I’ve been dying to make something with the Vietnamese Extra Fancy Cinnamon I picked up from Penzeys Spices. Every time I get a whiff of it, I want to bake something. Something easy but healthy, I decided to try a baked version of banana tempura.
I used the batter-baked method from The 30-Minute Vegan. Dipping and breading each individual slice is definitely the way to go, I got a lot more crumb coverage on each piece.
Baked banana tempura isn’t exactly like regular tempura – it’s a lot lighter and there’s not a ton of batter. The bananas come out warm and a little melty inside with a bit of a crunch on the outside. You’ll have to eat it right away otherwise you’ll lose the crunch (it’s still good just not crunchy). Dusted with cinnamon, it’s heaven on a plate.
Baked Banana Tempura
Serves 2
2 small to medium size bananas
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Ground cinnamon for dusting
Batter
1 1/2 tablespoons ground flax meal
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly oil a baking sheet.
Combine batter ingredients in a bowl and blend well with a whisk. Set aside. Place bread crumbs in a bowl or plate and set near the batter bowl and baking sheet.
Peel and cut the bananas crosswise into 3/4″ slices. Give the batter a quick stir and then place a banana slice into the batter, coating well. Then into the bread crumbs, making sure it’s totally covered. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with each banana slice.
Bake for 4 minutes, flip over and bake another 4 minutes. Arrange on a serving dish and dust with cinnamon. Serve immediately.
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How creative! I’m frying-averse, so this looks great.
I’ve had the baked tempura on the brain since your first post back in Sept. I love this delicate dessert version, really gorgeous. I wonder if a dipping sauce or drizzle would be tasty too. Ooh ideas.
I adore your chopsticks!!
This looks like such a great sophisticated, simple treat to serve at a party. I’m getting ideas now too.
Damn… I sure wish I had some bananas at home right now!
That sounds so delicious!!
I am going to make these this weekend!
Yum!!!!!
A little caramel poured on this oh stop! This looks really good I like that it’s baked.
you had me at “the bananas come out warm and a little melty inside with a bit of a crunch on the outside.” oh my goodness….mmmmmmmmmmm!
Boy, does that look yummy!! :)
this reminds me of my favourite banana fritters (called goreng pisang- fried bananas)! :D
Bananas are seriously under-appreciated when it comes to dessert… This is such a great way to elevate them to a more elegant form than plain old banana bread!
wowza, this sounds really really good!
Your recipes look soooooooo good!
What a great idea! Sounds delicious…Don’t know how i could have missed you until now – I’m putting you on my blog roll :) x
Super idea! Looks great!
I made it last night, couldn’t believe it was that tasty. And more importantly, it is a healthy recipe.