Most Thai people adore bananas when it comes to something sweet! It is a versatile fruit that can be cooked in a multitude of ways. Today we feature something which is a little different and, maybe not quite traditional, Thai fare. Nonetheless, it is a delicious treat. How about banana spring rolls?
Long the poor cousin of banana fritters, Thai fried banana spring rolls are actually a lot easier to make. You can use either spring roll wrappers or rice paper for tasty banana rice paper rolls. No mucking around making a batter, just roll them up inside the beautifully thin wrapper and you are done with the preparation.
You know how crispy and delicious savory Thai spring rolls are – now imagine that golden crunchy coating around a banana, topped with some honey, shredded coconut and sesame seeds. I think the banana is better protected in a spring roll coating and the result is delicious dessert spring rolls.
Keep reading for our tasty banana spring rolls recipe as well as some handy info on the oh-so-popular fruit.
A World of Bananas
But which type of banana should you use? We take a look at the world of bananas and come up with some surprising facts.
Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit. The most common variety in the west, which is sold almost everywhere is called the Cavendish banana. However, there are believed to be more than 1000 varieties throughout the world.
Not only is it the world’s most popular fruit but bananas are grown in more than 150 countries (about ¾ of all countries). However, the original bananas are believed to have come from South East Asia and Australia.
Did you know?
Banana trees, which grow up to fifteen feet in height are actually the world’s tallest herbs? Despite what many may think, the fruit is actually considered to be a berry.
If you are concerned about washing fruit in water before eating then the banana, along with citrus fruits, is your best friend because of its built-in cover. According to the US Department of Agriculture, bananas have lots of health benefits:
- Help combat heart disease
- Help combat depression and mood
- Assist with digestion and weight loss
- Improve vision (not just carrots)
- Are great for bone health
- May protect against some cancers and type 2 diabetes
Although Cavendish bananas are the most common in the west, plantains (especially in Latin America and the Caribbean) and Thai bananas (throughout Asia) can now be sourced in the West. In fact, for the recipe below we used Thai bananas. They are a stubbier (shorter) version of the Cavendish and are perfectly sweet.
You can read more about the many benefits of bananas here.
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| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
| 4people | 5minutes | 5minutes |
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4people | 5minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 5minutes |
- 4 bananas cut in half
- 8 spring roll wrappers or rice paper #
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups coconut oil or other cooking oil
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp coconut, shredded
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
|
Ingredients
Servings: people
Units:
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- Cut the bananas in half. Place a spring roll wrapper on a cutting board and apply the beaten egg using a pastry brush along 1 side of the wrapper (near the edge). Place the banana on the opposite side of the wrapper from the egg. Start rolling the pastry over the banana towards the side with the egg, tucking in the sides as you go so the wrapper is totally sealed. Repeat for the remaining 7 pieces.
- Then, heat the oil over a medium-high heat and when hot deep fry for 1 to 2 minutes only. I usually test with 1 spring roll. The oil should not be smoking and should be pleasantly bubbling when the spring roll is added. If it looks good, add another 3 spring rolls. I usually cook in 2 batches of 4 as it is easier. Drain over kitchen paper.
- To serve, drizzle honey over the banana spring rolls and then sprinkle the shredded coconut and sesame seeds over the top.
It’s great if you can source Thai bananas for this but it certainly isn’t mandatory. You will achieve just as good a result using Cavendish bananas but you may need to trim them so they fit inside the spring roll wrapper. We explain how to roll spring rolls here, albeit with savory ingredients. For bananas, the wrapping occurs in exactly the same manner.
Finishing off the cooked banana spring roll with some honey, shredded coconut and sesame seeds keeps it light and slightly sweet. By all means add ice cream if you so desire.
# These items are described in more detail with our free, Asian Cooking Essentials Guide.
lutz
Add a surprise. Dust the banana with cinnamon or cocoa before rolling or drizzle the finished product with a sauce of coconut milk and condensed milk blended together. Both techniques are used in parts of the Thai highlands.
Compass & Fork
Sounds delicious. I’m going to try it!
Naomi
Do you still soak the wrappers in water
Editor
Hi Naomi. As you are frying them, there is no need to soak the spring roll wrappers (or rice paper if using). Thanks for your comment.
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
I’ve always loved banana spring rolls…need to try making a version of these at home sometime!
Editor
They are sublime aren’t they? And so easy.
Mica @ Let's Taco Bout It Blog
This looks fantastic! I’ve never had banana spring rolls, but this looks very delicous.
Editor
Mica, to be honest, I had spring roll wrappers leftover from making Spring Rolls, so decided to experiment with the banana. And they were good. Thanks for your comment.
Felesha
I always order these at PF Changs and now I can try something like it at home, thanks to you!! Yum!!
Editor
Felesha- I didn’t know PF Changs had a version of these- thanks for letting us know. I hope you enjoy them at home!
Swati @Watch What U Eat
These banana spring rolls look delicious!
Editor
Swati, I hope you enjoy them!
maria @ closetohome
What a fun way to bring appetizers and dessert together.
Editor
Maria,
Yes, they are really nice, and healthy as well!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I have never tried these before, and didn’t know there was a difference in bananas. Things you learn everyday. These sound like a sweet little treat.
Editor
Gloria, They are really easy to make, and a little bit different. Keep an eye now for other bananas- I am sure you will find some.
Choclette
Very good point about being a great fruit for non-washing where water is dirty. A banana spring roll sounds well worth trying.
Editor
Choclette, Yes we have noticed in a lot of places the locals peel fruit that at home we would eat the skins. It is really interesting how few places have good drinking water.