7 Creative Plantain Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

Plantains are more than just the cousin of the banana you fry and serve with eggs on a Saturday morning. Across West Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and even parts of Asia, plantains have been a staple for centuries. But beyond the classics—fried ripe plantain (dodo), boiled plantain, or plantain chips—there’s a whole world of creative recipes just waiting to elevate your kitchen game.

Whether you like them green and starchy or ripe and sweet, here are seven unexpected plantain recipes that deserve a spot on your menu.

1. Plantain Pancakes with Spicy Syrup

Yes, you read that right. Mash overripe plantains into your pancake batter for a naturally sweet and dense texture. Top with a syrup made from honey, lime juice, and a touch of scotch bonnet for a fiery kick. Perfect for brunch when you’re tired of basic.

2. Plantain Gnocchi

Take a break from potatoes and use boiled ripe plantains as your gnocchi base. Mash them, mix with flour and a little butter, roll into small pillows, and boil. Toss with a creamy coconut curry sauce or tomato basil and serve as a West African–Italian fusion dish.

3. Stuffed Plantain Boats

Slice ripe plantains lengthwise, bake until tender, and scoop out some flesh to make room for fillings. Then, stuff them with spicy minced meat, beans, cheese, or veggies. Pop them back in the oven until golden and bubbling. Think of it as lasagna’s tropical cousin.

4. Plantain Suya Skewers

Alternate chunks of semi-ripe plantains and spiced beef (or chicken) on skewers, sprinkle generously with suya spice, and grill until smoky. The caramelized sweetness of the plantain balances perfectly with the heat of the suya.

5. Plantain Crusted Fish

Grate green plantains and mix with herbs and breadcrumbs to make a crust for fish fillets. Pan-fry or bake until crispy. This one is perfect for when you want something fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

6. Plantain Fried Rice

A fun twist on the usual fried rice: chop and pan-fry green or semi-ripe plantains, then stir them into your rice with shrimp, veggies, and soy sauce. It adds texture and a slightly sweet edge to an otherwise savory dish.

7. Plantain Brownies

Swap flour with mashed ripe plantains to make gluten-free brownies. Rich in texture and naturally sweet, these brownies hit the spot. Add dark chocolate chips and a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the flavor.

Plantains are endlessly versatile. From sweet to savory, main course to dessert, there’s always a new way to enjoy them. So next time you see that bunch of plantains on your counter turning black, resist the urge to just fry them—and try something new. Your taste buds will thank you.