What is Turon?
Turon is a classic Filipino snack made with a slice of banana that is then rolled in brown sugar, wrapped and fried. The typical type of banana used in this snack is saba (burro banana). Sometimes other fruits are used along with the banana, such as jackfruit or mango. Furthermore, turon is considered a street food in the Philippines and you can see this delicious snack sold on the streets along with other favorites like banana cue.
What type of banana to use?
The typical type of banana used in turon is saba (burro banana). You may be able to find this type of banana in Asian supermarkets, but it may be difficult to source. Here in Vancouver, saba bananas are not always available. Therefore, regular bananas can be used instead, which are easily accessible all year round and can be bought at any supermarket.
How to make Turon?
The first step in making turon is to prepare the bananas. If you are using regular bananas, peel and slice the bananas in half crosswise. If you are using saba bananas, peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise. The bananas are set aside. Then, the wrappers are laid out and the bananas are coated in sugar before placing on the wrapper and rolled. The final step is to fry the wrapped bananas. After frying the turon, they are placed on paper towels to drain as much of the oil as possible.
Tips for making Turon
- Very ripe bananas are the best to use because they are softer and sweeter.
Cooking Tips
To achieve that perfect crunch on your turon, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cold, the rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Keep a close eye on them as they fry, turning them occasionally for even browning. Once they are golden brown, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Turon is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pan. Serve them as a snack or dessert, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast. Drizzling some caramel sauce on top can also elevate the experience. For a twist, try pairing turon with a sprinkle of cinnamon or serving it with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of saba bananas?
If you can’t find saba bananas, regular ripe bananas work just fine. They’re easy to find at any supermarket and will still give you that delicious sweetness.
How do I store leftover turon?
Leftover turon should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before frying.
Can I make turon ahead of time?
You can prepare the turon by wrapping the bananas in advance and keeping them in the fridge for a few hours. Just make sure to fry them right before serving to keep that crunch.
What can I serve with turon?
Turon pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
What are common mistakes when making turon?
One common mistake is using too much oil, which can make the turon greasy instead of crispy. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the crunchiness.
Turon
Ingredients
- 5 medium-sized ripe regular bananas, saba bananas or burro banana
- 4 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 10 8-inch frozen spring roll wrapper, thawed and separated
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Vanilla ice cream , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bananas: If you are using regular bananas, peel and slice the bananas in half crosswise. If you are using saba bananas, peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- Spread the brown sugar on a shallow dish.
- Lay a wrapper on a plate with 1 corner facing you. Thoroughly cover 1 slice of banana in sugar and then place it along the corner of the wrapper closest to you. Roll the wrapper over the banana, tuck in both sides and roll it up tight. Moisten the end with water and press to seal. Repeat the process with the rest of the bananas.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Fry the turon, in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve as is or with vanilla ice cream, if using.
Nutrition
I absolutely loved everything about these when I went to Hawaii, so I’m super excited I found the recipe that’s so easy!
Hi Adela,
I am so glad you found my recipe. Hope you will be able to try and enjoy it as well. Take care!