A traditional Panamanian side dish — Patacones Panameños are crisp, golden disks of smashed green plantain, fried twice until they shatter with every bite. They show up everywhere in Panama, from fondas and beach shacks to the finest tables, always salted and served hot. Whether alongside fried fish, chicharrón or a cold beer, they are the crunch Panama craves.
Patacones Panameños
A traditional Panamanian side dish — Patacones Panameños are crisp, golden disks of smashed green plantain, fried twice until they shatter with every bite.

Step by stepInstructions
- Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and scoring the skin lengthwise; cut the flesh into 1½-inch thick rounds.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rounds for 3 minutes per side until pale golden but not browned.
- Remove and smash each round flat between two plates or with a wooden pataconera press to about ¼ inch thick.
- Return the flattened patacones to the hot oil and fry until deep golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
- Mix the garlic, water and a pinch of salt, brush it over the hot patacones, and serve with lime wedges.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Do not let the first fry brown the plantains or they will turn tough and sweet when pressed. If you have one, a wooden pataconera makes perfectly even disks.

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