Plantains are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can transform your breakfast routine. Unlike bananas, plantains are starchy and require cooking, making them perfect for savory or sweet morning dishes.
Whether you prefer them fried, baked, or boiled, plantains add a rich texture and subtle sweetness to your plate. In many cultures around the world, plantains are a breakfast staple, enjoyed in creative recipes that combine health benefits with fantastic flavor.
In this post, we’ll explore multiple plantain breakfast recipes that are easy to make, nutritious, and sure to satisfy your morning cravings. From crispy fried plantains paired with eggs to hearty plantain porridge, these recipes offer something for everyone.
Plus, I’ll share tips on selecting the best plantains and ways to customize each dish to your taste. Ready to bring a tropical twist to your mornings?
Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Plantain breakfast recipes are perfect for anyone seeking a unique and fulfilling start to their day. They are naturally gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and dietary fiber.
Plantains provide sustained energy thanks to their complex carbohydrates, which help keep you full until lunch.
Beyond nutrition, plantains are incredibly adaptable. You can fry, bake, boil, or mash them to create a variety of textures and flavors.
Their mildly sweet and starchy profile pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet ingredients, making these recipes exciting and versatile. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and widely available in most grocery stores.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these plantain breakfasts deliver comforting, tasty options that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots for sweetness or green for starchier taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for sweet versions)
- 2 large eggs (optional, for serving)
- 1 avocado (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling on sweet plantains)
Equipment
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining fried plantains)
- Optional: baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the plantains: Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends, then slicing through the peel lengthwise and removing it. Slice the plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces for frying or into rounds for baking.
- Heat the oil: Place the frying pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to warm up but not smoke.
- Fry the plantains: Carefully add the plantain slices to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and caramelized. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried plantains with a spatula and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Season: Sprinkle the fried plantains with salt and black pepper. For a sweeter touch, add cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Cook eggs (optional): In the same pan or a separate one, cook eggs to your liking—fried, scrambled, or poached—while the plantains finish.
- Serve: Arrange the plantains on plates, add eggs on the side, and garnish with sliced avocado and fresh herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, use ripe plantains with black spots for sweetness or greener plantains if you want a more starchy, savory profile.”
- Baking instead of frying: For a healthier option, toss plantain slices with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Plantain porridge: Boil peeled plantains with coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg; then blend to create a creamy, comforting breakfast.
- Spicy twist: Add chili powder or smoked paprika to your fried plantains for a kick of heat.
- Stuffed plantains: Bake whole ripe plantains, then slit and stuff them with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or vegan cheese.
- Try pairing with other dishes: Plantains work wonderfully alongside recipes like Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning or 7 Vegan Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right for a varied breakfast table.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 medium plantain slice, fried) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 63% DV |
| Vitamin C | 22% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Plantains make a fantastic base for a balanced breakfast. Serve them with protein-rich eggs or your favorite vegan alternatives.
For a refreshing contrast, add slices of creamy avocado or a fresh tomato salad. A cup of black coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the plantains beautifully.
For a more substantial meal, pair your plantain breakfast with dishes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or Better Homes and Gardens Vegan Recipes for Every Meal later in the day.
This helps you enjoy a variety of flavors and keep your diet balanced and exciting.
Popular Plantain Breakfast Recipes
Crispy Fried Plantains and Eggs
This classic combo is quick and satisfying. Fry ripe plantains until golden and serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
Plantain Pancakes
Blend ripe plantains with flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a plant-based milk to create fluffy pancakes. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a sweet treat.
Plantain and Black Bean Hash
Dice plantains and sauté with onions, bell peppers, and black beans. Season with cumin and garlic for a hearty vegan hash that pairs well with toast or avocado.
Plantain Porridge
Simmer chopped plantains in coconut milk with cinnamon and nutmeg until soft. Blend for a creamy porridge, topped with nuts and seeds for crunch.
Baked Plantain Chips
Thinly slice green plantains, toss with oil and salt, and bake until crisp. These chips are perfect for dipping into guacamole or hummus for a light breakfast snack.
Conclusion
Plantain breakfast recipes offer a delicious and nutritious way to start your day with a tropical flair. Their versatility allows you to experiment with sweet or savory flavors, making them suitable for any palate or dietary preference.
From simple fried plantains with eggs to creative pancakes and porridges, these recipes bring warmth and comfort to your morning routine.
Incorporating plantains into your breakfast not only adds flavor but also provides essential nutrients and sustained energy to power through your day. Don’t hesitate to try variations and pairings to discover your favorite combinations.
For even more plant-based inspiration, check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals or Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. Happy cooking and enjoy your plantain-powered mornings!
📖 Recipe Card: Plantain Breakfast Skillet
Description: A hearty and flavorful breakfast featuring ripe plantains, eggs, and vegetables. Perfect for a quick and nutritious morning meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced plantains and cook until golden, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove plantains and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add chopped tomato, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika; cook 2 minutes.
- Crack eggs over vegetables and cook until whites set.
- Return plantains to skillet and warm through.
- Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 42 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Plantain Breakfast Skillet”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful breakfast featuring ripe plantains, eggs, and vegetables. Perfect for a quick and nutritious morning meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced”, “4 large eggs”, “1 small onion, diced”, “1 bell pepper, diced”, “1 medium tomato, chopped”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced plantains and cook until golden, about 5 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove plantains and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In the same skillet, saut\u00e9 onion and bell pepper until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped tomato, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika; cook 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Crack eggs over vegetables and cook until whites set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return plantains to skillet and warm through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “380 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “14 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}
