Let’s dive into the sweet, sizzling heart of the islands with an easy Instant Pot version of sweet fried plantains, also called plátanos maduros fritos. This recipe preserves the caramelized, tender interior and golden edges you expect from pan-fried plantains while using the Instant Pot’s sauté function to cut cooking time nearly in half.
Instant Pot plantains
Plantains are a versatile, flavorful fruit that often get overlooked. Ripe sweet plantains become rich, jammy, and caramel-like when cooked, making them a classic side in Caribbean and Latin dishes. They pair beautifully with arroz con pollo, Jamaican oxtail, pastelón, or even a simple café con leche. Served on their own, they bring warmth and a comforting sweetness to the table.
Ingredients
Aside from water, this recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Together they create a soft, caramelized side dish with a touch of Caribbean nostalgia.
- Sweet plantains — Use large, ripe plantains that are yellow with black spots or fully black for the best sweetness and texture.
- Butter — Unsalted butter adds a rich, silky finish; use a plant-based butter to keep the dish vegan.
- Brown sugar — Optional but recommended for an extra caramel note; ripe plantains are naturally sweet, so adjust to taste.
- Cinnamon — Ground cinnamon or whole cinnamon sticks add warmth and aroma.
How to choose sweet plantains
Pick plantains that are ripe and soft to the touch. They should be yellow with many black spots or mostly black. The riper the skin, the sweeter and more tender the cooked plantain will be.
How to make sweet plantains in the Instant Pot
Using the Instant Pot’s sauté mode gives you the caramelized finish and slightly crisp edges of stovetop frying while speeding up the process. Follow these simple steps for soft, syrupy plantains in under 15 minutes.
- Prepare the plantains: Trim both ends, then score the peel lengthwise and remove it. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh.
- Slice diagonally: Cut the peeled plantains on the diagonal into thick slices so they caramelize evenly and look attractive on the plate.
- Heat the Instant Pot: Remove the lid, add the water to the inner pot, and select the Sauté setting. Allow a minute or two for the pot to warm up.
- Add ingredients and sauté: Add the plantain slices, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (or cinnamon sticks). Sauté with the lid off for about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are tender and golden with a sticky glaze.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the Instant Pot, remove the inner pot if needed, transfer the plantains to a serving dish, and serve immediately.
How to serve sweet plantains
Sweet plantains are extremely versatile. Serve them alongside rice and beans, grilled or roasted chicken, beef, or fish such as red snapper or tuna steaks. They also work as a sweet-salty side with cheese or as part of a tropical plate with coconut rice and mango. For savory pairings, try garlic, curry, or soy-based sauces depending on the meal.
Instant Pot Sweet Plantains
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Equipment
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4 plantains large and ripe
- ½ tablespoon butter unsalted (use a vegan butter to make vegan)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Start by cutting off the ends of each plantain. Score the peel lengthwise and remove it, taking care not to cut into the flesh.
- Slice the peeled plantains diagonally into thick pieces for even caramelization.
- Remove the Instant Pot lid and select the Sauté setting. Allow the pot a minute or two to heat.
- Add the water to the inner pot, then layer in the plantain slices, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon or cinnamon sticks.
- Sauté with the lid off for about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are softened and golden with a sticky glaze.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, remove the inner pot if desired, transfer the plantains to a serving dish, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 87 g
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Protein: 3 g
❤️ Shaunda’s Soul Food Standard
Recipe developed and tested by Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®. Measurements and method have been prepared and verified in a real kitchen to deliver reliable results with modern shortcuts that maintain traditional flavor.
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