Welcome to the glorious days of summer! With the sun shining and spirits high, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and embark on culinary adventures that are both delicious and delightfully low-effort. And what better way to kick off the season than with a batch of perfectly grilled plantains? Our summer grilling experience recently received a significant upgrade, thanks to our wonderful friends at Traeger Grills, whose wood pellet grill has become an indispensable tool in our kitchen. Grilling fruits and vegetables on it has quickly become one of our absolute favorite ways to infuse incredible flavor into our meals, and these grilled plantains are a shining example of just how spectacular simple ingredients can become with the kiss of wood-fired smoke.
Mastering the Art of Grilling Plantains: An Effortless Delight
Plantains are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, celebrated for their versatility and unique flavor profile that ranges from starchy to wonderfully sweet, depending on their ripeness. While there are numerous ways to prepare them – from boiling and mashing to baking and frying – grilling has emerged as our top choice, and for good reason! Grilling plantains offers an incredibly easy, hands-off approach to cooking them, yielding a caramelized exterior and a tender, flavorful interior that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s significantly less messy than traditional pan-frying, which means less time cleaning up grease and more time enjoying your delicious meal and the beautiful summer weather. Who can argue with that?
The beauty of grilled plantains lies in their simplicity. To prepare them, you start by selecting the right plantains (more on that below!), then simply score the peel lengthwise, allowing you to easily remove it. Next, slice the peeled plantains in half, from end to end. With your grill preheated to a medium-high temperature, place the plantain halves directly on the grates. Allow them to cook for about five to seven minutes per side, brushing them with a touch of melted coconut oil as they sizzle. This not only prevents sticking but also helps develop a beautiful golden crust and a hint of tropical richness. Once tender and slightly charred, remove them from the grill, add your desired seasonings or sauces, and prepare to be amazed. It’s truly that easy – and with virtually no cleanup, it’s a win-win for any summer gathering!
Our Enduring Passion for Traeger Grills
Our appreciation for Traeger Grills is a story that goes back many years. Both Justin and I have been steadfast fans of the Traeger brand, drawn to their innovative approach to outdoor cooking. So, when our previous grill began to show its age, it felt like a natural step to reach out to Traeger and explore a potential partnership. We’re always thrilled to collaborate with brands that have strong local roots, and Traeger’s origins right here in Oregon resonate deeply with us, even though they’ve grown into a globally recognized name with an incredibly broad reach. This connection to home, coupled with the exceptional quality of their products, makes Traeger an ideal partner.
Beyond geographical ties, our profound love for Traeger stems from the unparalleled flavor imparted by wood pellet grilling. This method introduces a natural, complex smoky depth to anything you cook, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. Unlike gas or charcoal grills, a Traeger offers a consistent, even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time. But the magic of a Traeger goes beyond just grilling; it’s an incredibly versatile cooking machine. With a single unit, you can smoke ribs to fall-off-the-bone perfection, grill succulent steaks, bake pizzas with a crispy crust, roast vegetables until tender, braise hearty stews, and, of course, master classic BBQ dishes. The consistent, delicious results and the sheer variety of cooking methods available make the Traeger wood pellet grill an essential tool in our summer cooking repertoire. This shared enthusiasm for the Traeger experience made our collaboration feel not just organic, but truly destined, especially during these warmer months when our grill is constantly alight with new creations.
Unleashing the Versatility of Grilled Plantains: Sweet or Savory?
One of the most exciting aspects of these grilled plantains is their incredible versatility. They serve as a fantastic canvas for a wide array of flavors, allowing you to customize them to suit any craving or meal. Whether you lean towards a sweet treat or a savory side, plantains are remarkably adaptable. We love to enhance their natural sweetness with a delicate drizzle of raw local honey and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon, creating a dessert-like experience. For those following a Whole30 diet, simply omit the honey, and you’ll still find them wonderfully satisfying.
But don’t stop there! The possibilities are truly endless. For a more savory profile, consider dusting them with a pinch of smoked paprika, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. A simple sprinkle of sea salt and a generous brush of coconut oil is also a classic and incredibly delicious option – we’ve certainly enjoyed them in many variations during our recipe development and taste testing sessions! Imagine them paired with grilled meats, or as a flavorful base for a loaded plantain split. You could even get creative with toppings like crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped cilantro, or a spicy mango salsa for a vibrant, savory twist. For a truly decadent dessert, envision a grilled plantain split topped with dairy-free coconut milk ice cream, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, and a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce. The key is to experiment and let your taste buds guide you.
A crucial tip for perfecting your grilled plantains lies in choosing the right ripeness. For a sweeter, softer result, opt for plantains that are yellow with plenty of black spots, or even completely black. These are fully ripe, and their starches have converted to sugars, making them ideal for dessert-style preparations. If you prefer a more savory, potato-like texture that holds its shape a bit better, select greener plantains with less yellow. Their starchier content makes them perfect for absorbing robust, savory flavors and serving as a delightful accompaniment to main dishes. Understanding plantain ripeness is the secret to unlocking their full potential on the grill.
Beyond Plantains: More Grilling Inspiration to Savor
While grilled plantains are undoubtedly a summer favorite, the world of grilling offers an expansive range of delicious possibilities. Our Traeger grill has opened up a universe of exciting recipes, allowing us to explore everything from vibrant fruit salads to hearty main courses. If you’re looking to diversify your grilling repertoire or simply want to try something new alongside your plantains, here are some other fantastic grilling recipes we highly recommend:
- GRILLED FRUIT SALAD
- PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE
- GRILLED STEAK SALAD
- GRILLED MARINATED VEGGIES
- THE BEST POTATO SALAD
- SUMMER CITRUS SALAD
Your Turn: Get Grilling with These Delicious Plantains!
Whether you’re planning an elaborate backyard BBQ or a simple weeknight meal, these grilled plantains are destined to be the star side dish, or even a delightful dessert! They bring a unique blend of sweetness, texture, and the irresistible char of the grill to any plate. We encourage you to give this easy recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations!
After you’ve made these fantastic grilled plantains, please share your experience with us! Leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out, what toppings you experimented with, or any clever twists you added. And don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram! Tag us @realsimplegood so we can admire your delicious results. If you haven’t already, give us a follow for more simple, real, and good recipes!
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Grilled Plantains (Paleo + Whole30 Option)
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Ingredients
- 4 very ripe plantains (should be almost black)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Suggested toppings:
- Raw local honey, drizzled to taste (omit for Whole30)
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat grill to high heat, around 500°F (260°C).
- Score plantain peels with a knife and peel them. Cut the plantains in half lengthwise.
- Place the plantains on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with melted coconut oil as they cook.
- Remove from the grill and top with your favorite seasonings and toppings – we love honey, cinnamon, and sea salt. Enjoy!
Last Step:
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