Have you ever been to Tucanos? If not, I recommend finding one now — they have locations in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Virginia, Missouri, and soon, Texas! It’s a Brazillian grill that features delicious meats, veggies, fruits, and, my personal favorite, the best salad buffet you will ever try. I promise.
One of our favorite parts of going to Tucanos is their fried bananas. These are seriously so addictive. Forrest and I have been dying to make some at home, and decided that today was the day to do that. And let me tell you, they taste pretty darn close. So if you aren’t lucky enough to live near a Tucanos, at least know that you now can make one of their best items at home.
I think the one thing I loved about these is that they didn’t taste greasy like most fried food does. Want to know why? Because we used coconut oil! I recently discovered this stuff, and I have been using it like crazy. Be on the look out for a post in the coming weeks about everything you can do with coconut oil. But using it in this recipe was such a good idea. Not only does it smell delicious, but it makes everything just taste so much healthier. If you don’t have any though, just use vegetable oil. We threw in some coconut flakes into the batter, which is optional and probably makes it taste a little bit less like Tucanos. So if you want an exact replica, leave that out.
Granted, the bananas are Tucanos are typically a little bit smaller, so if you like that, just slice them smaller. But we loved using a half of a banana — it was the perfect size.
Copycat Tucanos Fried Bananas
Ingredients
- Copycat Tucanos Fried Bananas
- adapted from Love and Laundry
- 4 large bananas - ripe, but not brown
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup Panko + 1 cup
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp sweetened coconut flakes, optional
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup coconut oil, or vegetable - approximately.
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together flour, 1/4 cup Panko, cornstarch, baking soda, sugar, and coconut. After mixed well, add water and egg and mix until everything is combined. Put additional cup of Panko into another bowl.
- Heat oil in frying pan (you don't need a lot, just aout 1/4-1/2 inch deep.) Peel bananas and slice into half (or into as many slices as you want.) Roll each piece in the liquid mixture. Place in Panko, sprinkle a little bit, and then roll until entire slice is covered.
- Place banana in oil and fry. Depending on how hot the oil is, you will probably only want to cook each for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Put on towel to soak up excess grease. Serve!
Therice says
I’ve never had plantains. Does this dish have to be served warm? Can it be served with a caramel dipping sauce? I would like to take this dish to work.
Katie says
It is definitely better warm. I think a caramel dipping sauce would be fantastic!
Cathy says
These look delicious! New follower through Facebook. Would love the follow back. =)
Love your blog! Would love for you to link up on A Peek Into My Paradise T.G.I.F. Link Party on Friday!
Cathy @ https://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/
Amber says
This sounds so good! I’ve never had a fried banana before! Yum! Following from the blog hop!
http://www.dressingroomdiaries.com
Kayla's Creations says
oh my goodness, need to try this! I would love to have you come link up to my wonderful friend Heather & I’s link party > https://www.kaylascreationsblog.com/2013/04/circle-of-faith-link-party-3.html Hope your having a great day!,
-Kayla 🙂
Not Your Ordinary Agent says
Oh my goodness, I have never tried fried bananas! Sound like heaven!! Thank you for sharing at Foodtastic Friday!
Amberly says
Umm… hello!!!! Most favorite food on the planet!!! I’m super excited to try these!
Amberly
https://amberlyandjoe.blogspot.com
Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta says
We don’t have a Tucanos around here but that looks so delicious! I’m always looking for new ways to use coconut oil and I’ll definitely be trying this!