Plantain Banana Cue: Crispy, Tender, and Sweet Filipino Treat

This Plantain Banana Cue is a beloved and popular street food and homemade snack in the Philippines. It is one of my favorite childhood snacks (merienda) after school. This delicious treat features caramelized plantain bananas skewered on sticks, making it perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. With its crispy, sweet coating and soft, tender inside, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The best thing about this snack is you only need three kinds of ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. plantain bananas, sliced
• Brown sugar, estimate as needed
• Vegetable oil
• Skewer sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Plantains

Start by peeling the plantain bananas and slicing them into a quarter thickness. This ensures even cooking and you can skewer it with the sticks.

2. Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or nonstick pan (I used a skillet), heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the banana slices.

3. Fry the Plantains

Carefully place the sliced plantains into the hot oil. Be cautious to avoid oil splashes, as hot oil can cause burns. Fry each side until they turn slightly brown.

4. Caramelize with Brown Sugar

Sprinkle brown sugar over the frying plantains and gently stir continuously. The heat will melt the sugar, creating a caramel coating that sticks to the bananas.

5. Cool and Skewer

Once the bananas are fully coated and caramelized, remove them from the pan and let them cool for a few minutes. After cooling, skewer them onto sticks for easy handling.

6. Enjoy!

Your homemade Plantain Banana Cue is now ready to serve! Enjoy it warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Plantain Banana Cue

• Choose ripe but firm plantains – Overripe bananas may become too mushy when fried. Please keep in mind that plantain skins may look dark but it’s an indication of ripeness.
• Use enough oil – This ensures even frying and caramelization.
• Stir continuously after adding sugar – This prevents the sugar from burning and ensures an even coating.

Try this super quick, easy, and delicious Plantain Banana Cue recipe today and enjoy a taste of the Philippines in your kitchen!

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Plantain Banana Cue Filipino Recipe

How to make Filipino bananaque using plantain bananas.

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Asian, Filipino, Philippines, Southeast Asia

Keyword: bananacue, bananaque, filipino merienda, saging

Ingredients

• 2 pcs. plantain bananas, sliced
• brown sugar, estimate as needed
• vegetable oil
• skewersticks

Instructions

1. Start by peeling the plantain bananas and slicing them into a quarter thickness. This ensures even cooking and you can skewer it with the sticks. 

2. In a deep fryer or nonstick pan (I used a skillet), heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the banana slices.

3. Carefully place the sliced plantains into the hot oil. Be cautious to avoid oil splashes, as hot oil can cause burns. Fry each side until they turn slightly brown.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar over the frying plantains and gently stir continuously. The heat will melt the sugar, creating a caramel coating that sticks to the bananas.

5. Once the bananas are fully coated and caramelized, remove them from the pan and let them cool for a few minutes. After cooling, skewer them onto sticks for easy handling.

6. Your homemade Plantain Banana Cue is now ready to serve! If not skewered, enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Notes

Tips for the Perfect Banana Cue

Choose ripe but firm plantains – Overripe bananas may become too mushy when fried. Please keep in mind that plantain skins may look dark but it's an indication of ripeness.

Use enough oil – This ensures even frying and caramelization.

Stir continuously after adding sugar – This prevents the sugar from burning and ensures an even coating.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag “The Cooking Pinay” on social media or you can also follow me on my channel. Happy snacking!

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• Caramelized Banana Lumpia with Jackfruit (Turon)