Rice Free Whole30 Lemon-Dill Sautéed Plantains
Ripe plantains — the kind with yellow skins gone spotty black — are naturally sweet, starchy, and completely grain-free, making them a brilliant stand-in when you want something satisfying without a single grain in sight. These rounds get sautéed in ghee until the edges caramelize into deep, golden ribbons that are crisp on the outside and meltingly tender within. The finishing move is what really sets this dish apart: a hit of fresh lemon juice and zest pulled off the heat, scattered with bright dill and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. That combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy is genuinely addictive, and it comes together in one skillet with almost no cleanup. Plantains can sometimes feel like a side dish without a clear identity, but the lemon-dill combo here gives them a confident, almost Mediterranean personality that works alongside grilled proteins or eggs just as easily as it does on its own. If you've been leaning on rice as your go-to starchy base, this is the recipe that might quietly replace it.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with black spots), peeled and sliced on the bias into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp ghee
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the ghee in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering and the foam subsides, about 1 minute.
- 2
Arrange the plantain rounds in a single layer in the skillet — work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding. Season with the salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, until the undersides are deep golden brown and the edges look caramelized.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!