Plantain Bites Two Ways

Crispy roasted plantain slices topped with bold, layered flavors—one bite featuring seared pork belly with harissa mayo and pickled onions, the other showcasing beef tataki with shoyu mayo and fresh cilantro.

🍽️ Serves: 4–6 as an appetizer
⏱️ Total Time: ~45 minutes

by Chef Mikel Anthony

---

This recipe is part of the Chef’s Roll Test Kitchen, in partnership with MIC Food.

---

---

For the Plantain 

INGREDIENTS

• Plantain Slices by Big Banana from MIC Food.
• Neutral oil (grapeseed or canola), for brushing
• Kosher salt, to taste

Pork Belly Bite

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. Pork belly (raw strips)
• 3 tbsp. Harissa paste
• 1 cup Mayonnaise,
• Pickled red onions (see quick method below or use store-bought)
• Kosher salt & black pepper

Beef Tataki Bite

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz. Beef tenderloin or filet mignon
• 3 tbsp. Shoyu (soy sauce)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise,
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Neutral oil, for searing
• Kosher salt & black pepper

METHOD

1. For the Roasted Plantains:
   1. Preheat oven to 400°F (roast setting).
   2. Brush both sides lightly with oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
   3. Roast for 20min Season lightly with salt. Set aside.
2. For the Pork Belly Topping:
   1. Tenderize pork belly strips using a jacquard or meat mallet.
   2. Season with salt and pepper.
   3. In a hot pan, sear pork belly strips until golden and caramelized, ~3–4 minutes per side. Let rest briefly, then cut into small bite-sized pieces.
   4. Harissa mayo: mix harissa paste and mayo until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.
   5. Assemble: Top plantains with a dollop of harissa mayo, piece of pork belly, and pickled onion.
   6. Quick Pickled Onions (Optional): Thinly slice ½ red onion. Combine with 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt. 1 tbsb oregano, 1 lime sliced thin. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over onions, lime slices, and oregano in a jar. Let sit 15+ minutes.
3. Beef Tataki Topping:
   1. Season beef lightly with salt and pepper or a savory seasoning mix.
   2. In a very hot pan, hard sear the beef on all sides (~1 minute per side) to keep it rare inside.
   3. Let rest, then thinly slice across the grain.
   4. Shoyu mayo: mix soy sauce and mayo until creamy.
   5. Assemble: Top plantains with shoyu mayo, 1 beef slice, and fresh cilantro leaf.
4. Serve:
   1. Serve immediately while the plantains are warm and toppings are fresh.
   2. Great as a small plate, passed appetizer, or elevated bar bite.

---