If you’ve ever wandered down the snack aisle and spotted those distinctive green banana-shaped chips, you might have wondered, “What do plantain chips taste like?”
These crunchy snacks always catch my eye with their vibrant colors and unique appearance, but for the longest time, I avoided them because I had no clue what flavors to expect. Were they savory? Sweet? A weird combination of both?
If you’ve been similarly intrigued yet hesitant to dive into the world of plantain chips, let me put your mind at ease. These crispy morsels are a delightfully tasty treat that deserves a spot in your snack rotation.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand the distinctive flavor profile of plantain chips but also learn all the tips and tricks to fully enjoy their unique taste. From cooking methods that enhance their natural sweetness to seasoning blends that pack a serious punch, I’ll cover it all.
So grab a (non-plantain) snack, get comfy, and get ready to have your curiosity satisfied about this underrated chip option. Your taste buds will thank you later!
What are plantains?
Before we dive into what plantain chips taste like, it’s important to understand exactly what plantains are. Despite their banana-like appearance, plantains are actually a different variety of the same species.
While bananas are typically eaten raw when they are ripe and sweet, plantains are a starchy fruit often treated more like a vegetable. They have a higher starch content that makes them ideal for cooking, whether boiled, baked, fried into chips or tostones, or mashed.
Plantains look similar to bananas but are longer, thicker, and more firm when green and unripe. As they ripen, their green peel turns yellow or even black, indicating a higher sugar content inside. However, even very ripe plantains maintain more starch than a banana.
The plantain varieties most commonly used to make chips are the Horn and Macho varieties. The Macho plantains are larger and more starchy, making them perfect for frying into those crispy, crunchy chips you find on supermarket shelves.
When plantains are sliced, smashed, and fried with their starches exposed to high heat, something magical happens—transforming this thick, fibrous fruit into an addictively crispy and flavorful snack. Let’s explore exactly what gives fried plantain chips their unique and crave-worthy taste.
What do plantain chips taste like?
If you’re familiar with banana chips, you might assume plantain chips have a very similar sugary-sweet tropical flavor. But plantain chips offer a more nuanced and complex taste that sets them apart.
At their core, plantain chips have a starchy, almost potato-like quality from their high starch content. This provides an addictive crispy, crunchy, and savory base note when fried. The flavor is hearty and satisfying, like a thick-cut potato chip, but with extra layers of flavor.
One of the most distinctive notes in plantain chips is their inherent nuttiness. As the starches in the plantains caramelize and crisp up during frying, they take on a rich, almost nutty undertone with hints of earthy sweetness. This nutty quality pairs beautifully with the saltiness from liberally salted chips.
Speaking of sweet, most people are surprised to find that plantain chips have a mild yet distinct sweetness as well. It’s not nearly as strong as a banana chip, but there are delicate notes of sweetness, especially with less-ripe greenish plantains used. The sugars caramelize and concentrate during frying, tempering the savory flavors.
More ripe, blackened plantains will have a stronger, more pronounced sweetness, verging into molasses or brown sugar territory. Less-ripe green plantains have an earthier, more vegetative sweetness akin to squash or sweet potatoes when fried into chips.
Another flavor that comes through is a slight tanginess or fermented funk, particularly in chips made from more ripe plantains. This brightness helps balance out the richness while adding complexity.
Cooking Methods and Seasoning Blends
While the basic salted green plantain chip is delicious on its own, there are a few factors in how they are cooked and seasoned that can really amplify the flavors.
Deep Frying
The classic way to make crunchy, golden brown plantain chips is by deep-frying slices or smashed pieces of green plantains. Using the right frying oil is key to maximizing flavor.
Neutral oils like canola or vegetables have a high smoke point for frying at high temperatures without burning. However, they don’t contribute much in the way of flavor.
For enhanced richness, cooks often opt for frying plantain chips in oils with more taste, like:
- Olive Oil: Adds a peppery, grassy undertone
- Coconut Oil: Infuses tropical coconut notes
- Avocado Oil lends a buttery, nutty richness
- Rendered Animal fats: lard or tallow, equal deep savory flavors
The hot frying process combines the Maillard reaction (browning effect) with the caramelization of the plantains’ natural sugars. This double-whammy creates those signature toasty, nutty, caramelized notes.
Baking or Air-Frying
For a healthier alternative, plantain chips can also be made by baking slices tossed in oil or using an air fryer. While not quite as crispy as frying, this method allows the sweet, starchy, and nutty plantain flavors to shine.
Seasoning for More Pizzazz
Plain salted plantain chips are just the beginning! Blends of spices and seasonings can complement the base flavors with savory, spicy, cheesy, and herbal notes.
