Texas de Brazil Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Fried bananas are one of the more popular side items at Texas de Brazil, and for good reason. They have all the flavor and crispy indulgence of a churro, but the added creaminess of a perfectly ripe banana. A Brazilian fried banana coated with cinnamon sugar is so delicious, you’ll forget it’s relatively healthy, too!
Fried bananas are also ridiculously easy to make and require just four ingredients: butter, cinnamon, sugar and, of course, bananas.
How to Choose a Ripe Banana
For this recipe, you want bananas that are just ripe. They are easier to handle and the texture will soften up as you cook them. An over-ripe banana tends to go mushy when heated.
If you are going to be using your bananas right away, select bananas that have no traces of green on the peel. They should be a vibrant yellow with a few brown spots. Brown spots are different from bruises, which happen when the fruit has been dropped or handled too roughly.
If you won’t be eating your bananas immediately, choose some with a little green on them. They will still ripen relatively quickly (1-2 days). You can further delay the ripening process by refrigerating the bananas. The peel will turn brown, but the fruit inside will be completely fine. Let the bananas come to room temperature before frying them.
How to Speed Up Banana Ripening
If you change your mind and decide you need to make fried bananas immediately (it definitely happens), you can put your bananas in an open paper bag and leave it in a warm, dry area. Closing the bag will speed up the process even further. Bananas emit ethylene gas as a signal to ripen, and an enclosed space increases the gas’s concentration.
Can You Freeze Bananas?
Yes, whole bananas freeze very well. Freeze them with the skin on and they will keep for up to three months. Because the texture is somewhat softer and mushier with thawed bananas, these are often best suited to things like baked goods and smoothies.
Brazilian Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 ripe bananas
Directions:
- Melt two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Mix in ¼ tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar and put it on a large plate.
- Peel the bananas and brush each with the melted butter and vanilla mixture. Roll the bananas in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add bananas and fry on each side until caramelized on all sides. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar, if desired, and serve warm.
What to Eat with Fried Bananas
These cinnamon sugar bananas are perfectly delicious all on their own. However, they also make an exceptionally indulgent topping for ice cream sundaes and other desserts. If you’re in the neighborhood of one of Texas de Brazil’s 50+ locations, stop by and try pairing the fried bananas with one of our Brazilian papaya cream desserts.