Indulge in the irresistible delight of crispy, golden-brown Chinese fried banana fritters, a beloved street food treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home. These zha jiang jiao offer a delightful contrast of sweet, ripe banana encased in a delicate, airy batter, achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The simple yet satisfying recipe transforms humble bananas into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or impressing guests with a unique and delicious dessert. Imagine the warm, caramelized exterior yielding to the soft, sweet banana inside – a truly unforgettable experience.
This recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, guiding you from preparing the batter to achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Ready to create your own batch of these addictive fritters? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Whisk
- Frying Pan
- Cutting Board
- Plates
Ingredients
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Seltzer Water: 1/2 cup
- Egg Whites: 2
- Kosher Salt: a pinch
- Ripe Bananas: 2
- Honey: null
- Chinese Five Spice: a pinch
- Vanilla Ice Cream: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Batter and Prepare Bananas
- Whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, seltzer water, egg whites, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Slice two ripe bananas into 2-inch pieces.
Step 2. Fry the Bananas (First Fry)
- Toss banana slices in the tempura batter to coat.
- Heat your fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the banana slices for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Fry the Bananas (Second Fry)
- Reheat the fryer. Fry the banana slices again for 3-5 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Step 4. Serve the Fritters
- Plate the fried banana fritters. Add vanilla ice cream, a pinch of Chinese five spice, and a drizzle of honey.
Read more: Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast: Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe
Tips
- Use ripe bananas for a sweeter fritter. Less ripe bananas will result in a less sweet fritter.
- A little yolk in the tempura batter won't ruin the recipe.
- Double frying ensures a crispier exterior.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of bananas besides ripe plantains?
Yes! Ripe bananas, like Cavendish or even slightly overripe ones, work perfectly. The riper the banana, the sweeter the fritter.
2. How do I prevent my fritters from becoming too oily?
Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the banana slices. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. And finally, let the fritters drain on a wire rack or paper towels after frying.
So there you have it – a simple recipe for incredibly delicious and addictive Chinese fried banana fritters. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and sweet banana flavor as a delightful treat any time of day. Now go forth and fry!