Sweet Plantain Paradise

By Kendra Thompson June 11, 2025

Want to know how do you prepare plantain? This Sweet Plantain Paradise recipe is your ticket! Caramelized, sweet, and ready in 15 mins. The easiest Jamaican plantain recipe you'll find! Get the recipe! ... Global Flavors

Table of Contents

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Right then, let's get this plantain party started!

Sweet Plantain Paradise: A Taste of the Islands

Ever wondered how do you prepare plantain to unlock its full potential? honestly, i used to think plantains were just… well, weird bananas.

Then, i tried these caramelized sweet plantains. oh my gosh! the sweetness and the little bit of crispiness is addictive.

This recipe takes humble plantains and turns them into something amazing. Think sun, sand, and a big smile!

What's the Deal with Plantains Anyway?

Plantains are basically bananas' tougher, less sweet cousins. they're a staple in jamaican and caribbean cooking. from what i know about jamaican plantain recipe it is traditionally enjoyed as part of the jamaican sides .

This recipe is super easy. ready in about 15 minutes. makes about 4 servings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is. great for those weeknight meals. this recipe transforms humble plantains into a healthy side.

And honestly, it's a great way to introduce someone to jamaican recipes sides .

Let's gather our ingredients.

Right then, let's get this plantain party started! seriously, how do you prepare plantain for the most amazing, island-vibe dish? i'm gonna share a super simple recipe with you.

It's called "sweet plantain paradise." think caramelized, sweet goodness. almost makes you hear steel drums, right?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, listen up, my friend, these Jamaican Plantains are about to become your new obsession. This recipe is ridiculously easy, even if you’re rubbish in the kitchen.

Main Ingredients

3 ripe plantains, blackened is BEST (US: about 3 medium, Metric: about 500g ). Slice them into ½-inch rounds. Honestly, the riper, the better!
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (US: ¼ stick , Metric: 30g ). Don't skimp on the butter, yeah?
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar (US & Metric: 25g ). Adds that yummy caramel flavour.
Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional). I sometimes add it, sometimes don’t. Depends on my mood!
Pinch of sea salt. A little secret weapon!

For the plantains, remember, black is beautiful! The softer, the better, for that sweet, caramelized Jamaican Plantain Recipe magic. Think of it like bananas going brown - more flavour!

Seasoning Notes

This is where you can get a bit creative. a little cinnamon goes a long way. allspice could also add a warm jamaican touch.

I love to keep it simple most of the time. if you're feeling fancy, a teeny grating of nutmeg is fab.

As a flavour enhancer, a tiny pinch of sea salt. for substitutions: use a tiny grating of fresh ginger for a warming, less traditional flavour.

The right seasoning makes it the best jamaican side dishes vegetables .

Equipment Needed

Honestly, this recipe is so simple you only need a couple of things.

Large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend.
Spatula. For flipping those plantains like a pro.

Don’t have a proper spatula? A wooden spoon will do in a pinch. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to flip the plantains.

Alright, that's everything you need! get ready to transform those plantains into something truly special. this recipe is also perfect as jamaican party food because it's so easy to make a big batch.

And if you're looking for something else to serve, check out a good jamaican collard greens recipe , as they go perfectly together.

It makes great meals with plantains and it is a great addition to your plantain recipes jamaican . you know, that's what makes great jamaican sides or jamaican recipes sides .

Alright, let's dive into sweet plantain paradise . this is how do you prepare plantain the easy way. honestly, this recipe is so simple, it's almost criminal.

Perfect for when you're craving something sweet but can't be bothered with a baking marathon. think jamaican plantain recipe vibes, straight from my kitchen to yours.

It's proper comforting, like a hug from your grandma.

Get Your Prep On: The Mise en Place Lowdown

First things first: mise en place. that's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff ready". peel and slice 3 ripe plantains (about 500g).

Aim for ½-inch thick rounds. blackened skin? even better! that means extra sweetness. next, measure out 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar .

I like light brown, but dark works too. a pinch of cinnamon is optional, but i reckon it adds a nice warmth.

Don't forget a pinch of salt!

Time-saving tip: Slice the plantains while the butter's melting. Two birds, one stone, innit? Safety's not a huge concern here, but watch those fingers when slicing!

Cooking Method: Sweet Plantain Nirvana Step-by-Step

Right, here's the magic:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer. Don't overcrowd!
Cook for about 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Flip the plantains. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
Cook for another 2- 3 minutes , until the sugar melts and caramelizes.
Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Serve immediately!

The best thing about this? you don't need to faff around with loads of ingredients. and it's a fantastic addition to any meals with plantains lineup.

We are talking about easy jamaican sides .

Visual cue: the plantains should be soft and sticky. doneness is when they look ridiculously tempting. watch the temperature; medium heat is key! you don’t want burned plantains.

