Twice-fried plantains topped with succulent shrimp: that’s the magic behind tostones, a beloved Caribbean and Latin American dish that’s absolutely exploding across social feeds.

The Cuban Yani (@yanimg30) has left her followers on TikTok craving her famous stuffed tostones with shrimp, proving just how viral this combo has become.

What makes this trend so addictive? It’s the perfect storm of crispy, creamy, and savory all in one bite.

The dish hits all the right notes for 2025’s food landscape, it’s budget-friendly, highly photogenic for content creation, and satisfies our craving for global flavors and crunchy textures that food forecasters say will dominate this year.

From quick microwave hacks to gourmet presentations, creators are putting their own spin on this Cuban-Puerto Rican classic, making it the ultimate crossover hit.

From Street Food to Viral Fame: The Cultural Roots of Tostones

Ever wonder why your abuela’s tostones taste so different?

This twice-fried plantain technique dates back to Spanish colonial times, when Caribbean cooks turned green plantains into crispy currency, literally!

The name “tostón” comes from an old Spanish coin.

Puerto Rican street vendors in the 1800s were already perfecting tostones rellenos de camarones, creating edible cups that could hold anything from fresh shrimp to local spices.

Fast-forward to 2025, and TikTok creators are basically doing what Caribbean families have done for generations, just with better lighting and trending sounds.

Trending: TikTok’s Obsession with Shrimp-Stuffed Plantains

TikTok has found its latest food obsession: shrimp-stuffed tostones that are breaking the internet one crispy bite at a time.

The Cuban creator Yani (@yanimg30) sparked the viral moment with her genius hack using store-bought Goya tostones, proving you don’t need to peel plantains to create magic.

The hashtags #tostones and #shrimpcups are exploding across feeds, with creators sharing everything from traditional Cuban recipes to fusion twists.

Popular videos like @sweetsandbeyond’s asopao de camarones with tostones and @tasty’s camarones al ajillo are racking up millions of views, cementing this trend’s staying power.

What makes these videos irresistible?

The satisfying crunch of the golden plantain cups, the visual appeal of perfectly seasoned shrimp, and that “I-can-make-this-at-home” accessibility that drives TikTok’s food culture.

How Food Creators and Chefs are Reimagining Tostones?

Food creators are turning the humble tostones from Caribbean street food into gourmet appetizers, making these twice-fried plantain cups into canvases for creative culinary experimentation.

1. Creative Toppings Taking Over Social Media

Food influencers are going beyond traditional garlic and salt, introducing bold international flavors that make tostones Instagram-worthy.

Jerk Shrimp Plantain Tostones with Mango Salsa showcase Caribbean fusion at its finest, while creators experiment with chorizo crumbles, blackened proteins, and spicy aiolis.

The versatile plantain cups accommodate everything from Korean-style shrimp to Mexican street corn toppings, proving their global appeal.

2. Chef Zee’s Viral Garlic Shrimp Cups

Chef Zee’s garlic shrimp cups became a sensation by reimagining traditional camarones al ajillo as finger food.

Her technique of “making the tostones in the shape of little cups suddenly things get real” inspired countless variations.

The recipe combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with aromatic garlic sauce, creating what she calls “a combination of comfort food and all in one.”

3. Paleo-Friendly and Gourmet Plating Evolution

Health-conscious creators have adopted tostones as the perfect paleo vehicle for upscale presentations.

Shrimp Tostones with Sun-Dried Tomato Guacamole demonstrates how Whole30 compliance doesn’t sacrifice flavor, while Paleo Tostones prove plantains work beautifully as grain-free “sandwich bread.”

Professional chefs now plate them as restaurant-quality appetizers with microgreens, specialty salts, and artistic drizzles that rival any fine-dining establishment.

Where to Try Shrimp Tostones: Pop-Ups & Food Trucks to Watch

Street food vendors are catching onto what TikTok already knows: shrimp tostones are having their moment.

Latin fusion pop-ups and Caribbean food trucks nationwide are adding these crispy cups to their menus, riding the viral wave that’s making them the next birria taco.

Keep your eyes peeled at local food markets and weekend pop-ups, where experimental chefs are testing creative variations before committing to permanent menu spots.

Search your city’s food truck scene for Cuban, Puerto Rican, or fusion vendors; many are quietly serving Instagram-worthy versions.

Found an amazing spot?

Tag them and share your finds. This trend is just getting started, and early adopters are becoming local legends.

Shrimp Tostones Recipe You Can Try at Home

Ready to join the viral moment? This quick version combines crispy plantain cups with garlic shrimp for that TikTok-worthy bite.

Ingredients Required

How to Prepare

• Step 1 – Make the Cups: Fry plantain slices for 3 minutes on each side. Remove, flatten with a plate (like Chef Zee suggests), then fry again until golden and crispy.
• Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, and add seasoned shrimp. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
• Step 3 – Assemble: Top each tostone with shrimp and a squeeze of lime. Add guacamole if using.

Share Your Creation – Tag your posts and show us your take on this trending combo! Whether you go traditional or add your own twist, we want to see those crispy, garlicky bites.

That’s a Wrap

The trifecta of viral food success: that satisfying crunch sound, golden color perfection, and handheld convenience make shrimp tostones pure social media gold.

The textural contrast between crispy plantain and juicy shrimp creates an irresistible bite that translates beautifully on camera.

Upscale restaurants are already testing elevated presentations, while meal kit companies eye this as their next big launch.

Follow us for the latest viral food trends before they hit your feed. We spot tomorrow’s obsessions today.