National Dish Guyana: Tostones (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Tostones, a much-loved Caribbean treat that holds a special place on Guyanese tables. These crisp, twice-fried green plantains strike the perfect balance between a savoury bite and a satisfying crunch. Simple enough for a first-time cook yet moreish enough to disappear in minutes, they work beautifully as an appetiser, a snack or a side. Bring a taste of the tropics straight to your own kitchen.
About Tostones
Tostones are a popular delicacy across the Caribbean, and they are held in particular affection in Guyana. These crunchy, twice-fried green plantains deliver a lovely contrast of hearty flavour and crisp texture. Often served as a snack or a side dish, they are a wonderful example of the region’s culinary variety. Best of all, tostones are not only delicious but also genuinely easy to make, which makes them an ideal choice for anyone just starting out in the kitchen.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Pepper (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for tostones, choosing the right plantains is the key thing to get right. Make sure the plantains are still green, as these are the ones used for this recipe. Ripe plantains are not suitable, since they turn sweet and soft when cooked. You should be able to pick up everything you need in a regular supermarket or at a local market without any trouble.
Preparing the dish
Before you start frying the tostones, a little groundwork goes a long way. First, peel the plantains, which is easy to do: trim off the ends, make a shallow lengthways cut and ease the skin away. Then slice the plantain into rounds about 2.5 cm thick. This preparation ensures the tostones fry evenly and reach the perfect consistency.
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel the green plantains and cut them into thick slices.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the plantain slices for about 3–4 minutes, until golden and soft.
- Lift the slices out of the pan and let them drain on kitchen paper.
- Press each slice flat (ideally between two chopping boards or with a flat dish).
- Fry the flattened plantains again for a further 2–3 minutes, until crisp.
- Season with salt and, if you like, garlic powder or pepper, and serve hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Tostones are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, so you can enjoy them with complete peace of mind if you have either intolerance. Simply make sure the oil you use is pure and free from any gluten-containing products. The result is a tasty snack that suits a wide range of diets without any special substitutions.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Tostones are an excellent vegan and vegetarian dish that comes together with very little effort. To make the most of them, serve the tostones with a selection of dips or salsas, such as guacamole or a punchy tomato salsa. These pairings add extra flavour and make the meal more varied and interesting. Vegans should simply take care to keep any accompanying sides free of animal products.
More tips and tricks
To make perfect tostones, it is important that the plantains are fresh. Store them somewhere cool until you are ready to cook. Another useful tip is to keep the oil at a steady frying temperature; oil that is too hot can scorch the plantains on the outside while leaving them raw in the middle. For an extra layer of flavour, try adding a clove of garlic to the oil as you fry, which gives the tostones a lovely little kick.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The basic tostones recipe is easy to adapt to suit different preferences. You might vary the seasoning to taste, for example by adding chilli powder or paprika. Other vegetables such as courgette or sweet potato can be prepared in a similar way to create an interesting variation. That versatility makes tostones a great base for creative dishes, much like the crisp bite you get from Plantain Chips or Cassava Fritters.
Ingredient substitutions
With tostones the main focus is on the plantains, but there are a few good alternatives when it comes to the frying. Instead of ordinary oil, you can use healthier options such as coconut or avocado oil, both of which stand up well to high temperatures. Adding seasoned salt or special herbs during cooking can also intensify the flavour. Be creative and try out different combinations!
Drink pairing ideas
The perfect partner for tostones might be a fresh lemonade or a cold beer. They go especially well with a fruity cocktail, such as a mojito or a piña colada, which play up their tropical flavours. For alcohol-free options, freshly pressed fruit juices or smoothies made with tropical fruit are an excellent choice. A homemade Ginger Beer is another refreshing way to round off the plate.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present tostones attractively, reach for colourful plates or bowls. Arrange the tostones on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges. Small bowls of different dips alongside not only look inviting but also offer your guests a range of flavours to explore. A little creative presentation is a treat for the eyes as much as the palate.
A bit of history
Tostones have their roots in the traditional cooking of the Caribbean and are a firm fixture of many Latin American food cultures. These moreish snacks reflect the region’s rich agriculture, and the cultivation of plantains in particular. They are not only a popular street food but also part of family meals and celebrations, and their long history has made them a genuine classic across the Caribbean and South America — a cornerstone of Guyanese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tostones
Tostones are not only easy to make but also bring a little piece of the Caribbean to your table. Crisp, savoury and endlessly versatile, they are ideal both as a snack and as a side dish. With the right preparation and a well-chosen dip, you can conjure up an authentic taste experience. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavours of Guyana!
