10 Minute Banana Blossom 'Fish'

10 Minute Banana Blossom ‘Fish’

Fish and chips is a beloved dish in many parts of the world, but for those following a vegan diet, enjoying this classic meal can be challenging… or can it? Enter banana blossom ‘fish’, a vegan alternative that is just as delicious as the original. One of the great things about banana blossom fish and chips is how easy it is to prepare. While traditional fish and chips can be time-consuming and messy to make, our vegan version can be ready in just 10 minutes!

What is banana blossom?

As the name suggests, banana blossom is an edible flower which grows on the end of a banana cluster. It has a soft, flaky and fleshy texture similar to fish, making it the perfect alternative for a vegan-friendly version of fish and chips!

Where to buy banana blossom?

It may seem like an ingredient that’s hard to come by, but you can buy tinned banana blossom from some major supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and from Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Asian supermarkets and online!

What to serve with banana blossom ‘fish’?

You can choose to serve your banana blossom with chips, lemon wedges, coleslaw, peas, mushy peas, vegan mayo, tartar sauce, and tomato sauce. Or for healthier options, serve with quinoa and salad. For quick sides, feel free to use convenience versions of all the options mentioned!

Gluten free? Have a look at our gluten-free batter here.

Quick meal

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Total time

10

Meal

  • mains

Servings

4

Ingredients

Banana blossom

  • 2 tins banana blossom, drained and rinsed well
  • 2-3 tbsp seaweed sprinkles/flakes (eg Clearspring Nori Sprinkles)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Small bowl of plain flour for coating ‘fish’
  • Salt

Beer batter

  • 200g/1⅔ cups plain flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 275ml/1⅛ scant cups vegan beer (chilled) or use sparkling water or alcohol-free beer
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 L/4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

Banana blossom

  1. Heat a large saucepan (just under) half full of vegetable oil on a medium heat or around 180˚C and while you’re waiting for it to heat up, start making everything else.
  2. Carefully separate the whole pieces of banana blossom and spread them out onto a large plate. Discard the smaller pieces (which have separated off) and set aside to use in another recipe or to put in a salad or stir fry.
  3. Pour the lemon juice evenly over the banana blossom then cover them with the seaweed flakes (add more if necessary) and a good sprinkling of salt. Set aside while you make the batter.

Beer batter

  1. Mix the plain flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and then when fully combined whisk in the beer.
  2. Dip the banana blossom pieces into the bowl of plain flour then into the batter and lower carefully into the hot oil. Fry until crisp and golden.
  3. Repeat this stage until all pieces are cooked.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve with optional serving suggestions. Enjoy 🙂

Optional extras / notes

  • Fish and chips is a beloved dish in many parts of the world, but for those following a vegan diet, enjoying this classic meal can be challenging. Enter banana blossom fish and chips: a vegan alternative that is just as delicious and satisfying as the original. Banana blossoms are the large, tear-shaped flowers that grow at the end of a banana fruit cluster. When prepared properly, they have a flaky, meaty texture that closely resembles fish, making them the perfect ingredient for this vegan version of fish and chips.

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