That critical temperature is about 175° f ( 80° c) .

Plantain Pro Tips: Secrets to Caramelized Success

Here's where my expertise comes in, you know? common mistake: rushing the caramelization. low and slow is the way. you can try adding a little sea salt right before the plantains are done.

The sweet and salty blend is something else.

I've also found that using a non-stick pan can make your life much easier. Less sticking, more delicious caramelization. And avoid overcooking at all costs – no one likes a burnt plantain!

And speaking of jamaican side dishes vegetables , serve these alongside some collard greens for a real taste of the caribbean.

Honestly, these caramelized plantains are the business, perfect for a jamaican party food spread or just a quick weeknight treat.

Plus, you could say this is jamaican recipes sides gold!. you can easily incorporate this into your plantain recipes jamaican style.

Right then, let's dive into some extra bits about our Sweet Plantain Paradise ! It's more than just knowing how do you prepare plantain . It's about making it yours .

Recipe Notes: Sweet Plantain Paradise Edition

These are my little nuggets of wisdom. I learned them over many, many attempts!

Serving Suggestions: Pimp Your Plantains

Forget boring plating. these plantains deserve some flair! serve them warm alongside some proper jamaican jerk chicken . that's what i call a vibe .

Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. a little drizzle of caramel? oh my gosh, don't tempt me! for a full jamaican flavour, pair them with rice and peas.

Think jamaican party food meets weeknight dinner!

Storage Tips: Saving Sunshine

Got leftovers? (doubt it!) pop them in the fridge. they'll keep for about 3 days. freezing cooked plantains? i wouldn't, honestly .

They get a bit mushy. reheat them gently in a pan with a knob of butter. or give them a quick blast in the microwave.

Variations: Remix Your Recipe

Want a vegan version? no problem! use coconut oil instead of butter. a splash of maple syrup instead of brown sugar will do the trick.

You know, it's really simple. want to spice things up? a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds a lovely kick.

This is one of the interesting plantain recipes jamaican people enjoy.

Or a dash of rum, after cooking, careful with the fire!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's keep it real. these are a treat. but plantains are packed with potassium and fibre. consider the recipe's estimated values, about 180 calories.

They are also 30g of carbohydrates. don't forget about 2g of fiber! so, it's all about balance, innit? many people find that these meals with plantains are a great treat.

You can serve it with a healthy portion of jamaican collard greens recipe .

So there you have it! Go forth and make some Sweet Plantain Paradise. You'll see it becomes a Jamaican side dishes vegetables staple!

Go on, have a go! You've got this.

Jamaican Plantain Recipe: Sweet Plantain Paradise in Minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use green plantains for this recipe? What if my plantains are too green?

Oi, definitely not, mate! This "Sweet Plantain Paradise" recipe needs very ripe plantains – think blackened skin, almost like they're past their prime. Green plantains are starchy and savory, like a potato, and perfect for tostones (fried green plantains). If your plantains are too green, leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen. Speed things up by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple – those fruits release ethylene gas which encourages ripening.

How do you prepare plantain so it's not mushy? I always seem to end up with a plantain puree!

Right, so mushiness is a classic plantain problem! It all boils down to heat control and not overcrowding the pan. Cook the plantain slices over medium heat – too high and they'll burn before caramelizing, too low and they'll steam and become mushy. Also, make sure to arrange the slices in a single layer with space in between. If the pan is too crowded, cook in batches. This ensures even caramelization and prevents the dreaded plantain puree.

How do I store leftover caramelized plantains, and how long will they last?

Leftover caramelized plantains can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, or microwave them for short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Be warned, reheating them might make them slightly softer than when freshly made, but they'll still be delicious. Try not to freeze the plantains, as the texture will degrade significantly and become very mushy upon thawing.

What are the nutritional benefits of plantains, and are they healthy?

Plantains are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium – so they're not just tasty, they've got a bit of goodness in them too! They are relatively high in sugar after being caramelized, so portion control is key, especially if you're watching your sugar intake. Consider them a treat in moderation, rather than a regular component of your diet. Think of them as a delicious "sometimes food," like a proper Sunday roast.

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter? Does it really affect the flavor?

Absolutely, using coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative to butter! However, it will definitely impart a subtle coconut flavour to the plantains, which some people love. It also means it's automatically vegan-friendly! If you don't want the coconut flavour, you can use refined coconut oil (which is neutral in flavour) or even a vegan butter alternative, though real butter will always give the best flavour in our humble opinion.

My plantains are sticking to the pan! What am I doing wrong?

Sticking can be a pain, eh? Make sure you're using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan. Also, ensure the butter is properly melted and coating the pan before adding the plantains. Don't try to move the plantains around too early – let them sit undisturbed until they develop a nice golden-brown crust, then they should release easily. A little patience is key, like waiting for a proper cuppa to brew!