Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Crispy Ube Banana Turon: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Filipino Snack
There are few things that can transport me back to my childhood quite like the aroma of frying turon wafting through the air. I can vividly recall hot summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d pile up on extra crispy ube banana turon fresh out of the pan. This beloved Filipino dessert—made with sweet saba bananas and rich ube halaya—holds a special place in my heart, packed with family memories and the warmth of shared laughter.
But let me tell you what makes my Crispy Ube Banana Turon Recipe stand out from the rest. It’s not just the sweet, velvety ube that oozes deliciousness, but the perfect crunch of the golden wrapper that elevates this dish into something extraordinary. You might have tried turon elsewhere, but once you master this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s been a classic for generations and the ultimate comfort food in our family.
In this post, you’ll learn how to assemble and fry your own crispy banana rolls, all while sharing my personal tips and tricks for making every bite utterly unforgettable. So, roll up your sleeves and get a taste of nostalgia!
What Are Crispy Ube Banana Turon?
Crispy Ube Banana Turon, also known simply as turon, is a popular Filipino street food made primarily from sweet saba bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried to perfection. The addition of ube halaya brings a unique twist to this traditional treat, infusing it with a vibrant purple color and rich, creamy flavor.
Originating in the Philippines, turon was often served as a snack or dessert, especially during festive occasions. The contrast of the velvety ube filling with the crispness of the fried wrapper provides a delightful experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.
These treats are perfect for any occasion! Whether you want to impress guests at a party or enjoy a simple afternoon snack, making crispy ube banana turon is easier than you might think.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easier Than You Think: You don’t need culinary school experience to whip these up! With a straightforward process and minimal ingredients, you’ll have these delicacies ready in no time.
Flavor Overload: The combination of sweet, caramel-like banana, and the unique flavor of ube creates a candy-like experience that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Cost-Effective Treat: Compared to buying similar treats at cafes or bakeries, making these crispy banana rolls at home is way more budget-friendly—saving both your wallet and your cravings!
Customize to Your Heart’s Content: Don’t hesitate to switch up the fillings. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, different kinds of fruits, or even chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
Fun for Everyone: Making turon can be a fun family activity! Gather the kids and let them help with the assembly; it’s a great way to bond over food. Plus, it’s an easy recipe they’ll love to get involved with!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Ube Banana Turon:
- 2 Saba bananas (sliced lengthwise into quarters – ripe but not overripe)
- 8 sheets Spring Roll wrappers or lumpia wrappers (fresh are best, but frozen work too—just thaw them before use)
- ¼ cup Brown sugar or muscovado sugar (for an earthy sweetness)
- ½ cup Ube Halaya or Ube Jam (homemade or store-bought—here’s my favorite Lily’s Ube Halaya)
- 1 cup Cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil works well for frying)
Ingredient Notes:
- Saba Bananas: These are essential for the authentic taste, but if you can’t find saba, plantains can be a substitute.
- Wrapping Paper: Make sure the wrappers are at room temperature for better flexibility. Check your local Asian market for the best quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Peel the Saba Bananas: Start by peeling the bananas and cutting them into quarters lengthwise. Each quarter gives the perfect bite-sized piece for your turon.
Prepare Your Workspace: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond).
Assemble the Turon:
- Position one banana quarter on the corner of the wrapper.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of ube halaya onto the banana (feel free to add more if you’re a ube lover like me!).
- Sprinkle about a teaspoon of brown sugar over the ube—this is where the magic happens!
Wrap It Up:
- Fold the bottom corner over the banana and ube, completely covering them.
- Fold in the left and right sides tightly to enclose the filling.
- Roll up the wrapper diagonally to form a tight cylinder and moisten the final corner with a bit of water to seal it.
Fry Until Golden:
- Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add your wrapped turon, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry until each side is golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Chef’s Tips:
- Temperature Check: Always make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. You can test this by dropping in a small piece of wrapper; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
- Avoid Soggy Turon: Ensure there’s minimal moisture in your ube filling when you assemble to avoid sogginess while frying.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Storing Leftovers: Let any leftover turon cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that extra crispiness!
Make-Ahead: Feel free to assemble the turon a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Troubleshooting: If your wrappers are tearing, they might be too dry or cold. Reload with a fresh wrapper and make sure they are at room temperature for better pliability.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy ube banana turon are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For a pop of color, serve them on vibrant plates and garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a family brunch or a festive fiesta!
Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Combinations: Want to spice it up? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the ube halaya or incorporating jackfruit alongside the bananas for an additional flavor dimension.
Dietary Restrictions: Are you vegan? Swap the cooking oil for an air fryer method to reduce oil content. Using plant-based ube alternatives is also simple!
Seasonal Variations: During the holiday season, why not add a touch of peppermint extract to your ube halaya for a festive twist?
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 turon
- Estimated Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 cal.
Storage Instructions:
- At room temperature: Enjoy within a few hours for the best texture.
- In the fridge: Lasts for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Best stored in an airtight container for up to a month; reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
What type of bananas are best for turon?
- Saba bananas are ideal due to their sweetness and texture. Although, you can replace them with ripe plantains if needed.
Can I use a different type of wrapper?
- Yes! Spring roll wrappers are common, but you can also use wonton wrappers for smaller bites.
Is ube halaya hard to make?
- Ube halaya can be made at home easily but can also be found pre-made at Asian markets.
How do I get the flavor of ube without the jam?
- You can make an ube puree by boiling and mashing ube, then mixing it with sugar and coconut milk.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Yes! Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauce goes well with turon?
- A simple chocolate or caramel sauce enhances the flavor beautifully!
How can I make these gluten-free?
- Look for rice paper wrappers that are gluten-free for a suitable alternative.
What occasions are best for serving turon?
- These treats are perfect for any gathering, be it family festivities, birthday parties, or casual afternoon snacks.
Can I freeze the raw turon?
- Absolutely! Just layer them between parchment paper and freeze before frying.
What’s the best way to reheat turon?
- To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly special about making and enjoying Crispy Ube Banana Turon. Not only do they taste divine, but they also carry the love and warmth of my childhood memories with every crispy bite you take. I urge you to give this recipe a try—you’ll not only savor an amazing treat but also create new memories of your own.
Don’t forget to drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out! And if you’re feeling adventurous, check out my other delightful recipes on the blog, like my classic lumpia or How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream. Happy cooking!
PrintCrispy Ube Banana Turon
A delicious twist on a classic Filipino snack featuring sweet saba bananas and rich ube halaya wrapped and fried to perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 turon 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 Saba bananas (sliced lengthwise into quarters)
- 8 sheets Spring Roll wrappers (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ¼ cup Brown sugar or muscovado sugar
- ½ cup Ube Halaya or Ube Jam
- 1 cup Cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Peel the Saba bananas and cut them into quarters lengthwise.
- Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, one corner pointing towards you.
- Position one banana quarter on the corner of the wrapper and spoon about 1 tablespoon of ube halaya onto the banana.
- Sprinkle about a teaspoon of brown sugar over the ube.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides tightly.
- Roll up diagonally to form a cylinder and moisten the final corner with water to seal it.
- Heat the cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry the turon in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Notes
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy turon. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turon
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
