How to Peel a Plantain

If you’ve ever tried to peel a plantain like a banana and ended up wrestling with it, you’re not alone. Learning how to peel a plantain the right way makes all the difference. Unlike bananas, plantains have a tougher skin that doesn’t peel away easily—especially when they’re green. But don’t worry! Once you know the proper technique, peeling a plantain is quick and easy.

Whether you're making tostones or maduros, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to peel plantains without the struggle.

What You’ll Need

• A plantain (green or ripe)
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• Optional: gloves or a little oil for your hands (plantains can leave a sticky sap)

What's the difference between green plantains and yellow plantains?

Plantains are often called cooking bananas because, unlike sweet bananas, they’re usually cooked before eating. The difference between green and yellow plantains comes down to ripeness:

• Green plantains are unripe and starchy, similar to potatoes. They’re firm and ideal for savory dishes like tostones, plantain fries, or hearty stews.
• Yellow or black plantains are ripe and much sweeter. As they ripen, their starches convert to sugars, making them perfect for fried sweet plantains (maduros).

Both types are delicious in their own way, and the right choice depends on the dish you're making!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Peel a Plantain

Step 1 - Trim the Ends

Place the plantain on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut off both ends—about half an inch from the tip and the base.

Step 2 - Score the Peel

With the plantain lying lengthwise, carefully make a shallow slit down the length of the plantain. Try to cut just through the peel without slicing into the flesh. Green plantains are tougher, so don’t be afraid to use a little pressure.

🔪 Pro Tip: Scoring along the natural ridges of the plantain makes it easier to peel.

Step 3 - Pry the Peel Away

Starting at the slit, use your thumb or the edge of a spoon to lift the peel away from the flesh. Work your fingers under the skin and pull it off in sections.

• For green plantains: The peel may come off in chunks. Be patient and use your knife to help lift stubborn parts.
• For ripe (yellow or black) plantains: The peel is softer and will come off more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ways to Use Plantain

After you learn how to peel a plantain, you have to put the skill into action! You can make endless recipes with plantains, but here are a few of my favorites:

• Patacones (Tostones) – Twice-fried green plantain rounds, crispy and salty.
• Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros) – Caramelized ripe plantain slices with a soft, sweet interior.
• Plantain Fries – A savory twist on classic fries, made with green plantains.
• Chifles – Thin, crunchy plantain chips often served as a snack or side.
• Empanadas de Verde – Green plantain dough filled with cheese or meat and pan-fried or baked.
• Tortillas de Verde – Pan-fried green plantain patties, often stuffed with cheese.
• Caldo de Bolas – Ecuadorian green plantain dumplings stuffed with meat and served in a flavorful beef and peanut soup.
• Tigrillo – A traditional Ecuadorian breakfast of mashed green plantains mixed with eggs, cheese, and sometimes chicharrón.
• Mofongo – A Puerto Rican dish made with mashed fried green plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings.