Classic Chinese Toffee Banana Recipe: A Crispy & Sweet Dessert Delight
If you are someone who enjoys indulgent desserts with a unique twist, this Classic Chinese Toffee Banana Recipe will quickly become a favorite. This delicious dessert perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a crisp, caramelized coating, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to a delightful after-dinner treat, these toffee bananas are an excellent choice to elevate any meal.
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Bananas and Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (peeled and cut into thick diagonal slices) | 4 Bananas |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Corn Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As required |
For the Toffee/Caramel:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilled Water | As required to set the caramel |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients for the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, corn flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add chilled water to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. The goal is to achieve a smooth, thick batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes before using it.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or wok, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the banana slices completely.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature suitable for deep frying.
Step 3: Fry the Bananas
- Once the oil is hot, dip each banana slice into the prepared batter, ensuring that it is fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated banana slices into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan.
- Fry the banana slices for about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, or until they become golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
- Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the bananas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Caramel
- In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Let it cook until it turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
- Once the caramel reaches the desired amber hue, immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
Step 5: Coat the Bananas with Caramel
- Working quickly, dip each fried banana slice into the hot caramel, ensuring that it is fully coated.
- Immediately place the caramel-coated banana into a bowl of chilled water. This will set the caramel quickly, forming a crisp and hard shell around the banana.
- Once all the bananas are coated and set, transfer them to a serving plate.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Classic Chinese Toffee Bananas immediately while they are still warm and crispy. These caramel-coated treats are best enjoyed fresh.
- For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bananas. The warm, crispy bananas pair wonderfully with the cold, creamy ice cream.
Tips and Variations:
- You can add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of coconut flakes to the batter for added flavor.
- If you’re looking for a slightly different twist, you can experiment with honey in place of the caramel to create a softer and milder coating.
- These toffee bananas are also delicious when served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or paired with a cup of tea for a delightful snack.
With its sweet, crispy exterior and soft, caramelized banana inside, this Classic Chinese Toffee Banana Recipe makes for a memorable and irresistible dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening with family, these toffee bananas will undoubtedly impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
