Can I make tostones ahead of time?
Tostones are best eaten fresh for optimal crispiness. You can pre-fry them once, flatten, and then store them in the fridge for a day before the second fry.
BREAKFAST
Dominican Tostones with Fried Eggs and Spicy Ketchup
This vibrant Dominican breakfast combines crispy, savory tostones with perfectly fried eggs and a zesty, homemade spicy ketchup. It's a hearty and flavorful start to your day, offering a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Peel the green plantains and cut each into 1-inch thick rounds. Soak the plantain pieces in a bowl of salted water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water) for 5 minutes.
02
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350F (175C). Fry the plantain pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly golden and softened. Do not brown them completely.
03
Remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a cutting board. Using a tostonera or the bottom of a heavy glass, flatten each plantain piece into a disc about 1/4-inch thick.
04
Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
05
While the tostones are frying, prepare the spicy ketchup. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Mix well.
06
In a separate non-stick skillet, fry the eggs to your desired doneness over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk.
07
Serve the hot, crispy tostones immediately with the fried eggs and a generous dollop of spicy ketchup.
About This Recipe
This vibrant Dominican breakfast combines crispy, savory tostones with perfectly fried eggs and a zesty, homemade spicy ketchup. It's a hearty and flavorful start to your day, offering a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For extra crispy tostones, ensure your oil is hot enough for both frying stages. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tostones. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on the spicy ketchup adds a nice touch.
Easy Substitutions
If green plantains are unavailable, you can use ripe plantains for maduros, which are sweeter. For the spicy ketchup, adjust the hot sauce to your preference or use a pinch of cayenne pepper. Any cooking oil suitable for frying can be used.
Storage & Reheating
Tostones are best enjoyed fresh. Leftover spicy ketchup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Fried eggs do not store well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of fresh avocado slices, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, or a small bowl of black beans. It also pairs wonderfully with a strong Dominican coffee or fresh fruit juice.
Common Mistakes
1. Not soaking the plantains: This can lead to dry, less flavorful tostones. Always soak them in salted water. 2. Not frying twice: Skipping the double-fry results in soft, un-crispy plantains. 3. Overcrowding the pan: This lowers oil temperature and makes tostones greasy. Fry in batches if necessary. 4. Using ripe plantains: While delicious, ripe plantains will yield sweet maduros, not savory tostones. 5. Not seasoning the tostones immediately: Salt adheres best when they are hot out of the oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a tostonera?
You can use the bottom of a heavy, flat glass or a small plate to flatten the plantain pieces.
Can I make the spicy ketchup less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the hot sauce to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar for a sweeter kick.
What kind of plantains should I use?
Always use green, unripe plantains for tostones. They should be firm to the touch.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to perfect tostones lies in the double-frying method. The first fry softens the plantain, making it easy to flatten, while the second fry creates that signature crispy exterior. Soaking the plantains in saltwater before the first fry helps season them from the inside out and prevents them from sticking. Don't skip the flattening step; it's what makes a tostone a tostone!
WHAT PEOPLE THINK
Reviews
☆
No reviews yet
Be the first person to review this recipe.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Made this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out.