If you’ve been longing for a guilt-free, ocean-inspired treat that captures the essence of classic fish and chips without any fish, then the Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe is your new best friend. This dish transforms delicate banana blossoms into crispy, golden “fish” pieces coated in a flavorful batter, with hints of dill, lemon, and seaweed that bring a wonderful oceanic flair. It’s crunchy, tangy, and utterly addictive—perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy night in with a vegan twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in recreating that unmistakable fish-and-chip vibe. From the tender banana blossoms to the nori flakes that add a subtle sea flavor, everything works together to deliver an authentic taste and perfect texture.
- 1 can banana blossoms in brine (20 oz): The star ingredient that mimics flaky fish with its unique texture.
- Frying oil: Necessary for achieving that irresistible golden crunch.
- Flour mixture – 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy coating for crispiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dill: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that leans toward a seafood taste.
- 1 ½ tablespoons crushed nori: Seaweed flakes that add a subtle oceanic aroma and flavor.
- Batter – 1 cup flour: Creates the delicate outer shell for frying.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Seasoning that brings out brightness in the batter.
- 1 pinch turmeric: This gives the batter a lovely golden hue reminiscent of classic fish fries.
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice: Adds tanginess that enhances depth and cuts richness.
- 1 tablespoon caper brine (or more pickle juice): Introduces a briny punch to mimic the flavors of seafood.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Injects fresh acidity for that unmistakable seafood-like brightness.
- ½ cup sparkling water: Makes the batter light and airy, perfect for crisping up.
How to Make Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rinse the Banana Blossoms
Begin by opening your can of banana blossoms and giving them a thorough rinse under cold water. This step is crucial to remove the brine’s saltiness and any residual bitterness. Drain them well so they’re ready to soak up all the flavors from the batter and flour coating without being soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Flour Mixture and Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, dill, and crushed nori for the flour mixture. This combo will form the first layer of your crispy crust, seasoning the banana blossoms beautifully. In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, turmeric, pickle juice, caper brine, lemon juice, and sparkling water to create a light batter. The sparkling water is the secret to that perfect airy crunch!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour enough frying oil into a pot or wok so the banana blossoms can “swim” freely while frying. Heat it to a moderate temperature—too hot and the exterior burns; too cool and the coating won’t crisp well. Maintaining the right heat ensures golden, crispy pieces every time.
Step 4: Coat and Batter the Banana Blossoms
Take each banana blossom and thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Then dip it into the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off before carefully lowering it into the hot oil. This two-step coating process builds that irresistible crust.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Fry each battered banana blossom for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning them once so both sides become evenly golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid overcooking—once they show a beautiful, deep golden color, they’re ready to come out.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried banana blossoms to a plate lined with kitchen paper. This helps remove excess oil, leaving you with crisp, not greasy bites. Now you’re all set to enjoy your vegan “fish”!
How to Serve Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds a fragrant finish that beautifully complements the inherent flavors. A generous squeeze of lemon juice brightens every bite and makes the vegan fish taste even more authentic. Don’t hesitate to add a dash of freshly ground black pepper or your favorite vegan tartar sauce for extra zip.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy fries and mashed peas make the perfect companions to this Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe, just like traditional fish and chips. For something a bit different, try a fresh green salad or homemade coleslaw to balance the richness with crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve your banana blossom fish in soft vegan buns as fish sandwiches topped with pickles and shredded lettuce. Or pile them onto a platter alongside an array of vegan dips—think tangy remoulade or spicy sriracha mayo—for a fun party appetizer. Presentation is your playground here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their crispiness and fresh flavor. Leaving them too long can make them soggy and less delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the banana blossom fish pieces, but keep in mind that the texture might soften slightly after thawing. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within one month for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that amazing crunch, reheat the banana blossom fish in a preheated oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. About 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick. This method revives the crispiness much better than any other reheating option.
FAQs
Can I make this Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour in both the flour mixture and batter. Keep in mind that the batter might become a little thicker and adjustments to the sparkling water may be needed for the perfect consistency.
Is it necessary to deep fry the banana blossom fish?
While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can try baking or air-frying them. Just make your batter thicker so it adheres well during cooking, and expect a slightly different texture—still delicious, but less indulgently crispy.
What does the nori add to the recipe?
Crushed nori infuses a subtle, salty, seaweed flavor that mimics the taste of fish, lending authenticity to this vegan creation. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference in delivering that ocean vibe.
Can I use fresh banana blossoms instead of canned?
Fresh banana blossoms can work but they require more preparation, including cleaning off bitter parts and boiling before use. Canned banana blossoms in brine are easier to work with and already tender, making them perfect for this recipe.
How many “fish” pieces will the recipe yield?
The number depends on the size and amount of banana blossoms in your can. Typically, you can expect around 4 to 6 sizable pieces, but smaller fragments can be combined to make additional pieces, so don’t waste any tasty bits!
Final Thoughts
This Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy a familiar favorite while embracing plant-based eating. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly close to the real deal, proving that delicious vegan cooking can be fun and satisfying. Give it a try for your next meal and watch it become an instant favorite among friends and family alike!
Print
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 vegan fish pieces
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Banana Blossom Vegan Fish is a crispy and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional fried fish, using banana blossoms marinated and fried in a seasoned batter to achieve a golden and crunchy texture. Perfectly paired with classic sides like tartar sauce, fries, and mashed peas, this recipe offers a delightful vegan twist on a beloved seafood favorite.
Ingredients
Banana Blossoms
- 1 can banana blossoms in brine (20 oz)
- frying oil (enough for deep frying)
Flour Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 ½ tablespoons crushed nori
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch turmeric
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon caper brine (or substitute with more pickle juice)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ cup sparkling water
Instructions
- Prepare Banana Blossoms: Rinse and drain the banana blossoms thoroughly to remove the brine flavor and excess liquid, ensuring they are ready for coating.
- Mix Flour Mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dill, and 1 ½ tablespoons crushed nori. Stir well to integrate all dry ingredients.
- Prepare Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, a pinch of turmeric, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 tablespoon caper brine (or additional pickle juice), 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and ½ cup sparkling water until smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat Oil: Pour frying oil into a pot or wok, ensuring there is enough oil for deep frying. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C), making sure the pot is not overfilled to prevent spilling during frying.
- Coat and Dip: Take each banana blossom piece and first coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the prepared batter to fully cover.
- Fry Banana Blossoms: Carefully lower the battered banana blossoms into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning once during cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried banana blossoms using a slotted spoon and place them onto kitchen paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the vegan fish with tartar sauce, fries, and mashed peas. Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- The final number of vegan fish pieces depends on the size and quantity of banana blossoms in your can. Typically yields about 6-8 pieces using large and smaller parts.
- Adding dill and lemon juice as toppings significantly enhances the fish-like flavor.
- Frying oil can be reused by letting it cool, straining to remove crumbs, and storing in a bottle at room temperature for up to 3 uses.
- For a gluten-free batter, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour.
- You can bake or air-fry the banana blossom fish as an alternative to deep frying. However, the batter should be thicker to adhere better during cooking.
