How To Cook Plantains In The Microwave

on June 11, 2023

We hope you will join us on this culinary trip as we learn how to cook plantains quickly and effectively in the microwave. Fear not if you crave the savoury and sweet flavours of ripe plantains but are pressed for time. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to microwave plantains to perfection, bringing out their delicious flavour and supple texture in a fraction of the time.

Microwave cooking plantains produces beautifully tender and flavorful results quickly and conveniently. The microwave can be your greatest friend whether you’re pressed for time or just want to enjoy this popular tropical fruit quickly. To perfect the art of cooking plantains in the microwave, just follow these easy steps:

Making the proper plantain choices Choose ripe but yet firm plantains. Be on the lookout for those with yellow skin that has a few black spots on it. Plantains that are too ripe or too green should be avoided since they won’t cook in the microwave evenly.

Plantains must first be carefully washed under running water before being prepared. With a fresh kitchen towel, pat them dry. Next, make a shallow slit along the length of the skin of each plantain and gently chop off both ends with a sharp knife.
When putting the plantains in the microwave, make sure they are not touching each other and place them in a single layer on a plate that is appropriate for the microwave. You might need to cook plantains in batches if you’re preparing several of them.
Cooking time and power setting: Microwave the plantains for around 3 minutes on medium power (between 50 and 70%). After that, turn them over with a fork or pair of tongs and cook for a further three minutes in the microwave, or until the plantains are tender and easily penetrated.

A fork should be inserted into the thickest section of a plantain to determine whether it is fully cooked. They are ready to be relished if it passes through easily and the flesh is delicate. If not, reheat them in the microwave for another minute or so until they are the right consistency.
When the plantains are finished cooking, carefully remove them from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel because they will be quite hot. This will allow them to cool. Before touching or peeling them, allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Serving and eating: After the plantains have cooled, you may peel them by using your fingers to slowly draw back the skin. It should be simple to remove the flesh from the skin. Serve the plantains as a side dish, a snack, or even as the foundation for other delectable meals by slicing them into the necessary shapes, such as rounds or diagonal slices.

Plantains may be prepared quickly and easily by microwaving them because it is a practical way to keep their natural flavours and sweetness. This makes it a great choice for people who are busy or seeking a quick and simple cooking method.

Do you peel plantains before cooking?

It is typically advised to peel plantains before cooking them in the microwave. The following is how to peel plantains:

The plantains should first be cleaned of any dirt or debris by running water.

Make a shallow cut from one end of the skin to the other using a sharp knife. Avoid slicing the plantain’s flesh too deeply.
After making the initial cut, you can carefully pull and peel back the skin with your fingers or the knife.
Work your way around the plantain as you continue to peel the skin until the entire peel is gone.

Before cooking, peel the plantains to allow the microwave’s heat to uniformly permeate the flesh, resulting in well cooked plantains. Additionally, peeling the cooked plantains makes it simpler to handle and eat them once they are finished.

Is plantain skin edible after being microwaved?

Even after being heated in the microwave, the plantain peel is typically not edible. In contrast to certain other fruits, like bananas, a plantain’s peel retains its tough, fibrous texture even after cooking. As a result, it is advised to peel the cooked plantain before eating.

Allow the plantains to cool after they have been microwaved. The skin can then be slowly peeled off using your fingers or a knife. The inside of the plantain should be soft and cooked when the flesh easily separates from the skin. Remove the skin from the peeled plantains and slice or serve them as prefered.

It’s important to note that some traditional meals in various cultures employ plantain skins, but they often demand for particular preparations like boiling or frying the plantains. It is advisable to remove the skin before eating when using a microwave.

What is the difference between a plantain and a banana?

Although bananas and plantains may appear to be identical, there are some significant distinctions between the two:

Plantains have thicker skins and are longer and wider than bananas. They differ in hue as well. Plantains can range in ripeness from green to yellow to black, unlike bananas, which are normally yellow when ripe.

Taste: When compared to bananas, plantains have a starchier and less sweet flavour. Plantains have a firm texture and a moderate, starchy flavour when they are green. They get sweeter as they develop, but some of their starchiness is still present. Bananas, on the other hand, are renowned for their sweet and tropical taste.
Plantains are a common ingredient in many cuisines, especially those from tropical areas. Since they are starchy, they are frequently boiled before eating. Because of their adaptability, plantains can be boiled, fried, grilled, or baked. They can be used as a vegetable in savoury recipes or as a component in desserts. On the other hand, bananas are usually consumed raw as a snack or added to baked goods and sweets.
In terms of calories, carbs, and fibre, plantains and bananas have similar nutritional profiles. However, compared to bananas, plantains often have more starch and less sugar. Additionally, they typically include more potassium and vitamin A.

Despite belonging to the same botanical family, the Musaceae, as bananas, plantains have unique qualities that make them appropriate for many culinary applications.