When it comes to tropical flavors, few ingredients evoke the warm spirit of Hawaii like the humble plantain. Whether ripe or green, these starchy wonders are a staple in many Hawaiian dishes, from classic breakfast treats to indulgent desserts. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of Hawaiian plantains. From sweet pancakes and puddings to savory musubis and skewers, each dish is infused with the unique flavors and influences of the Aloha State. So grab your apron, get ready to island-hop, and let’s dive into the world of tropical Hawaiian plantain delicacies!
Hawaiian Plantain Coconut Pancakes
These pancakes combine the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of coconut and the fluffiness of traditional pancakes. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed plantains, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve warm with coconut flakes sprinkled on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Plantain with Pineapple Glaze
Savor the sweetness of plantains paired with the tanginess of pineapple in this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh pineapple wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and salt.
4. Brush both sides of the plantain slices with olive oil, then brush with the pineapple glaze mixture.
5. Grill the plantain slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm, topped with fresh pineapple wedges.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sweet Hawaiian Plantain Pudding
Sweet Hawaiian Plantain Pudding Recipe
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this creamy plantain pudding infused with the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of coconut milk. This unique dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains, sliced
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced plantains, brown sugar, coconut milk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pudding is set and lightly golden.
5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
6. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread over cooled pudding.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Plantain and Spam Musubi
Musubi, a popular snack in Japan, typically consists of grilled fish or meat served with sushi rice. This recipe gives the classic a tropical spin by incorporating sweet plantains and savory Spam.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into thin pieces
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Nori seaweed sheets (dried seaweed)
Instructions:
1. Cut the plantains into 1-inch pieces and grill or bake until caramelized.
2. Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions. Mix with water, soy sauce, and salt to create a sticky consistency.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat. Place a small amount of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Add two pieces of Spam and a few pieces of grilled plantain on top of the rice.
5. Fold the nori over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press gently to adhere.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Caramelized Plantain Haupia Pie
This creamy pie combines the sweetness of plantains with the richness of haupia (coconut milk dessert) and a hint of caramelized flavor. Perfect for Hawaiian-inspired gatherings or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 1 cup haupia mix (or coconut milk, sugar, and salt)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook plantain slices over medium heat until caramelized and tender, flipping occasionally.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together haupia mix, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Arrange cooked plantains in the pie crust, leaving a small border.
5. Pour haupia mixture over the plantains.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Plantain Poi with Macadamia Nuts
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from plantains, and adding macadamia nuts gives it a delightful crunch. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the rich flavor of macadamias for a delicious snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe plantains
– 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the plantain slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the coconut oil over the plantains and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are caramelized and tender.
6. Remove from oven and top with chopped macadamia nuts.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hawaiian Plantain BBQ Skewers
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this unique recipe that combines sweet plantains with savory barbecue. Perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut plantains into 1-inch chunks.
3. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
4. Add the plantain chunks to the mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Thread the plantain mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each chunk.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until plantains are caramelized and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Plantain Loco Moco Bowl
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the tropics with this flavorful and nutritious Plantain Loco Moco Bowl! This twist on the classic Hawaiian dish combines tender plantains, savory beef, and creamy eggs in a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Grill or sauté the plantains until caramelized, then slice into coins.
2. In a separate pan, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
4. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the bowls by placing the plantain coins at the bottom, followed by the beef mixture, cooked rice, and scrambled eggs.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Plantain Loco Moco Bowl!
Baked Plantain with Lilikoi Sauce
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the bright, citrusy flavor of lilikoi (passionfruit) sauce. The result is a deliciously unique dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup lilikoi sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices.
3. In a bowl, mix together the lilikoi sauce, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon.
4. Place the plantain slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the lilikoi mixture evenly over the plantains.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are caramelized and tender.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plantain and Pork Lau Lau
This classic Hawaiian dish combines the sweetness of plantains with the savory flavor of pork, all wrapped up in a tender lau lau package. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe plantains
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 lau lau leaves (fresh or dried)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Peel the plantains and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a large bowl, combine pork cubes, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
4. Add the plantain slices to the pork mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Place a few tablespoons of the pork-plantain mixture onto the center of each lau lau leaf, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the leaves over the filling, forming a neat package, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
7. Arrange the lau laus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the plantains are caramelized and the pork is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Hawaiian Plantain Chips with Li Hing Mui
Discover the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the tangy flavor of Li Hing Mui, a popular Hawaiian fruit seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon Li Hing Mui powder (or to taste)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the plantains into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Li Hing Mui powder and salt to taste.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your crispy and addictive Hawaiian Plantain Chips with Li Hing Mui!
Plantain Malasadas with Guava Filling
Discover the sweet fusion of plantains and guavas in these soft, fluffy malasadas filled with a tangy guava surprise.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe plantains
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Guava filling (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the plantains into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine sugar, salt, flour, and baking powder.
4. Add the milk and mix until a thick batter forms.
5. Dip each plantain piece into the batter, coating evenly.
6. Fry the malasadas in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
8. Fill with guava filling just before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Plantain and Shrimp Kebabs
This Caribbean-inspired recipe combines sweet plantains with succulent shrimp, smoky grill flavor, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe plantains
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut plantains into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers with shrimp, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush both sides of the kebabs with olive oil and sprinkle with jerk seasoning.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until plantains are caramelized and shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Plantain Haupia Cheesecake
This Plantain Haupia Cheesecake combines the creamy sweetness of traditional cheesecake with the unique flavors and textures of plantains and haupia (a traditional Puerto Rican coconut milk dessert). The result is a rich, creamy, and utterly unique dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1/2 cup plantain puree
– 1/4 cup haupia (coconut milk dessert)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix crumbs and melted butter; press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, plantain puree, haupia, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Plantain Stir-Fry
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the natural sweetness of plantains with a kick of heat from jalapeños, all wrapped up in a savory sauce. Perfect as a side or main course, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add plantain slices and bell peppers; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until plantains are caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Pour into skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plantain Poke Bowl with Tuna
This Hawaiian-inspired dish combines the tender sweetness of plantains with the savory flavor of tuna, all wrapped up in a nutritious bowl. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1/2 pound sushi-grade tuna (seared or cooked to your liking)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions, for garnish
– Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into thin rounds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
3. Place the tuna on top of the plantain slices and drizzle with the soy-honey mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Plantain Bread with Coconut Frosting
Moist and flavorful plantain bread paired with a creamy coconut frosting makes for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
For the bread:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add mashed plantains, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let bread cool completely on a wire rack.
5. For the frosting, combine coconut, softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
6. Spread frosting over cooled bread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fried Plantain with Kalua Pork
This recipe combines the sweetness of fried plantains with the smoky richness of kalua pork, creating a delicious and unique fusion of flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup Kalua pork (cooked and shredded)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the plantain slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and caramelized.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the plantains and cook for an additional minute.
5. Serve the fried plantains with Kalua pork, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii with these 18 tropical plantain delicacies! From classic desserts like Sweet Hawaiian Plantain Pudding and Caramelized Plantain Haupia Pie, to innovative twists on traditional dishes like Grilled Plantain with Pineapple Glaze and Plantain and Spam Musubi, there’s something for every palate. Discover the perfect fusion of plantains and coconut in recipes like Hawaiian Plantain Coconut Pancakes and Baked Plantain with Lilikoi Sauce. Treat your taste buds to a tropical getaway with these mouth-watering dishes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of plantains in Hawaiian cuisine.