Crispy Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Tacos: Easy & Budget-Friendly Recipe

2 週間前

Inspired by: @iszy

Craving the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors of fish tacos, but looking for a compassionate, plant-based alternative? You've come to the right place! This guide, inspired by abillion user @iszy's delicious culinary experiment, shows you how to transform humble banana blossoms into incredibly crispy "fish" fillets perfect for your next taco night. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly option that proves vegan cooking can be both exciting and easy, even when deep frying is involved!

This recipe is ideal for home cooks eager to explore unique plant-based ingredients or those seeking a cruelty-free "seafood" experience. We'll demystify the deep-frying process to help you achieve perfectly crispy results every time.

Close-up of a perfectly assembled vegan fish taco with crispy banana blossom, slaw, and pickled red onions.

What are Banana Blossoms? The Secret to Vegan "Fish"

Banana blossoms, also known as banana hearts, are the purple, tear-shaped flowers at the end of a banana fruit cluster. When cooked, their layered, flaky texture wonderfully mimics the flakiness of white fish. They even have a slightly fleshy, pink hue, making them a remarkably convincing plant-based seafood substitute. You can often find them canned in brine at international markets or stores like Whole Foods.

Ingredients for Crispy Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Tacos

Please note: This recipe is inspired by a culinary experiment and focuses on the method and ingredients used by @iszy. Adjust seasoning and batter consistency to your preference.

For the "Fish" Marinade:

Canned banana blossoms (drained and rinsed)
Water
Kelp flakes
Onion powder
Paprika
Other seasonings to taste (e.g., a pinch of himalayan salt, garlic powder, or a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth)

For the Crispy Beer Batter:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Cold pilsner (or other light beer/sparkling water for non-alcoholic)
Additional seasonings for the batter (optional, but recommended for more "fishy" flavor)

For the Tacos:

Taco shells
Light cabbage and radish slaw
Pickled red onions
Hot sauce (like Nuanced Hot Sauce for a local craft touch)
Vegetable oil or sunflower oil for deep frying

Equipment

Large bowl for marinating
Shallow dish for battering
Deep pot or Dutch oven for frying
Tongs or slotted spoon
Cooling rack with paper towels (for draining fried "fish")
Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Banana Blossoms: Drain and rinse the canned banana blossoms thoroughly. Gently cut them into taco-appropriate sizes. Be careful not to cut them horizontally through the "bulb" at the end; keep the petals connected at the base to maintain their integrity. This ensures they hold together during frying.
Marinate for Flavor: In a large bowl, combine the cut banana blossoms with water, kelp flakes, onion powder, paprika, and any other desired seasonings. Ensure the banana blossoms are fully submerged. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, ideally all afternoon, to infuse them with flavor.
Prepare the Cold Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. For extra crispiness, place these dry ingredients in the freezer for about 30 minutes before mixing the batter. Just before frying, gradually whisk in the cold pilsner (or sparkling water) until you have a smooth, thick batter that coats the back of a spoon. Avoid overmixing. If desired, whisk in additional seasonings to the batter for a more pronounced flavor.
Heat the Oil: Fill your deep pot or Dutch oven with enough vegetable oil or sunflower oil for deep frying. Heat the oil to approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter in; it should sizzle vigorously and float to the surface.
Fry the "Fish": Carefully dip each marinated banana blossom piece into the cold beer batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently place the battered blossoms into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the fried banana blossoms with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble Your Tacos: Fill your taco shells with the crispy banana blossom "fish." Top with the light cabbage and radish slaw, pickled red onions, and a generous drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade vegan fish tacos!

A vibrant spread of vegan fish tacos, fresh ingredients, and a bottle of hot sauce, ready to be enjoyed.

Tips for the Best Crispy Vegan Fish Tacos

Keep it Cold for Crispiness: The secret to an extra-crispy batter is keeping your ingredients, especially the all-purpose flour and beer, as cold as possible. This creates a thermal shock when hitting the hot oil, resulting in a lighter, crispier coating.
Handle Banana Blossoms with Care: Banana blossoms have delicate "petals" attached to a central bulb. Cut them carefully to ensure the pieces stay intact for frying. Cutting them vertically or along their natural separation is often better than trying to slice them horizontally.
Don't Fear the Threads: It's common to encounter fine, spider-web-like threads within banana blossoms after cooking. This is a natural characteristic of the plant and generally harmless, though the texture can be unusual. If it bothers you, try to remove as many as possible while prepping, but some may remain.
Season the Batter: While the marinade adds flavor, don't forget the batter! Adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of nutritional yeast to the dry batter mix can significantly enhance the overall "fishy" taste.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure your beer is also gluten-free, or use sparkling water for the batter.
Air Fryer Method: For a lighter take, you can try air frying the battered banana blossoms. Lightly spray the battered pieces with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Results may vary compared to deep frying, but it's a great healthier alternative.
Flavor Boosts:
- "Fishy" Flavor: Add a small amount of crumbled nori (seaweed) flakes or a drop of vegan "fish" sauce to your marinade for a more pronounced oceanic taste.
- Spicy Kick: Infuse your marinade with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Creative Toppings: Experiment with different taco toppings like avocado slices or homemade guacamole, a drizzle of vegan mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Ready to Dive In?

These Crispy Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Tacos offer a delightful, cruelty-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe promises a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Try this recipe for your next taco Tuesday or weekend gathering! Share your delicious creations and tell us how your banana blossom "fish" turned out in the comments below on abillion. We love seeing your culinary adventures!

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