Microwave ovens have been around since the early 1940s, and they are a convenient way to cook food. While you can’t use them for cooking everything, they are handy for cooking small or delicate items. In this article, we will show you how to cook plantains in microwave. Plantains are often overlooked nutritious fruit, but they are delicious when cooked properly. So let’s get started!
Many people think that plantains are a type of banana, but they are a different fruit. Plantains are longer and wider than bananas, and they have thicker skin. They are also starchier than bananas, which means that they are perfect for cooking. It is essential to choose ripe plantains for this recipe. Ripe plantains are yellow or black, and they should be soft to the touch. If you can’t find ripe plantains, you can use green plantains. Green plantains are less sweet than ripe plantains, but they will still work in this recipe.
What Are Plantains?
Plantains are a type of fruit that is closely related to bananas. However, plantains are usually cooked before they are eaten. When ripe, plantains have a sweet taste and can be used in desserts. Unripe plantains are firmer and more starchy, ideal for savory dishes.
Plantains are a staple food in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They can be fried, baked, or boiled, and are often served with curry or chili dishes. Plantains are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. They also contain a good amount of potassium, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Ripe plantains are yellow or black. You can cook them when they are either color, but the yellow ones are riper and will be sweeter. The black ones are more starchy and better for savory dishes.
A Step by Step Guide on How to Cook Plantains in Microwave
Step 1: Choose the Right Plantain
When choosing a plantain, you should look for one that is ripe but not too ripe. Ripe plantains are sweeter than unripe ones and will provide a more enjoyable eating experience. If you are looking to add some flavor to your dish, ripe plantains are the way to go. It is probably ready to be cooked in the skin is yellow with some black spots. If the skin is all black, it will likely become overripe and not taste as good.
Step 2: Cut Off the Ends of the Plantains
One reason is that it helps the plantains cook evenly. If you do not cut off the ends, some parts of the plantain will be overcooked while others will be undercooked. Another reason to cut off the end of the plantain is for safety purposes. Lots of plantains can be sharp, and you do not want to risk cutting yourself when cooking. So, first, you need to cut off the ends of the plantain. Use a knife to slice through the skin at the top and bottom of the fruit to do this.
Step 3: Peel the Plantain
Plantains have thick skin that needs to be removed before cooking them. The easiest way to do this is to use a knife to score the skin lengthwise. Once you have scored the skin, you should be able to peel it off easily. If the skin is giving you trouble, you can try using a vegetable peeler.
Step 4: Slice the Plantain
Once you have peeled the plantain, it is time to slice it. How thin or thick you slice the plantain depends on how you are going to cook it. If you are frying the plantain, you will want to slice it into thin pieces. If you are baking the plantain, you can slice it into thicker pieces.
Step 5: Place the Plantain Slices in a Microwave-safe Dish
After you have sliced the plantain, it is time to cook it. First, you need to place the plantain slices in a microwave-safe dish. Ensure that the dish is big enough so that the plantains do not touch each other. If they are touching, they will not cook evenly.
Step 6: Add Water to the Dish, Just Enough to Cover the Bottom of the Dish
You do not need to add a lot of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the dish. The plantains will release moisture as they cook, so you do not want to add too much water, or they will become mushy.
Step 7: Cook the Plantain Slices for 2-3 Minutes
After adding the water, it is time to cook the plantain slices. How long you cook them will depend on how thin or thick they are sliced. If you are frying the plantains, you will want to cook them for 2-3 minutes. If you are baking the plantains, you will want to cook them for 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the Plantains from the Microwave and Let Them Cool
Once the plantains are cooked, you need to remove them from the microwave and let them cool. If you try to eat them right away, they will be too hot and could burn your mouth. Letting them cool will also allow them to firm up to be handled.
Step 9: Serve the Plantains with Your Favorite Dish
Once the plantains have cooled, you can serve them with your favorite dish. You can fry them, bake them, or even eat them plain. Plantains are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. If you are looking for inspiration, check out some of our favorite plantain recipes.
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What to Eat With Plantains?
Plantains are a versatile food that can be eaten in many different ways. They can be cooked in different ways, such as frying, baking, or boiling. They can also be eaten raw, either ripe or unripe.
Ripe plantains are sweeter and are often used in desserts, while unripe plantains are more savory and are often used in main dishes. Here are some ideas of what to eat with plantains:
- Serve ripe plantains as a sweet side dish with grilled meats or fish.
- Make a plantain-based snack by slicing ripe plantains and frying them in oil. Serve with dipping sauces on the side.
- Add diced unripe plantains to stews or curries for a filling and flavor-packed meal.
- Make plantain chips by slicing unripe plantains thinly and frying them in oil. Serve as a snack or side dish.
- Include ripe plantains in smoothies or juices for a sweet and nutritious treat.
- Use unripe plantains in recipes that call for potatoes, such as mashed potatoes or potato salads.
Can You Cook Raw Plantains?
You can cook raw plantains in several ways. One popular method is to fry them. First, peel the plantain and slice it into thin strips. Then, heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the plantain strips. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
You can also bake raw plantains. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel the plantain and cut it into thin slices. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Another option is to boil raw plantains. Peel the plantain and cut it into small pieces. Add to a pot of boiling water and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until tender. There are many ways to enjoy raw plantains. Try them today!
How Do You Ripen Plantains Quickly?
Ripe plantains have a sweet, creamy taste and are used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast fare to dessert. While you can buy ripe plantains at the store, it’s also easy to ripen them at home. The most common method is to place unripe plantains in a brown paper bag.
The ethylene gas emitted by the plantains will speed up the ripening process. You can also ripen plantains by placing them in a sunny spot or near a heat source such as an oven or radiator. Ripe plantains can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. However, when they start to turn brown, they are past their prime and should be discarded.
If you need to ripen plantains quickly, the best method is to place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with plastic wrap. Cook on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the plantains are soft and slightly browned. Let them cool before handling, as they will be very hot. Ripe plantains can be used in any recipe that calls for ripe bananas.
Can Plantain Be Roasted in a Microwave?
Yes, but there are some things to keep in mind. Unlike other fruits, plantains contain a lot of starch and very little water. This means they will cook much faster in the microwave than other fruits. In addition, plantains will not soften as much as other fruits when cooked, so it is essential to ensure that they are cooked all the way through.
When cooking plantains in the microwave, prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Otherwise, they may explode. Microwaving is not the only way to cook plantains, but it is a quick and easy method that can produce delicious results.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, how to cook plantains in microwave. This is a quick and easy way to get your fix for this delicious fruit. So, give it a try and let us know what you think.
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