Plantains are a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in West African and Caribbean cooking. You’ll often find them served as a savory side or even as a sweet dessert.
One of the easiest and tastiest ways to prepare them is on the grill. Grilling brings out the natural sugars in ripe plantains, giving them a beautifully caramelized flavor. Plantain on the grill is a quick and simple dish that anyone can master.
This article walks you through the steps to grilling plantains perfectly every time.
What are plantains?
If you’ve never cooked with plantains, here’s a primer:
Plantain vs. banana
Plantains are closely related to bananas, but they’re larger, starchier, and less sweet. Unlike bananas, which can be eaten raw, plantains are generally cooked before serving. When they’re unripe, they’re not sweet at all.
Plantain ripeness
For grilling, you’ll want to choose plantains that are ripe and yellow, with some black spots. These plantains have a higher sugar content and will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
If you can only find green plantains, you can ripen them at room temperature. Just let them sit until their skins turn mostly black.
Prepping your plantains for the grill
The key to good grilled plantains is to start with the right fruit and cut it properly.
Selecting plantains
Choose plantains that are ripe but still firm. If they’re too soft, they could fall apart on the grill. On the other hand, if they’re too green, they won’t be sweet enough.
Peeling and cutting
To peel a plantain, slice off both ends. Then score the peel from end to end and remove it.
You can cut the plantains diagonally into 2-inch pieces or slice them lengthwise.
Optional: Pre-grill preparations
Before you put the plantains on the grill, you can lightly brush them with coconut oil or melted butter for extra flavor and to keep them from sticking to the grill.
Grilling techniques
There are a few different ways to grill plantains, depending on whether you’re looking for a caramelized outside or a super-soft inside.
Direct grilling
If you’re slicing your plantains and grilling them directly, preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the plantain pieces directly on the hot grill grate, and grill them for 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning every so often, until you see grill marks and the plantains are tender.
Grilling in the skin
Grilling plantains in their skins helps them stay nice and moist, so they’re soft and tender when you bite into them. Simply grill the plantains until the skins are blackened and the flesh feels soft when you squeeze it.
Other grilling methods
If you don’t have a grill, you can also “grill” plantains in the oven or air fryer. Bake or air fry them at 400°F until they’re golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes per side in the oven and 10 to 12 minutes per side in the air fryer.
Serving suggestions and variations
Grilled plantains are delicious on their own, but they can also be incorporated into a larger meal.
Serving suggestions
Grilled plantains make a tasty side dish with grilled meats like pork chops, chicken, steak, or seafood.
They’re also delicious with pepper sauce, grilled tilapia, guacamole, fried eggs, or a handful of peanuts.
Seasonings and toppings
You can enjoy grilled plantains plain, or you can dress them up with sweeteners and spices.
A sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your grilled plantains.
Cultural context
If you’ve traveled in West Africa, you may have enjoyed “boli,” a popular street food of grilled plantains. This recipe also takes inspiration from Jamaican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican cuisines.
Key Takeaways
Grilled plantains are healthy, delicious, and simple to make, making them a great addition to any meal. You can enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even dessert!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, toppings, and serving suggestions to find your own unique way to enjoy this versatile dish.
No matter how you prepare them, grilled plantains are sure to be a hit!