• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Desserts Recipes

    Banana Cue Recipe

    Published: Aug 8, 2023 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 2 Comments

    202 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Banana Cue is a beloved Filipino street food with skewered fried saba bananas and a sweet, crunchy coating made with caramelized brown sugar. With just three simple ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can recreate this nostalgic treat at home!

    Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas) on a banana leaf-lined platter.
    Jump to:
    • What is Banana Cue?
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Saba bananas in Filipino cuisine
    • Other dessert recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is Banana Cue?

    Banana Cue is a beloved mid-afternoon snack in Filipino food culture, with fried caramelized saba bananas skewered on bamboo sticks. The name "banana cue" combines "banana" and "barbecue," although it's fried, not grilled.

    The bananas are coated in sticky brown sugar or panutsa, creating a deliciously caramelized exterior. Perfect when paired with a glass of cold soda, this treat is a sweet staple in the Philippines.

    Ingredients you'll need

    Individual ingredients for Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas)
    Oil for frying and skewers are not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Saba bananas: These are like Asian plantains with a starchy texture, not too sweet, and perfect for cooking. Choose ripe but firm saba bananas with yellow skin and black spots, signs of perfect ripeness. Frozen saba bananas work just as well. You can use ripe plantains, burro bananas, Thai bananas, or even regular banana as substitutes.
    • Sugar: I used half of the brown sugar for a smooth first caramel layer, then added the remaining brown sugar for a chunkier second coating. Granulated sugar or muscovado sugar are other options.
    • Oil: Use a high-temperature neutral oil, like vegetable, canola, peanut, or avocado oil. These have high smoke points, so they’re great for cooking at high heat without burning.

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Fry bananas

    Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to cover the bananas at least halfway. When the oil is hot, gently drop in the bananas and fry them for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.

    Frying the saba bananas in a skillet.

    Step 2: Add sugar

    Add half of the brown sugar and let it melt into a light amber caramel. Keep tossing the bananas around in the pan to make sure they get evenly coated with the caramel.

    Caramelizing the sugar with the saba bananas.

    Step 3: Add more sugar

    Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar over the bananas.

    Adding dark brown sugar to the caramelized bananas in the skillet.

    Step 4: Drain

    Keep tossing until the sugar starts to clump. Before the second batch of sugar completely melts, take the cooked bananas out of the oil and turn off the heat.

    PRO TIP: To get a beautifully crunchy coating, take the bananas out of the oil just before the second batch of sugar fully melts. This allows the sugar to crystallize and harden on the bananas, adding a nice crunch to every bite.

    Caramelized saba bananas with clumpy brown sugar in a skillet.

    Step 5: Drain excess oil

    Place the caramelized bananas on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

    Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas) on a wire rack.

    Step 6: Skewer the bananas

    Once they've cooled down a bit, use tongs to thread the bananas onto individual skewers.

    Enjoy your Banana Cue with a refreshing Sago at Gulaman, Avocado Shake, Mango Shake, or Watermelon Slushie.

    Skewering Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas).

    Recipe FAQs

    Why is it called Banana Cue?

    Banana Cue gets its name because it combines the words "banana" (specifically saba bananas) and "cue," short for "barbecue." This name reflects the main ingredient and the preparation method, where the bananas are skewered much like food on a barbecue.

    What are saba bananas?

    Saba bananas are a type of banana popular in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, mainly used for cooking. They're bigger, firmer, and not as sweet as your typical banana when raw. Recognizable by their thick skin and unique angular shape, saba bananas turn yellow with dark spots when they're fully ripe.

    Can I use any type of sugar?

    Most Banana Cue recipes suggest using brown sugar for that classic caramelized coating, but feel free to try white sugar or coconut sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses flavor that's hard to beat, but switching it up can be a fun way to tweak the flavor to your liking!

    Saba bananas in Filipino cuisine

    • Maruya: Fried banana fritters with sliced saba bananas coated in a rice flour batter.
    • Turon: Fried spring rolls filled with saba bananas and jackfruit. Ube Turon is a variation that includes ube.
    • Banana Chips: Thinly sliced bananas deep-fried to a crisp, often sweetened.
    • Halo-Halo: Shaved ice dessert with sweetened fruits and beans, Ube Halaya, sago, nata de coco, gulaman, topped with Leche Flan, ice cream, and pinipig.
    • Minatamis na Saging: Saba bananas sweetened with sugar syrup.
    • Saba con Yelo: Shaved ice dessert with sweetened saba bananas and evaporated milk.

    Other dessert recipes you may like

    • Holding a piece of Tikoy Roll.
      Tikoy Rolls
    • A slice of biko on a banana leaf.
      Biko
    • Bibingkang Malagkit on a plate with banana leaf.
      Bibingkang Malagkit
    • Churros dipped in Tablea Chocolate sauce.
      Churros with Tablea Chocolate Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas) on a plate with banana leaf.

    Banana Cue (Caramelized Bananas)

    Fried ripe saba bananas with a sweet, crunchy caramel coating.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: Filipino
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 431kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $6-$8

    Equipment

    • Wok or Skillet
    • Bamboo skewers (optional)

    Ingredients

    • 8 saba bananas (see note)
    • ¾ cup brown sugar divided into 2 equal parts (see note)
    • Oil for frying (see note)

    Instructions

    • Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to cover the bananas at least halfway. When the oil is hot, gently drop in the bananas and fry them for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
    • Add half of the brown sugar and allow it to caramelize to a light amber color. Keep tossing the bananas to ensure they are uniformly coated with the caramel.
    • Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the bananas. Toss continuously until the sugar begins to clump.
    • To get a beautifully crunchy coating, take the bananas out of the oil just before the second batch of sugar fully melts. This allows the sugar to crystallize and harden on the bananas, adding a nice crunch to every bite.
    • Place the caramelized bananas on a wire rack or colander to drain any excess oil.
    • Once they've cooled down a bit, thread the bananas onto individual skewers.

    Notes

    • Saba bananas: Select ripe but firm saba bananas with yellow skin and black spots, which indicate ripeness. Frozen saba bananas work just as well. You can use ripe plantains, burro bananas, or Thai bananas as substitutes.
    • Sugar: I used half of the brown sugar for a smooth first caramel layer, then added the remaining brown sugar for a chunkier second coating. Granulated sugar or muscovado sugar are other options.
    • Oil: Use a high-temperature neutral oil, like vegetable, canola, peanut, or avocado oil. These oils have high smoke points, making them ideal for frying.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.5mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Desserts Recipes

    • A Slice of Ube Macapuno Cake on a plate.
      Ube Macapuno Cake Recipe
    • A slice of Mango Chiffon Cake on a plate.
      Mango Chiffon Cake Recipe
    • White, Green, and Purple Puto with Cheese.
      Puto with Cheese Recipe
    • Turones de Mani with sesame seeds cross section.
      Turones de Mani Recipe
    202 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Myra

      August 08, 2023 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Looking really good! I should make these. Did you use frozen bananas? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        August 18, 2023 at 7:32 am

        Yes, I did use thawed frozen bananas for this recipe. They worked really well! 🍌

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe

    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers

    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil

    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe

    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe

    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    202 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.