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🍌 Banana Cue (Filipino Caramelized Banana Skewers)
Banana Cue is a beloved Filipino street food made by deep-frying ripe saba bananas and coating them in caramelized brown sugar. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and wonderfully sweet.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 6 ripe saba bananas, peeled (or plantains if saba bananas aren’t available)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Carefully add the peeled bananas and fry for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly into the hot oil around the bananas.
- Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize, gently turning the bananas until they’re evenly coated with the caramel.
- Remove the bananas with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or parchment paper for 1–2 minutes to let the caramel set.
- Thread one or two bananas onto each bamboo skewer.
- Serve warm while the caramel coating is crisp.
Tips
- Saba bananas give the most authentic flavor and texture.
- Use medium heat to prevent the caramel from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel—it becomes extremely hot.
Optional Toppings
- 🥥 Toasted shredded coconut
- 🍫 Melted dark chocolate drizzle
- 🧂 A pinch of flaky sea salt
- 🌰 Chopped roasted peanuts
- 🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh, while the caramel is crisp.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day and gently reheated, though the caramel will soften.
Enjoy this classic Filipino treat that’s crispy, sweet, and irresistibly delicious! 🍌✨