Dodo (Fried Plantain)

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: African

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 175kcal

Author: Jazzmine Woodard

Ripe plantain fried until golden brown is a West African and Caribbean staple

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Ingredients

4 very ripe plantains
vegetable oil or another oil with a high smoke point

Instructions

Fill a pan or skillet about 2 inches deep with oil and heat over medium-high flame for about 5 minutes. The oil will start "moving" when it's ready.
Meanwhile, skin and cut plantain into slices about 1-inch thick. (I slice mine on a bias cut.) Add a sheet of newspaper or paper towel to a plate to help drain oil from finished product and set aside.
Add plantain slices to hot oil to cook. Depending on your pan size, you'll likely have to cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan (which would slow down the cooking time).
Allow the slices to cook for about 5 minutes then flip. The bottoms of each slice should be golden brown, if not, flip back and cook a bit longer.
Repeat on the opposite side then use a slotted spoon to remove dodo from oil and place onto paper towel-lined plate.
Repeat with remaining slices until finished. Enjoy!

Notes

Grab a sharp knife and a cutting board to prep the plantain. You'll also need a sturdy frying pan. I typically use a cast iron skillet for frying plantain at home. I recommend using a slotted spoon to remove the dodo from the pan once cooked.

Should I soak plantain before the fry? This is not necessary but totally up to personal preference. Some cooks like to soak the plantain to reduce the starchiness. I find that the extra step is not necessary.

How long to fry plantain for dodo? How to know when fried plantains are done partially depends on your preference. Look for golden brown color. Nigerian fried plantain slices are not fried for stiff crispiness.

Fry your plantain in batches for consistent texture and to manage the cooking time. Crowding the pan with too many plantain slices why lower the temperature of the oil too much and extend the cooking time.

How to store extra dodo? Dodo can be left at room temperature until serving and should be refrigerated afterward in an airtight container. It will keep for up to five days this way.

Nutrition