Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains 2 ripe plantains
• 1 pound (450g) lean steak or pork 1 pound (450g) lean steak or pork
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• 4 lettuce leaves 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Fry the plantain slices until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. 5.
   Season the steak or pork with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Grill or pan-fry the meat until cooked to your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lime juice to make the sauce.
8. 8.
   To assemble the sandwich, take two fried plantain slices and spread the sauce on one side of each slice.
9. 9.
   Layer the lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and grilled meat on one plantain slice.
10. 10.
    Top with the other plantain slice, sauce side down, to form a sandwich.
11. 11.
    Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients.
12. 12.
    Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to warm through.
13. 13.
    Serve the Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwiches warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly soft for easier slicing and frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier version, you can bake the plantains instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different meats such as chicken or shrimp for alternative fillings.
• Add a slice of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Customize the sauce by adding chopped cilantro or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serve the Jibarito with a side of Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwiches warm, either as a main course or cut into smaller portions as appetizers. Accompany them with a fresh salad or crispy plantain chips for a delightful meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwiches with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve them on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.