Best Easy Empanadas de Plátano Recipe

Sweet plantain empanadas filled with beans or cheese are a beloved Mexican street treat. This vegetarian, family-friendly snack offers a fresh, naturally sweet flavor with every bite.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #mexican #plantain #snack
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ripe plantains 3 pieces
  • refried black beans 3 tbsp
  • queso fresco 3 oz
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cinnamon 0.5 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 80%
Protein 4 g 8%
Fat 4 g 12%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Peel the ripe plantains, slice them in half lengthwise, and then cut into large chunks.

  2. 2

    Boil the plantain pieces in a saucepan with enough water to cover them and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer over medium heat until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Drain the plantains well, place them in a bowl, and mash until smooth and sticky with a potato masher. Allow the mixture to cool until warm but not hot to the touch.

  4. 4

    With lightly oiled hands, scoop about 1/4 cup of mashed plantain dough and form a round ball. Flatten into a 1/4-inch thick disk.

  5. 5

    Place a small spoonful of refried black beans or queso fresco in the center. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon, gently pressing the edges to seal tightly.

  6. 6

    Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the empanadas in batches, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp.

  7. 7

    Transfer cooked empanadas to a paper towel–lined plate. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon and serve warm.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Empanadas de Plátano Recipe?
The signature ingredient is ripe plantains, which are mashed and form the entire dough for the empanada shell. Their natural sweetness and unique texture are essential for authentic flavor and soft bite.
Q. What is the main cooking technique in this recipe, and how do I avoid burning the empanadas?
The empanadas are pan-fried over medium heat after being filled and shaped. Cook them in batches, and monitor the oil temperature—too hot and the exterior may burn before the interior heats through. Each side should be golden brown in about 2–3 minutes.
Q. How can I ensure the empanada shell is soft but not mushy?
Proper moisture balance is key—drain boiled plantains thoroughly before mashing. Only mash until smooth, and handle gently when forming. Overcooking in oil can make them tough, so fry just until set and crisp.
Q. How many calories are in each serving and what is the carb-to-protein ratio?
Each serving has about 210 kcal, with approximately 42g carbohydrates (80% of calories) and 4g protein (8%). This recipe is naturally high in carbohydrates from the plantains and suitable for a vegetarian snack.
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