If you’re looking for a fun twist on burger night, these Puerto Rican Jibarito Sliders are about to become a new family favorite! Made with crispy fried green plantains instead of traditional bread, these little sliders are packed with flavor and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, creamy mayo ketchup sauce, and juicy seasoned beef.
They’re crispy, savory, satisfying, and honestly… absolutely irresistible.
What Is a Jibarito Sandwich?
A jibarito sandwich is a sandwich made using fried green plantains instead of bread. The plantains are twice-fried and smashed, similar to tostones, creating a crispy exterior that holds all of the delicious fillings inside.
Traditional versions are often filled with steak, garlic mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato.
These Puerto Rican Jibarito Sliders take that same delicious concept and transform it into a smaller, slider-sized version that’s perfect for sharing.
Why Are Plantains So Important in Puerto Rican Cuisine?
Plantains are one of the most beloved ingredients in Puerto Rican cooking. They have been a staple food on the island for generations and appear in countless traditional dishes.
Unlike bananas, plantains are typically cooked before eating and can be enjoyed at various stages of ripeness. Green plantains are used to make favorites like tostones, mofongo, and jibaritos, while ripe sweet plantains are used in dishes like amarillos and pastelón.
Growing up in a Puerto Rican family, plantains were always on the table in one form or another. They’re affordable, versatile, filling, and absolutely delicious. It’s hard to imagine Puerto Rican food without them!
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 4 green plantains
- 8 slider-sized beef patties (or about 1 pound ground beef formed into sliders)
- Adobo seasoning, to taste
- Dried oregano, to taste
- oil for frying
Toppings
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado (optional)
For the Mayo Ketchup Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
How to Make Puerto Rican Jibarito Sliders
Step 1: Season and Cook the Beef
Season the slider patties with adobo and oregano.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the patties in the skillet seasoned side down. Season the other side and cook for about 3 minutes before flipping.
Continue cooking until the burgers are fully cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Plantains
Cut off both ends of each green plantain.
Using a knife, carefully score the skin lengthwise and peel away the outer layer.
Cut each plantain into approximately 4 to 5 pieces, depending on the size.
Step 3: First Fry
Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the plantain pieces and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly golden.
Remove from the oil.
Step 4: Smash the Plantains
Using a tostonera, plate, cup, or the bottom of a bowl, gently flatten each plantain piece.
You want them flattened enough to create a slider “bun” but still thick enough to hold together.
Step 5: Second Fry
Return the smashed plantains to the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Make the Mayo Ketchup
In a small bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 minced garlic clove
Mix until smooth.
Taste and adjust as desired. Add extra ketchup for a sweeter tangier sauce or extra garlic for more flavor.
Step 7: Assemble the Jibarito Sliders
Spread mayo ketchup on both plantain halves.
Place a slice of cheese on the bottom plantain if desired.
Add a cooked slider patty.
Top with shredded lettuce and a tomato slice.
Finish with the second plantain and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Jibarito Sliders
- Use very green plantains for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the second fry—it creates that signature crispy exterior.
- Season the beef generously since the plantains themselves are mild in flavor.
- Serve immediately while the plantains are hot and crispy.
- Pair with avocado slices for a delicious Puerto Rican-inspired meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
The beef and mayo ketchup can be prepared ahead of time, but the plantains are best fried and assembled right before serving.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, shredded chicken, or even steak work wonderfully in jibaritos.
Are jibaritos gluten-free?
Yes! Since the “bread” is replaced with plantains, these sliders are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasonings and condiments to ensure they are gluten-free.
Now it your turn!
These Puerto Rican Jibarito Sliders are everything I love about Puerto Rican comfort food—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and plenty of plantains!
If you’ve never tried a jibarito before, this slider version is a fantastic place to start. The crispy plantains, juicy beef, fresh toppings, and creamy mayo ketchup sauce come together to create a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Trust me when I say you’ll be making these again and again!
💖 Yessi
Puerto Rican Jibarito Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 frying pan
- 1 tongs
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 large green plantains
- 8 slider-sized beef patties about 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- oil for frying
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 garlic clove minced
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 4 slices American cheese cut in half (optional)
- 1 avocado sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the slider patties with adobo seasoning and oregano on both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Cut off the ends of the green plantains. Score the skin lengthwise and peel.
- Slice each plantain into 4-5 equal pieces.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the plantain pieces for approximately 1½ minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Remove the plantains and flatten each piece using a tostonera, plate, or the bottom of a cup.
- Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry a second time until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and minced garlic. Mix until smooth.
- To assemble, spread mayo ketchup on both sides of two plantain pieces.
- Add cheese (if using), a cooked slider patty, lettuce, and tomato.
- Top with another plantain piece and serve immediately with sliced avocado on the side.
Video
Notes
- Use very green plantains for the best texture and crispiness.
- The mayo ketchup sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Add more ketchup for a tangier sauce or extra garlic for more flavor.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh while the plantains are still crispy.
- Ground turkey, chicken, steak, or even pulled pork can be substituted for the beef.
