7 Delicious Ways to Cook with Plantains: A Caribbean Staple for Every Meal

Plantains are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in Caribbean cuisine. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even the main star of your plate, plantains add comfort and flavor to every meal. In Haiti and across the Caribbean, plantains are a must-have—especially when paired with Haitian Griot, or enjoyed boiled at lunchtime alongside meat, beans, or vegetables.

Depending on ripeness, plantains can be enjoyed green (starchy and savory) or yellow (soft and sweet). From breakfast to dinner, here are 7 delicious ways to cook with plantains—and why this staple belongs in your kitchen.

1. Fried Plantains (Bannann Fri)

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried plantains are a Caribbean favorite. Green plantains are typically twice-fried to make tostones, perfect for dipping in sauces or serving alongside griot. Ripe yellow plantains, on the other hand, caramelize beautifully when fried, making them naturally sweet.

Try them with Haitian Griot for the ultimate Haitian pairing.

2. Boiled Plantains

Boiled plantains are a staple in Haitian cuisine, often served at lunch or dinner with meat, beans, and vegetables. They’re filling, nutritious, and simple to prepare—just peel, boil, and season lightly with salt or drizzle with olive oil.

They’re also added to Haitian Bouillon, where they add both flavor and heartiness to the soup.

3. Grilled Plantains

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of ripe plantains while adding a smoky flavor. Slice them lengthwise, brush with oil, and grill until golden. They’re excellent as a side dish or even as a healthier dessert option with a drizzle of honey.

4. Baked Plantains

Baking plantains is a healthier alternative to frying, as it requires little to no oil. Slice ripe plantains into wedges or rounds, season lightly, and bake until golden brown on all sides. They’re a guilt-free snack or side dish that still delivers that signature Caribbean comfort.

5. Mashed Plantains (Green Plantains with Ground Turkey)

Mashed green plantains are a hearty and satisfying base for many Caribbean meals. In Haiti, they’re often boiled and then mashed to create a starchy side that pairs beautifully with meat, beans, or vegetables. One delicious way to enjoy them is in this Green Plantains with Ground Turkey Meal, where the mashed plantains complement a savory ground turkey sauce for a wholesome and comforting dish.

6. Roasted Plantains

Roasted plantains are a beloved street food in many Caribbean islands. Traditionally, they’re roasted on an open fire or grill, especially when using ripe yellow plantains, which caramelize beautifully and develop a smoky sweetness. If using green plantains, it’s best to slice them, brush with oil, and grill rather than roast in the oven. For oven or air fryer cooking, yellow plantains are the best choice—they turn soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet.

7. Plantain Porridge (Labouyi Bannann)

In Haiti, plantains aren’t just for sides—they also make a delicious breakfast porridge called Labouyi Bannann. This comforting dish combines green plantains (and sometimes bananas) with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, simmered until creamy. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for starting the day with Caribbean warmth.

Try this traditional recipe: Plantain and Banana Porridge (Labouyi Bannann)

Tools You’ll Need for Cooking Plantains

Cooking plantains is simple, but having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’re frying, boiling, grilling, or baking, here are some essentials to keep in your kitchen:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife – Plantains have tough skin, especially when green. A sturdy knife helps with clean and safe peeling.
• Cutting Board – Essential for slicing plantains evenly before cooking.
• Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan – Perfect for frying green or ripe plantains to achieve that golden crisp.
• Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ideal for boiling plantains or preparing Labouyi Bannann (plantain porridge).
• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill – Great for achieving those smoky, charred flavors in grilled plantains.
• Baking Sheet or Air Fryer – For a healthier way to roast or bake plantains.
• Wooden Spoon or Potato Masher – Necessary for mashing boiled plantains for dishes like Green Plantains with Ground Turkey Meal.

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Final Thoughts

From crispy fried bites to creamy purées or porridge, plantains are truly a gift to Caribbean kitchens. Their versatility makes them suitable for every diet—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover. Next time you’re planning a meal, think of plantains as your go-to ingredient for flavor, nutrition, and tradition.

Want to bring more Caribbean flavors into your kitchen? Explore more recipes featuring plantains and staples on Caribbean Green Living.