Tostones are one of those side dishes that quietly steal the show. Whether you’ve seen them on a menu or tried them at a Latin American restaurant, you might still wonder: what are tostones, exactly?
At Los Andes in Jacksonville Beach, we serve tostones just the way they should be—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and always made fresh to order. They’re part of our broader menu of Peruvian and Latin American comfort foods.
Tostones Defined: Twice-Fried Green Plantains
Tostones are thick slices of green plantain that are fried twice to achieve their unique texture. The first fry softens the plantain, and then it’s smashed flat and fried again until golden and crisp.
Unlike sweet plantains, tostones use unripe green plantains, giving them a starchy, savory flavor. They’re typically sprinkled with salt and served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack across various Latin American countries.
Where Do Tostones Come From?
Tostones are found in the traditional cuisines of the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. Countries like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Cuba each have their own way of preparing and seasoning them.
In Peru, they’re often served alongside meats, rice, or ceviche-style dishes. At Los Andes in Jacksonville Beach, tostones are one of our go-to sides because they offer a crunchy, satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with dishes like beef milanesa or pollo a la brasa.
How Are Tostones Made?
Making tostones is simple but requires attention to detail for perfect crispness:
- Slice unripe plantains into thick rounds.
- Fry them briefly until lightly golden.
- Smash each piece flat using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass.
- Fry again until crispy and golden brown.
- Season with salt. Serve hot.
Some people like dipping them in garlic sauce, guacamole, or aji verde for extra flavor.
Can You Try Tostones at Los Andes?
Absolutely. At Los Andes, our tostones are made in-house, fresh for every order. Whether you’re pairing them with one of our grilled entrees or enjoying them as a snack with a cold chicha morada, they’re a flavorful, gluten-free option that fits any appetite.
Order online from our official website at losandesjax.com or stop by and try them in person.
Visit Us in Jacksonville Beach and Try Authentic Tostones
Location
335 Marsh Landing Parkway
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Hours
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tostones are more than a side dish. They’re a cultural staple made to be shared and savored. At Los Andes, we serve them the way they’re meant to be—crispy, warm, and deeply satisfying