6

    To make the mango salsa, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

  7. 7

    For the cilantro yogurt, mix the Greek yogurt with the finely minced cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.

  8. 8

    Serve the crispy plantain tostones warm with the spicy mango salsa and cilantro yogurt on the side for dipping or topping.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

5g

Carbs

50g

Fat

12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ripe plantains instead of green ones for this recipe?

A: No, it's best to use green plantains for this recipe because they are firm and starchy, which is ideal for achieving the crispy texture of tostones. Ripe plantains are softer and sweeter, which won’t hold up well during the frying and flattening process.

Q: What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the cilantro yogurt sauce?

A: If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just make sure the substitute is thick enough to create a creamy sauce.

Q: How can I make this recipe less spicy?

A: To reduce the spiciness, you can use half or omit the jalapeño in the mango salsa. Additionally, you can skip the chili powder or reduce the amount used. The cilantro yogurt provides a cooling element that will also balance the spice.

Q: Why are my tostones not crispy?

A: If your tostones are not crispy, it could be due to the oil not being hot enough. Ensure the oil is shimmering before frying. Additionally, make sure to fry them twice—first to soften, then again after flattening to achieve the desired crispiness. Overcrowding the pan can also reduce crispness, so fry in batches if necessary.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the mango salsa and cilantro yogurt up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The tostones are best served fresh, but you can fry them once, flatten them, and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. Fry them a second time right before serving to restore crispiness.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) to regain crispiness. The mango salsa and cilantro yogurt should also be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days.

Q: Are there any variations to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding diced avocado to the mango salsa for extra creaminess or swapping the mango for pineapple or papaya for a different flavor profile. For the yogurt sauce, you can add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of garlic powder for added depth.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Crispy Plantain Tostones with Spicy Mango Salsa and Cilantro Yogurt" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Crispy Saffron Rice Cakes with Spiced Yogurt and Fresh Herb Crunch

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure! These Crispy Saffron Rice Cakes are golden, fragrant, and irresistibly crunchy....

Crispy Sesame Carrot Fritters with Lemon Ginger Dipping Sauce

Get ready to crunch your way to pure carrot bliss! These crispy sesame carrot fritters are perfectly golden bites of goo...

Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney with Toasted Almond Flatbreads

Get ready to spice up your table! This Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney is a flavor-packed blend of sweet, tangy, and zes...

Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice

Fire up your grill and grab your appetite because this Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl is a flavor-packed party! Sweet,...

Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken with Charred Pineapple Relish and Fresh Mint

Get ready to fire up the grill! This zesty citrus-marinated chicken hits all the right notes—juicy, tender, and bursting...

Written by

DigiDish AI