Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Plantains are a delightful fusion of sweet plantains and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. This dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe plantains with the rich, melty goodness of mozzarella, making it an irresistible treat that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these stuffed plantains will not disappoint. Follow this step-by-step guide to make this delicious recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- 200 g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- Wheat flour (for coating)
- 4 eggs
- 50 ml (3 1/2 tablespoons) milk
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Plantains
Start by peeling the plantains. Ensure you choose ripe plantains that are yellow with some black spots, indicating sweetness and softness. Cut each plantain in half lengthwise. Carefully make a slit down the center of each plantain half without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket that will hold the cheese. This step requires precision to maintain the plantain’s shape while making enough room for the mozzarella.
2. Stuff with Cheese
Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks that fit snugly into the slits you made in the plantains. Gently insert a stick of mozzarella cheese into the slit of each plantain half, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed by the plantain. This prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying and keeps the cheese gooey inside the crispy coating.
3. Prepare the Coating
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- First bowl: Add wheat flour. This dry coating helps the egg mixture adhere better to the plantains.
- Second bowl: Beat the eggs with the milk and season with salt and black pepper. This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick, adding flavor and moisture to the coating.
- Third bowl: Fill with breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
4. Bread the Plantains
Dredge each mozzarella-stuffed plantain in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the plantain into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the plantain in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. The breadcrumbs should adhere well to create a crispy exterior when fried.
5. Fry the Plantains
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge the plantains halfway for even frying. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden in a few seconds.
Carefully add the breaded plantains to the hot oil. Fry each plantain for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy all over. Use tongs to turn the plantains gently to avoid breaking the coating or displacing the cheese. The frying process should result in a beautiful golden crust, with the mozzarella inside becoming deliciously melted.
Once fried, remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps the plantains crispy and reduces greasiness.
6. Serve
Serve the crispy mozzarella-stuffed plantains hot, as they are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or even a tangy chimichurri for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the sweet plantains, melty mozzarella, and crispy exterior is simply irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella-Stuffed Plantains
- Plantain Ripeness: Make sure to use ripe plantains for the best flavor and texture. Overripe plantains may become too soft and difficult to handle, while underripe plantains will lack the desired sweetness.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, you can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded plantains in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
- Air Fryer: Alternatively, use an air fryer set at 200°C (392°F) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping once to ensure even crispiness.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Pair these plantains with sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a sweet and spicy sriracha mayo to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed plantain
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
These Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Plantains are a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying your craving for something cheesy, crispy, and a little sweet. Enjoy this dish as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun snack, or a unique side dish that will leave everyone asking for more!