draw silk bananas

How to Make Crispy Caramelized Bananas: A Complete Guide

Crispy caramelized bananas, or *basi tang*, are a beloved Chinese dessert with a crispy exterior and gooey, sweet center. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 egg, ½ cup water, ⅔ cup sugar, ½ cup oil (for frying), and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the bananas: Peel and cut them into 1-inch thick slices. Pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Make the batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, egg, water, and salt until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the bananas.

3. Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep pan and heat to 170°C (340°F). A drop of batter should sizzle immediately.

4. Fry the bananas: Dip each banana slice into the batter, ensuring even coating. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack.

5. Caramelize the sugar: In a separate pan, melt sugar over medium-low heat. Stir until it turns amber and bubbly.

6. Combine: Quickly add the fried bananas to the caramel, tossing gently to coat. Serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.

Tips: Use slightly underripe bananas for better structure. Work fast when caramelizing to prevent the sugar from burning. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy treat as a delightful dessert or snack!