Banana Cue: Caramelized Fried Banana
Banana cue is saba bananas deep-fried and coated in brown sugar until the sugar forms a crackly caramel shell. A classic Filipino street snack on a stick.
About Banana Cue
Banana cue is a fried banana snack coated in caramelized brown sugar, usually served on a skewer. It is a classic Filipino street food. The bananas are soft and sweet inside with a crackly caramel shell.
Banana cue is one of the most popular street snacks in the Philippines, sold on skewers by vendors with a glossy caramel coating. The sweet-salty-crunchy combination is hard to resist. It is cheap and easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredient notes
- Saba bananas: a starchy cooking banana that holds up in hot oil.
- Brown sugar: melts and turns into the crackly caramel.
- Neutral oil: for deep frying at a steady medium heat.
- Bamboo skewers: traditional for serving and easy to hold.
Tips for the best Banana Cue
- Fry on medium heat. To avoid burning.
- Add sugar late. So it does not burn.
What to serve with Banana Cue
Serve hot.
Variations and substitutions
- Camote cue: use sweet potato.
- Salted: add a pinch of salt.
- With jackfruit: add jackfruit.
Storing and reheating
Banana cue is best eaten within an hour. Leftovers can be re-crisped in a hot oven for 5 minutes, though the caramel will soften.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the sugar burn?
The oil was too hot. Fry at medium heat and add the sugar only near the end.
Can I use regular bananas?
Use firm, slightly underripe bananas; soft ones fall apart.
More Filipino recipes you might like
Halo-Halo, Ube Halaya and Maja Blanca.
