Fried Plantain Fried Rice A Must Try
Fried Plantain Fried Rice A MUST TRY is a medium Caribbean recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Jody Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 46 min
Cost: $16.84 total, $4.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice (cooked, plain)
- 2 medium Ripe Plantains (peeled and cut into ½‑inch pieces)
- 0.25 cup Mixed Vegetables (frozen or fresh peas, carrots, corn mix)
- 0.5 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 stalks Spring Onions (chopped, white and green parts)
- 6 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and umami)
- 1 teaspoon Dark Sugar (balances soy sauce saltiness)
- 1 teaspoon All‑Purpose Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Everyday Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying plantains)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Peel and cut the ripe plantains into ½‑inch pieces. Dice the onion, chop the spring onions, measure the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, seasonings and sauces.
Time: PT5M
Fry Plantain Pieces
Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Add the plantain pieces in a single layer and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and firm.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Set Fried Plantains Aside
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried plantains to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics
Remove most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the diced onion and spring onions to the hot pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add Mixed Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir‑fry for roughly 2 minutes, just until they start to soften but remain crisp.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Blend Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the all‑purpose seasoning, everyday seasoning, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Time: PT2M
Season the Veggies
Sprinkle half of the seasoning blend over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to coat evenly.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Cooked Rice
Add the cooked basmati rice to the pan a handful at a time, stirring continuously to break up clumps and mix with the vegetables.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Remaining Seasoning
Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning blend over the rice mixture and stir for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Dark Soy Sauce (First Portion)
Pour 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce over the rice and stir for 1 minute to distribute the color and flavor.
Time: PT1M
Finish Sauce and Sweeten
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce and 1 teaspoon dark sugar. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Re‑introduce Fried Plantains
Gently fold the fried plantain pieces back into the rice, stirring carefully for 2 minutes so they stay intact and coat with sauce.
Time: PT2M
Final Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat, let the dish rest for about a minute, then serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra spring onion greens.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 150 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Basmati Rice: Jasmine rice, Long grain white rice
- Instead of Ripe Plantains: Green plantains (less sweet), Bananas (not ideal)
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables: Any frozen mixed veg, Fresh diced carrots and peas
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Spring Onions: Chives, Green onion tops
- Instead of Dark Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce, Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Dark Sugar: Brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: Seasoned salt
- Instead of Everyday Seasoning: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Creole seasoning
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Slotted Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fry the plantain pieces until golden but not burnt.
- Add the rice gradually to avoid clumping.
- Balance the dark soy sauce with a touch of dark sugar.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, lightly coat plantain pieces with a pinch of cornstarch before frying.
- A dash of lime juice added at the end brightens the deep flavors.
Troubleshooting
Plantains turn black instead of golden.
Reduce the heat slightly and fry in smaller batches; ensure the oil is hot before adding the plantains.
Rice becomes mushy.
Use day‑old cooked rice and add it gradually while stirring; keep the heat medium, not high.
Dish is too salty.
Add a splash of water or extra sugar to balance, and reduce the amount of soy sauce next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 1 month; reheat in a skillet.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate; cold rice fries better.
- Fry the plantains in advance and reheat quickly in the skillet before adding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ripe Plantain Fried Rice in Caribbean cuisine?
Ripe plantain fried rice blends the Caribbean love for sweet fried plantains with the Asian technique of fried rice, reflecting the region’s multicultural influences from African, Spanish, and Asian immigrant communities.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ripe Plantain Fried Rice in Caribbean cooking?
In Jamaica the dish may include Scotch bonnet peppers for heat, while in Trinidad it often features peas and carrots and a touch of curry powder. Some islands add coconut milk for extra richness.
How is Ripe Plantain Fried Rice authentically served in Caribbean households?
It is typically served hot as a main course, accompanied by fried fish such as tilapia or a side of coleslaw, and enjoyed with a slice of lime or a pepper sauce on the side.
What occasions or celebrations is Ripe Plantain Fried Rice traditionally associated with in Caribbean culture?
The dish is popular at family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and festive celebrations like Independence Day or Carnival, where its bright colors and sweet‑savory flavor are crowd‑pleasers.
What makes Ripe Plantain Fried Rice special or unique in Caribbean cuisine?
The combination of sweet, caramelized plantain pieces with savory soy‑based fried rice creates a distinctive sweet‑savory contrast that is rare in traditional Caribbean dishes, showcasing the region’s creative fusion cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ripe Plantain Fried Rice?
Common errors include over‑cooking the plantains until they blacken, using freshly cooked rice which becomes mushy, and adding too much dark soy sauce which can make the dish overly salty.
Why does this Ripe Plantain Fried Rice recipe use dark soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce provides a richer, deeper color and a slightly sweeter, less salty flavor that complements the sweet plantains, whereas regular soy sauce would be too light and salty for this dish.
Can I make Ripe Plantain Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can fry the plantains and cook the rice a day ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine them in a hot skillet just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Ripe Plantain Fried Rice?
The plantain pieces should be golden, firm, and slightly caramelized; the rice should be fluffy with a deep amber hue from the dark soy sauce, and the vegetables should remain bright and crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Jody Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jody Cooking specializes in easy, home‑cooked meals that blend comfort food with global flavors, focusing on step‑by‑step tutorials for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Jody Cooking's approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Jody Cooking emphasizes quick, one‑pan techniques and clear visual cues, often adapting traditional Caribbean dishes for a modern, time‑pressed audience, whereas many other channels stick to more elaborate, traditional preparations.
Last updated: August 31, 2026

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