Crispy Vietnamese Fried Bananas

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: Ice cream, for serving Optional: Ice cream, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Peel the bananas and cut them into halves or thirds, depending on their size.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Dip each banana piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated bananas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
7. 7.
   Once fried, remove the bananas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Bananas hot, either on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bananas — Choose ripe bananas with a yellow peel and some brown spots for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using overly ripe bananas as they may become too mushy during frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar over the fried bananas before serving.
• Experiment with different types of ice cream flavors to find your favorite pairing with the fried bananas.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, you can drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the fried bananas before serving.
• If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a deep pan or pot with enough oil to fully submerge the bananas.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Bananas hot to fully enjoy their crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior. They can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful combination of flavors and temperatures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Bananas on a serving plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance.