Piononos hechos en casa ️ :@criollo_grindz
Piononos hechos en casa 💯💥✔️ 🎥:@criollo_grindz is a easy Caribbean recipe that serves 6. 330 calories per serving. Recipe by Japi Jangueando on YouTube.
Prep: 16 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 14 min
Cost: $10.29 total, $1.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Ripe Plantains (peeled and sliced horizontally into thirds (about 3 pieces per plantain))
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying; neutral oil)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, crumbled)
- 1 tsp Salt (to season the beef)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Tomato Sauce (for serving on the side)
- 3 large Eggs (whisked; enough to bind about half the beef mixture)
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella (shredded; Ultimo brand optional)
- 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Plantains
Peel the ripe plantains and slice each horizontally into three equal pieces, giving you about three slices per plantain.
Time: PT5M
Fry Plantain Slices
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium‑high heat. Fry each plantain slice for about 10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Cook Ground Beef
In a separate pan, add a splash of oil, then add the ground beef. Season with salt and black pepper and cook, breaking it up, until browned but still juicy, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 350°F
Mix Beef and Eggs
Transfer the cooked beef to a mixing bowl. Whisk the three eggs and pour them over the beef, stirring just until the mixture is lightly bound.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Plantain Beef Cups
Place one fried plantain slice into each cavity of the cupcake mold, gently shaping it into a cup. Spoon the beef‑egg mixture into each cup, filling about halfway, then top with shredded mozzarella.
Time: PT8M
Bake Cups
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the baking sheet with the filled mold on the middle rack and bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the cups from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with tomato sauce on the side.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 330
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 8g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Egg, Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ripe Plantains: Green plantains (firmer), Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Salsa, Ketchup
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute
- Instead of Fresh Mozzarella: Shredded cheddar, Other mozzarella
- Instead of Chopped Cilantro: Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Frying Pan
- Cupcake Mold
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice plantains uniformly so they form stable cups.
- Fry plantain slices until golden but not burnt.
- Bind the beef with the correct amount of egg; too much egg makes the filling soggy.
- Shape the plantain cup firmly in the mold to prevent leakage.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef seasoning.
- A drizzle of lime juice over the finished cups brightens the richness.
- If you prefer a spicier version, mix a teaspoon of chopped jalapeño into the beef mixture.
Troubleshooting
Plantain cups collapse after baking.
Make sure the plantain slices are fried until crisp and press them firmly into the mold while still warm.
Filling is too watery.
Use only enough egg to bind the beef (about half the volume) and avoid over‑cooking the beef which releases excess moisture.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 5 minutes or use a broiler briefly, watching closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer: Unbaked cups can be frozen in the mold for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the meat filling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fry the plantain slices a day ahead and store them on paper towels in the fridge.
- Assemble the cups and keep them covered in the refrigerator; bake just before serving.
- The tomato sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of plantain‑based snacks in Caribbean cuisine?
Plantains are a staple in Caribbean cooking, used in both sweet and savory dishes. Fried plantain cups like these trace back to street‑food traditions where inexpensive starches were paired with protein to create handheld meals.
What are traditional regional variations of plantain meat cups in the Caribbean?
In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, similar cups are filled with seasoned pork or chicken and often topped with cheese. In Cuba, they may be seasoned with cumin and served with a garlic‑lime sauce.
How is this dish traditionally served in Caribbean households?
Plantain beef cups are usually served as an appetizer or snack at family gatherings, accompanied by a simple tomato‑based sauce or a tangy cilantro‑lime dip.
During which celebrations or occasions are plantain‑filled snacks commonly enjoyed in Caribbean culture?
They are popular during holidays such as Christmas, Carnival, and local festivals, where portable finger foods are needed for large crowds.
What other Caribbean dishes pair well with Plantain Beef Cups?
They pair nicely with a fresh avocado salad, black bean rice, or a side of mango salsa to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
What makes Plantain Beef Cups special in Caribbean cuisine?
The combination of sweet, caramelized plantain shells with savory, spiced beef and melted mozzarella creates a contrast of flavors and textures that is uniquely Caribbean.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Plantain Beef Cups?
Common errors include under‑frying the plantain slices (they become soggy), using too many eggs (the filling turns mushy), and over‑filling the cups, which can cause the plantain to split.
Why does this recipe use a small amount of egg instead of a full binding mixture?
Only a little egg is needed to hold the beef together without making the filling overly wet, preserving the crispness of the fried plantain cup.
Can I make Plantain Beef Cups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Fry the plantain slices and assemble the cups up to the baking step. Store the assembled, unbaked cups in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated.
What does the YouTube channel Japi Jangueando specialize in?
The YouTube channel Japi Jangueando specializes in vibrant Latin‑American street‑food recipes, showcasing easy‑to‑make dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern home‑cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Japi Jangueando's approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other Latin‑American cooking channels?
Japi Jangueando focuses on quick, snack‑style recipes using readily available ingredients, emphasizing hands‑on techniques like frying and molding, whereas many other channels concentrate on full meals or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
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