Banana Lumpia Recipe

Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.

Spring roll wrappers: These thin wrappers will give the lumpia its signature crispy texture.

Brown sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness to the bananas.

Oil: Necessary for frying the lumpia to a golden brown perfection.

When wrapping the banana slices in the spring roll wrappers, make sure to tuck in the sides tightly before rolling to prevent any sugar from leaking out during frying. This will help achieve a cleaner presentation and ensure that the sugar caramelizes evenly around the banana.

• ripe bananas - Substitute with plantains: Plantains have a similar texture and sweetness when ripe, making them a suitable alternative.

• spring roll wrappers - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can provide a similar crispy texture when fried, though it may be a bit more delicate.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• frying oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and can add a subtle coconut flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.

• Allow the banana lumpia to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the wrappers soggy.

• Place the cooled banana lumpia in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the banana lumpia within 2-3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their texture.

• For longer storage, freeze the banana lumpia. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the banana lumpia to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the banana lumpia directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a quick and crispy result.

• Avoid microwaving the banana lumpia as it can make the wrappers chewy and less enjoyable.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover banana lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the wrapper is crispy again. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the spring roll wrappers.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the banana lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the lumpia crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the banana lumpia in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the wrappers are crispy. This method is great if you prefer a bit of extra crispiness.

• Microwave Method: Place the banana lumpia on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not keep the wrappers as crispy as other methods, but it's the quickest option.

• Knife: To peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the bananas.

• Plate: To hold the brown sugar for rolling the banana slices.

• Spring roll wrappers: Used to wrap the sugared banana slices.

• Frying pan: For heating the oil and frying the wrapped bananas.

• Stove: To provide the heat source for frying.

• Tongs: To turn the lumpia while frying and to remove them from the oil.

• Paper towels: For draining the excess oil from the fried lumpia.

• Serving plate: To serve the warm banana lumpia.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Peel and slice the bananas in advance, and have the spring roll wrappers and brown sugar ready to go.

Use a deep fryer: If you have a deep fryer, it can save time and ensure even cooking compared to a frying pan.

Batch frying: Fry multiple wrapped bananas at once to save time, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.

Preheat oil: Make sure the oil is hot before you start frying to reduce cooking time and achieve a crispy texture.

Drain efficiently: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil quickly and keep the lumpia crispy.