Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwich (Plus Video)

Now, you recognize I like sandwich on a delicious slice of homemade bread (where are my bread lovers? 🙌), but there’s nothing quite like a jibarito to sell you on a bread-free sandwich. Who would have thought? Move over Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich because this Caribbean invention takes steak sandwiches way excessive. While this recipe could also be easy, trust me after I say the flavors are unforgettable. 🤤

What’s a Jibarito (Plantain and Steak Sandwich)?

A jibarito is a steak sandwich with two fried plantains, or tostones, within the place of bread buns to maintain every thing together. It’s a Puerto Rican dish that can be super popular in Chicago, and there are tons of variations on make it. It’s gluten-free, but you possibly can easily change it to a vegetarian and even vegan dish too.

Recipe Ingredients

• Plantains – Large, green plantains work best for this recipe. They give the impression of being like bananas, but they’re starchier and fewer sweet, and exquisite for frying.
• Mayonnaise – Oil, egg yolk, and vinegar or lemon juice come together to make this iconic and versatile mayo that’s super easy to make fresh. The unique version uses aoli, but you recognize I can’t leave a recipe alone. Garlic, hot sauce, and chili powder boost the flavour. Store-bought spicy mayo will work just high-quality in case you want the straightforward way.
• Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion – The lettuce gives your jibarito a fresh crunch, while the tomato’s acidity balances the fried plantains quite well. Onions just bring all of it together. In fact, you possibly can leave them out in case you prefer. You too can get creative along with your toppings, pickles or a spoonful of chimichurri could be awesome.
• Swiss Cheese – This yellow, medium-hard cheese is a delicious option for any sandwich, particularly the jibarito. Jarlsburg, Havarti, and Provolone are also good substitutes.

• Steak – What’s a steak sandwich without steak? Try thinly sliced flank steaks for optimal sandwich constructing. Do you could have leftover roast beef? That works, too. You possibly can replace it with a grilled Portabello mushroom in case you desire a vegetarian version.
• Sazon Seasoning – You will discover this seasoning on the ethnic or Latino aisles in your local supermarket. It’s a singular spice mix with cumin, coriander, garlic, and oregano for spicing up your steak before cooking.
• White Vinegar – This vinegar adds a touch of tang and works great in a marinade without changing its color.

Easy methods to Make Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwiches

Make the Fried Plantains

1. Cut the Plantains – Using a pointy knife cut the plantains in half. (Photos 1-3)
2. Get Able to Fry – In a big skillet, pour vegetable oil until no less than 2-3 inches deep.
3. Fry the Plantains – Set the stove to medium heat and wait until the oil is hot, about 375°F/190℃. Gently drop the plantains into the oil using tongs. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each plantain until it’s light brown, about 3-4 minutes on both sides. (Photos 4-5)
4. Drain Fried Plantains – Use a big, slotted spoon to remove the plantains from the oil.
5. Smash Those Babies – Place plantains on a chopping board or flat surface and press down on it firmly with the back of a heavy plate, bottle or skillet until flattened. You wish them to be about ¼-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining slices. (Photos 6-7)
6. Fry Them Again – Refry the flattened pieces within the 375°F/190℃ oil, turning them occasionally for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden, transfer them with a slotted spoon to paper towels to empty, and season them with salt and pepper. (Photo 8)

Make the Spicy Mayonnaise

• Mix Mayo Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, hot sauce, and chili powder. (Photos 9-10)
• Chill – Refrigerate until able to use.

Make the Steak

• Mix the Seasonings – Season steak with salt, Sazon seasoning, cumin, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil. Put aside. (Photos 11)
• Fry the Steak – Heat a skillet on medium with 1-2 tablespoons of oil. As soon because the oil is hot, put the steak in and fry both sides for 2-3 minutes or until it reaches the specified doneness. Remove from the pan and put aside. (Photos 12)

Assemble the Sandwiches

• Mayo and Plantains – Spread some mayonnaise sauce on the fried plantain.
• Toppings – Add tomatoes, onions, beef, lettuce, and cheese.
• Ending Touch – Top with one other plantain.
• Serve – Cut in half and serve!

Suggestions and Tricks

• Want an additional flavorful steak to your jibarito? Marinate the steak overnight. It’s going to be juicy and further delicious whenever you cook it up the following day. 😋
• Be certain you get green plantains, that are still firm enough to be bread substitute. Yellow plantains are softer and sweeter and won’t be firm enough to carry a sandwich together.
• Make sure you fry the plantains until they’re crispy and drain them well. They’ll be soft and greasy in case you don’t – not combo. 🙅🏾‍♀️

Make-Ahead Instructions

For best results, go ahead and whip up your spicy mayo and cook the steak. You possibly can even slice your veggie toppings ahead of time, then store all of the ingredients within the fridge in airtight containers. With all of the sandwich ingredients able to go, all you’ll must do before serving this dish is fry up the plantains.

As with most fried foods, fried plantains don’t taste pretty much as good reheated as fresh. Consider making the plantains fresh and prepping every thing else the day before. In case you just must make them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container too and reheat them within the oven at 375 degrees F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve these sandwiches as fresh as possible with just-cooked steak and freshly fried plantains. They’re salty, hot, and delicious, so balance them out along with your favorite fruit juice (passion or pineapple juice are tropical options) for a fully delish pairing.

Store leftover jibarito ingredients individually in airtight containers within the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

To reheat these sandwiches, you’ll only must heat the steak and the plantains. You possibly can do that within the microwave, but to get the unique crispiness back – especially for the plantains – try heating them within the oven or skillet with only a touch of oil.

FAQs

What Goes with Jibarito Plantain and Steak Sandwiches

Typically, you serve jibaritos alongside Arroz con Gandules, one other typical Puerto Rican dish. In case you can’t get enough of the plantains, you could possibly serve them with extra tostones on the side. I prefer to finish off my jibaritos with just a little Arroz con Leche for dessert and possibly a cool glass of Sorrel Drink.

More Puerto Rican Recipes to Try

Conclusion

In a nutshell, you’re going to fall head over heels for these little beauties. They’re perfect any time of 12 months, whether New Yr’s Eve, game day, or a family cookout. So take your sandwich-making skills to the following level and take a look at this recipe today!

Watch Easy methods to Make It