Tostones, those twice-fried green plantain slices, are a crispy, salty delight that hail from various Latin American countries. They're great on their own, but when paired with the right sides, they become part of a show-stopping meal.
So, what can take your tostones from snack to feast? Here are 15 side dishes that complement tostones perfectly, adding a burst of flavor, texture, and color to your table.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with tostones are guacamole, pineapple salsa, refried beans, blooming onion, corn on the cob, cilantro lime sauce, cheese dip, picadillo, Impossible Burger, salmon burger, fresh spring rolls, coconut rice, mango chutney, avocado toast, and street corn salad.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Guacamole
If tostones are the crunch, then guacamole is the creamy counterbalance. Made from ripe avocados, cilantro, and a sprinkle of lime, guacamole adds a buttery smoothness that complements the crispy tostones wonderfully. It’s not just a dip; it's a flavor-packed side that elevates each bite.
2. Pineapple Salsa
Fresh pineapple salsa adds a tropical flair to your plate. The sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the heat of jalapenos and the tang of lime, creates a refreshing contrast to the salty crunch of tostones. It's an explosion of flavors that makes the whole meal feel like a mini vacation.
3. Refried Beans
For a heartier side, refried beans work like a charm. The creamy texture and earthy flavor provide a robust contrast to the crispy, light tostones. Spiced with a bit of cumin and maybe a dollop of sour cream, refried beans offer a comforting depth to the meal.
4. Blooming Onion
Think of a blooming onion as a flower of flavor next to your tostones. This deep-fried delight offers layers of crispy, seasoned onion that you can pull apart. It's a different kind of crunch, a different kind of flavor, but one that harmonizes well with tostones.
5. Corn on the Cob
Imagine holding a juicy, grilled corn on the cob, sprinkled with a bit of salt and maybe some chili powder. The kernels burst with sweetness, providing a different texture and a natural sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the tostones. It's summer on a plate, any time of the year.
6. Cilantro Lime Sauce
Sometimes you just need a drizzle to make everything dazzle. Cilantro lime sauce is that drizzle. Its zesty, herby goodness is the perfect dipping companion for tostones. It’s light yet flavorful, turning each bite into a dance of citrus and herbs.
7. Cheese Dip
When it comes to indulgence, a velvety cheese dip takes the cake. Imagine dunking a crispy tostone into a bowl of warm, gooey cheese. It's a luxurious treat that turns the simple tostone into something extraordinary.
8. Picadillo
Last but not least, let's talk about picadillo. This meaty, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spiced ground meat dish offers a different kind of substance. It feels like a main course but serves well as a side, adding a hearty and fulfilling element that pairs beautifully with the lightness of tostones.
9. Impossible Burger
Who says you can't enjoy a burger with your tostones? An Impossible Burger brings all the goodness of a meaty burger but in a vegan package. The savory, smoky flavors and the tender texture provide a hearty contrast to the light, crispy tostones. Dress it up with your favorite vegan condiments, and you've got a side that might just steal the show.
10. Salmon Burger
For a lighter but equally satisfying option, a salmon burger fits the bill. The flaky, juicy salmon patty, maybe seasoned with some dill and lemon, offers a touch of elegance to your plate of tostones. It's a burst of omega-3 goodness that feels like a full meal but plays well as a side.
11. Fresh Spring Rolls
How about some freshness to balance the fried goodness of tostones? Fresh spring rolls, filled with crisp veggies and maybe some shrimp or tofu, offer a light, healthy side. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls are like little bundles of joy.
12. Coconut Rice
Sometimes a bit of sweetness elevates the whole meal. Coconut rice, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, complements the salty, crunchy tostones perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to make and adds a touch of the tropics to the table.
13. Mango Chutney
For a tangy, sweet kick, mango chutney is a winner. The chunks of mango and the hints of spices offer a delightful contrast, making each bite of tostone an adventure. It's the sort of side that takes you on a flavor journey without leaving the table.
14. Avocado Toast
For a hip twist, why not serve some avocado toast as a side? Creamy avocado spread over a crispy slice of toasted bread is a millennial favorite for a reason. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes and a squirt of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a side that’s Insta-worthy.
15. Street Corn Salad
Take the flavors of street corn off the cob and put them in a bowl. Street corn salad has the smoky, zesty taste of elote, the Mexican street corn, but in a fork-friendly form. It’s a mix of corn, lime, chili, and cheese that lights up the taste buds.
More Recipes
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What To Serve With Tostones
Ingredients
- 2 tostones
Instructions
- Make the best tostones using your favorite recipe or buy some.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat tostones with guacamole, pineapple salsa, refried beans, blooming onion, corn on the cob, cilantro lime sauce, cheese dip, picadillo, Impossible Burger, salmon burger, fresh spring rolls, coconut rice, mango chutney, avocado toast, and street corn salad.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