Some classic seasoning combinations include the following:
- Salt & Vinegar enhance the tanginess
- Chili & Lime: Bright citrus balances richness, and chili adds heat
- Ranch or Cajun Seasoning: Herbaceous, garlicky, oniony kick
- Queso or Nacho Flavored: Cheesy, slightly funky creaminess
In Latin American and Caribbean cuisines where plantain chips originate, you’ll also find flavors like:
- Garlic & Cilantro: Fresh herbal notes
- Jerk or Pique Seasoning: Fiery warmth from chiles and spices
- Mojo Criollo: Tangy citrus combined with garlic and oregano
And for those craving something sweeter, cinnamon-sugar and honey drizzles lend a dessert-like quality to the chips.
Pairing and Serving Plantain Chips
While perfectly seasoned plantain chips are delicious all on their own, their rich yet balanced flavor profile also makes them an ideal vessel for dunking in dips and salsas. The sturdy crunch can stand up to even the heartiest toppings and condiments.
On the Dip
Let’s start with the classics: salsa and guacamole. The zesty brightness of fresh salsas and the cool creaminess of guacamole are perfect flavor counterpoints to the nutty, caramelized notes of plantain chips. The acidity in salsas helps cut through the richness.
Ranch is another no-brainer dipping option to complement the subtle sweetness and earthiness of the chips. The creamy herb-laden dressing coats each crispy ridge deliciously.
For cheese lovers, a zesty queso blanco or spicy nacho cheese sauce makes for indulgent yet classic chip dipping. The milky, salty, gooey cheese plays so well with the sweet starchiness.
Hummus is an unexpected but tasty pairing as well, adding an earthy, nutty base to allow the plantain’s unique flavors to shine. Dressing it up with toppings like olive oil, paprika or pine nuts amplifies the Mediterranean complement.
Sweet and Savory
Plantain chips can even work for dessert when paired with dulce de leche, sweet empanada dipping sauces, chocolate sauces or hazelnut spreads. The combination of salty and sweet is addictive.
For an effortless sweet and savory appetizer, simply arrange plantain chips on a platter with chunks of aged cheese like parmesan or manchego. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and herbs.
Creative Chip Renditions
Of course, plantain chips can be treated just like any other chip or cracker when getting creative. Top them with fresh ingredients for easy bite-sized noshes.
- Smashed avocado, cotija cheese and hot sauce
- Shredded chicken, mango salsa and lime crema
- Crab salad or lump crab meat with remoulade sauce
- Brie cheese and fruit chutney or preserves
The possibilities are endless for these versatile little chips! Crumble them over salads and soups for a flavorful crunch. Use them as a crispy “crust” for baked chicken or fish. Or simply grab a handful straight from the bag for supremely snackable golden crunchy goodness.
FAQ
Are plantain chips healthy?
Plantain chips are typically fried, so they are higher in fat and calories than baked chips. However, they do provide some nutrients from the plantains, like fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Baked or air-fried plantain chips are a healthier option. Moderation is key for any fried snack food.
Do plantain chips taste like bananas?
No, despite their visual similarity, plantain chips do not have a strong banana-like flavor. They have more starchy, nutty, and savory notes with just hints of sweetness rather than an overtly fruity taste.
Are plantain chips gluten-free?
Yes, plantains are naturally gluten-free, so as long as no gluten-containing ingredients are added, plain plantain chips are safe for those following a gluten-free diet.
How should plantain chips be stored?
Like most chips, plantain chips taste best when freshly cooked or opened. They should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Proper storage helps them stay crispy for up to a week.
Can plantain chips be made at home?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced green plantains can be fried, baked, or air-fried at home with just a light coating of oil and seasoning of your choice. Homemade plantain chips allow you to control the ingredients.
What is the difference between tostones and plantain chips?
Tostones are twice-fried, smashed plantain disks with a denser, heartier texture. Plantain chips are thinly sliced and fried or baked just once for a lighter, crunchier result.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you should now have a much better understanding and appreciation for the distinct and delicious flavors that plantain chips bring to the table.
These crunchy, golden snacks combine the best of savory, sweet, nutty, and earthy notes into one addictively tasty package. While they may look like banana chips, their flavor profile is truly in a category of its own.
From their origins as the starchy cousin of the banana to their transformation into crispy, ridged chips through frying or baking, plantains undergo a taste revelation. Simple preparations allow their natural starches and sugars to caramelize and concentrate into delightfully complex flavors.
And that’s just the beginning! The versatility of plantain chips to be seasoned with spice blends spanning from ranch to chili-lime or even cinnamon sugar opens up a world of customized flavors.
Served alongside zesty salsas, cool dips, warm queso, or even sweet accoutrements, these chips more than hold their own with their sturdy crunch and ability to pair with a wide range of flavors.
So don’t be intimidated next time you spot those green banana-like chips; embrace plantain chips as your new favorite guilty pleasure snack. They offer a tasty tropical escape, exciting your tastebuds with a unique convergence of flavors in every crispy, golden bite.
Your snacking routine deserves an update, and plantain chips are a fun, delicious way to adventure into unexplored flavor territories. Dive in and let this exceptional chip variety open your palate to new levels of snacking satisfaction!
