Sweet Plantains in Sweet Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Venezuelan dish "Maduro en gloria," the plantains are typically cooked in a syrup made from panela (unrefined cane sugar) and spices. In this adapted Australian Chinese version, the plantains are pan-fried and coated in a sweet sauce made with honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving it a unique flavor profile that combines elements of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Maduro en gloria, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe plantains 4 ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the plantains and cut them into diagonal slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the plantain slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce over the cooked plantains in the skillet and stir gently to coat.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the plantains sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. 8.
   Serve the Sweet Plantains in Sweet Sauce warm as a side dish or dessert.

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 the best texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the Sweet Plantains in Sweet Sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while simmering.

Serving advice

Serve the Sweet Plantains in Sweet Sauce as a side dish with your favorite Australian Chinese main course, or enjoy it as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden plantain slices on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch of color.