Chinese Style Banana Fritters Recipe: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

If you have a sweet tooth and love trying out new dessert recipes, you'll definitely want to give Chinese-style banana fritters a try. This delicious dessert is a popular treat in China and is made by coating banana chunks in a thin batter and deep-frying them until crispy. The result is a sweet, crunchy treat that's perfect for satisfying your cravings.

To make Chinese-style banana fritters, you'll need a few basic ingredients like plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, sparkling water, sesame oil, and bananas. You can also add in other ingredients like sesame seeds, vanilla ice cream, or honey to enhance the flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding in some seafood like shrimp or crab for a unique twist on the recipe.

Once you have your ingredients ready, the preparation process is fairly simple. You'll need to mix the dry ingredients together, add in the wet ingredients, and then coat the banana chunks in the batter before deep-frying them in oil. After they're done frying, you can serve them hot with your favourite toppings and enjoy your delicious Chinese-style banana fritters.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style banana fritters are a popular dessert in China that can be made by coating banana chunks in a thin batter and deep-frying them until crispy.
• To make Chinese-style banana fritters, you'll need basic ingredients like plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, sparkling water, sesame oil, and bananas. You can also add in other ingredients like sesame seeds, vanilla ice cream, or honey to enhance the flavour.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding in some seafood like shrimp or crab for a unique twist on the recipe.

Ingredients and Substitutions

If you're looking for a sweet and crispy treat, Chinese-style banana fritters are a great option. Here are some tips for choosing the right ingredients and making substitutions to suit your taste.

Choosing the Right Bananas

When making banana fritters, it's important to choose bananas that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe bananas can become too mushy and difficult to handle when frying. You can use any type of banana that you prefer, but plantains are a popular choice in Chinese cuisine. They have a firmer texture and a slightly less sweet flavour than regular bananas.

Batter Basics

The batter is what gives the fritters their crispy exterior. To make the batter, you'll need flour, cornflour, baking powder, and milk. You can substitute the milk for water or coconut milk if you prefer. Adding sesame oil to the batter gives the fritters a nutty flavour and aroma. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil instead.

If you want to make the batter gluten-free, you can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the batter to give the fritters a unique flavour.

Oil Options for Frying

When it comes to frying the fritters, you'll need to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil is a popular choice, but you can also use peanut oil or sunflower oil. If you're feeling adventurous, you can use coconut oil or even try frying the fritters in duck fat for a richer flavour.

As a suggestion, you can also add some seafood to the recipe to give it a unique twist. Shrimp or crab meat can be added to the batter to give the fritters a savoury flavour. Alternatively, you can serve the fritters with a side of prawn crackers or crispy fish skin for a seafood-inspired snack.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese-style banana fritters, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. This includes mixing the batter and prepping the bananas.

Mixing the Batter

To make the batter, you will need to combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:

• 100g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 150ml water
• 1 egg

Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, you can add a little more water or iced water to thin it out.

Prepping the Bananas

You will need to use ripe bananas for this recipe. Peel the bananas and cut them into 2-inch pieces. You can use a fork to mash the bananas slightly, which will help the batter stick to them better.

If you want to add some seafood to your fritters, you can try adding some small prawns or chopped squid to the batter. This will give your fritters a unique flavour and texture. Just make sure to use fresh seafood and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the batter.

That's it for the preparation! Now you're ready to start cooking your Chinese-style banana fritters.

Cooking Process

How to Deep Fry

To cook Chinese style banana fritters, you will need to deep fry them. Deep frying requires heating oil to a high temperature and then submerging the food in the hot oil until cooked. To deep fry the banana fritters, you will need to heat the oil in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches 350°F.

Once the oil is hot enough, use a slotted spoon to carefully lower the banana fritters into the oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the saucepan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy fritters. Fry the fritters until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Achieving the Perfect Golden Colour

To achieve the perfect golden colour for your banana fritters, it is important to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will cook too quickly and may burn. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.

To test the oil temperature, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If the bread sizzles and turns golden brown within 30 seconds, the oil is at the correct temperature. If the bread takes longer to cook, the oil is not hot enough.

Once you have achieved the perfect oil temperature, you can start frying your banana fritters. Remember to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and a golden colour.

Seafood lovers can try adding some seafood to the recipe. Prawns or squid can be used to add a twist to the recipe. Simply coat the seafood in the same batter as the banana and deep fry them until crispy. Serve with a sweet chilli dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Toppings and Pairings

Chinese-style banana fritters are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, consider adding some toppings or pairing them with other foods. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with banana fritters. The cold creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm, crispy fritters perfectly. You can also try other ice cream flavours like strawberry or chocolate for a different twist.

