Classic Venezuelan Patacón Pisao: Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

2 large green plantains
1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of shredded beef
1 cup of grated cheese
1/2 cup of pink sauce (ketchup and mayonnaise blend)
1/2 cup of guacamole
1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup of chopped lettuce

Steps and instructions

Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and fry them until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Once the plantain slices are cool enough to handle, flatten them using a plantain press or the bottom of a glass.
Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry them again until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Sprinkle the fried plantains with salt while they are still hot.
Top each plantain with a portion of the shredded beef, a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of pink sauce, a spoonful of guacamole, some chopped tomatoes, and a handful of lettuce.
Serve the Patacón Pisao immediately while it's still warm.

Tools for making

Cutting board - To peel and slice the plantains.
Knife - To cut the plantains and chop the tomatoes and lettuce.
Frying pan - To fry the plantain slices.
Plantain press or glass - To flatten the plantain slices.
Paper towels - To drain the fried plantains.
Spoon - To spread the pink sauce and guacamole on top of the plantains.

Recipe variations

Instead of frying the plantains, you can bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative.
Try using sweet plantains instead of green plantains for a sweeter flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use cornmeal or gluten-free flour for coating the plantains.
Replace the shredded beef with grilled chicken or pulled pork.
Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with black beans or grilled vegetables.
Add some spice by including sliced jalapenos or hot sauce.
Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or queso fresco.
Try different toppings such as diced avocado, pickled onions, or cilantro.

Recipe overview

Patacón Pisao, also known as a stuffed plantain sandwich, is a popular street food in many Latin American countries. It consists of crispy fried plantain slices used as the "bread" of the sandwich, filled with juicy shredded beef, creamy cheese, and a selection of fresh and flavorful toppings. This recipe is a delightful mix of textures and flavors: the crunch of the plantain, the tenderness of the beef, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tanginess of the pink sauce. It's a bit of a project, but the delectable result is absolutely worth it. In this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare Patacón Pisao from scratch. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy the delicious outcome!

Common questions

Can I use ripe plantains instead of green plantains?

While green plantains are traditionally used for Patacón Pisao, ripe plantains can be used as well. However, keep in mind that ripe plantains will be sweeter and softer, so the texture and taste of the final dish may be different.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use a different type of oil for frying, such as canola oil or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during the frying process.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for this recipe?

Yes, you can omit the shredded beef and cheese to make a vegetarian version of Patacón Pisao. For a vegan option, you can use plant-based alternatives for the pink sauce and guacamole, or skip them altogether and add your preferred vegan toppings.

Can I make the plantains ahead of time?

It is best to serve Patacón Pisao immediately after frying the plantains to ensure they remain crispy. However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can fry the plantains once, flatten them, and then store them in an airtight container. Just before serving, fry them again to regain the crispy texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely and easily slice the plantains.
Knife - A sharp knife is essential for peeling the plantains and chopping the tomatoes and lettuce.
Frying pan - Use a frying pan to heat the vegetable oil and fry the plantains.
Plantain press - A plantain press is helpful for flattening the fried plantains.
Paper towels - Use paper towels to drain the excess oil from the fried plantains.
Spoon - A spoon is needed for adding the toppings such as pink sauce, guacamole, and shredded beef.

Origin stories

Patacón Pisao, hailing from the vibrant country of Venezuela, carries a tale as rich as its flavors. This dish, a cherished street food, is named after a popular Venezuelan song from the 1970s. The song, "El Patacón Pisao", humorously tells the story of a man who slips on a "patacón", indicating a flattened plantain, causing him to fall down in public. This playful song inspired street food vendors to name their plantain sandwiches "Patacón Pisao". And so, with every bite of this scrumptious sandwich, the Venezuelans also savor a slice of their cultural history and humor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.