• Honey: Drizzle some honey over your banana fritters for a touch of sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or Chinese five-spice powder to the honey for extra flavour.

• Maple syrup: If you prefer a more indulgent topping, try drizzling some maple syrup over your banana fritters. The rich, sweet flavour of the syrup pairs well with the crispy texture of the fritters.

• Powdered sugar: For a simple and classic topping, dust your banana fritters with powdered sugar. This will add a touch of sweetness and a pretty, snowy look to your fritters.

• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture to banana fritters. Sprinkle them over the fritters before serving for a tasty and visually appealing touch.

• Caramel: If you're feeling adventurous, try making a caramel sauce to drizzle over your banana fritters. You can use a recipe that includes sesame seeds for an extra Chinese twist.

• Butter: For a savoury twist, try serving your banana fritters with a pat of butter. The rich, creamy flavour of the butter complements the sweetness of the fritters in a unique way.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving banana fritters, presentation is key. Here are a few tips to help you make your fritters look as good as they taste:

• Arrange them neatly: Whether you're serving your fritters on a plate or in a bowl, take the time to arrange them neatly. This will make them look more appetising and professional.

• Use colourful plates: Banana fritters are golden brown, so they look great on plates that are brightly coloured or have a pattern. Consider using plates with a Chinese design to tie in with the theme of the dish.

• Add garnishes: A sprig of mint or a slice of fresh fruit can add a pop of colour and freshness to your banana fritters. Consider adding a garnish to make your presentation even more impressive.

• Serve with seafood: If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving your banana fritters with some seafood on the side. Prawns or scallops are great options that will add a savoury note to the dish. Simply grill or fry the seafood and serve it alongside the fritters for a unique and delicious meal.

After Cooking Care

Once you have finished cooking your Chinese-style banana fritters, it is important to take proper care of them to ensure that they remain crispy and delicious. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Use paper towels to remove excess oil: When you remove your fritters from the deep-fryer, you will likely notice that they are coated in excess oil. To remove this oil, simply place your fritters on a few layers of paper towels and gently pat them dry. This will help to remove any excess oil and prevent your fritters from becoming soggy.

• Allow them to cool on a wire rack: Once you have removed the excess oil, it is important to allow your fritters to cool on a wire rack. This will help to prevent them from becoming soggy and will also help to ensure that they remain crispy.

• Store them in an airtight container: To keep your fritters fresh and crispy, it is important to store them in an airtight container. This will help to prevent them from absorbing any moisture from the air, which can cause them to become soggy.

If you want to add a little extra flavour to your Chinese-style banana fritters, you can also consider adding some seafood to the recipe. For example, you could try adding some chopped shrimp or crab meat to the batter before frying. This will give your fritters a delicious seafood flavour that is sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make Chinese-style banana fritters?

The simplest way to make Chinese-style banana fritters is to coat banana slices in a thin batter made of flour, cornstarch, and water. Then, deep fry them in hot oil until they turn golden brown. It's a straightforward recipe that doesn't require any complicated techniques.

How can I create a crispy texture when frying banana fritters?

To create a crispy texture when frying banana fritters, make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying. The ideal temperature is around 350°F. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the fritters to become soggy. Finally, drain the fritters on a paper towel after frying to remove excess oil.

What's the secret to the perfect syrup for Chinese banana fritters?

The secret to the perfect syrup for Chinese banana fritters is to use a combination of sugar and water. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then simmer until the mixture thickens slightly. You can also add a pinch of salt and some lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Can I bake banana fritters for a healthier option, and how?

Yes, you can bake banana fritters for a healthier option. Instead of deep frying, brush the banana slices with a little oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This method will give you a healthier version of the fritters without sacrificing the taste.

Is it possible to make Chinese banana fritters using an air fryer?

Yes, you can make Chinese banana fritters using an air fryer. Coat the banana slices in a thin batter, then place them in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. An air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it will give you a similar texture.

Which variety of banana gives the best results for fritters?

The best variety of banana for fritters is the ripe but firm banana. It should be sweet and flavourful but not too soft. You can use any type of banana, but some of the best options include Cavendish, Lady Finger, and Plantain.

If you want to add seafood to your banana fritters, you can try adding some chopped shrimp or crab meat to the batter. The seafood will add a savoury flavour and a nice texture to the fritters. However, make sure to use cooked seafood and chop it finely before adding it to the batter.