Banana Stem Chips

Summary

This tutorial teaches viewers how to make unique and economical Banana Stem Chips using easily accessible ingredients. The video walks through the preparation process, including soaking the banana stems to remove toxins and bitterness, marinating, and coating with flour. It provides tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture while frying. The creator also shares personal modifications to the original recipe and offers advice for those interested in using this recipe for business purposes. With a friendly tone and practical tips, this video is a fun and informative guide to making delicious Banana Stem Chips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soak the banana stems in a solution of salt and betel lime to remove toxins and bitterness before making the chips.
• 😀 Use a variety of banana with an edible flower, like Saba Banana, to ensure the best taste and texture.
• 😀 Avoid using Cavendish banana stems as they tend to be bitter and unsuitable for making chips.
• 😀 Peel the outer layers of the banana stem to reveal the young, tender part that will be used for the chips.
• 😀 Slice the banana stems into 3-4 cm wide strips, then cut them into smaller pieces to your preferred size.
• 😀 Marinate the sliced banana stems for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of water, seasoning, and baking soda for added flavor.
• 😀 Use a coating mixture of bread flour, tapioca flour, rice flour, and seasoning to create a crispy coating for the chips.
• 😀 Squeeze the marinated banana stems to remove excess moisture, preventing the chips from clumping during frying.
• 😀 Fry the banana stem slices in small batches, starting with medium-high heat, then reducing to medium-low for perfect crispiness.
• 😀 After frying, drain the chips well to remove excess oil and achieve a crunchy texture. You can also use an air fryer to help remove excess oil.
• 😀 To store the chips, wrap them in plastic and let them sit for 24 hours to absorb any remaining oil, ensuring they stay crisp and fresh.

Q & A

What is the main ingredient used in making Banana Stem Chips?

The main ingredient is the banana stem, particularly from types like Saba Banana, Latundan Banana, or Klutuk Banana (Musa balbisiana). The most recommended type is the Saba Banana Stem.

Why is it important to soak the banana stems before preparing them?

Soaking the banana stems in a solution of saltwater and betel lime helps remove toxins, sap, and the bitter taste from the stems, while also strengthening their texture and improving the crispiness of the final chips.

How long should you soak the banana stems before making chips?

The banana stems should be soaked for at least 24 hours, but no longer than 48 hours to avoid the stems becoming too soft or over-saturated.

What should be avoided when choosing a banana stem for this recipe?

Avoid using Cavendish banana stems, as they tend to result in a bitter taste. It's best to use a banana stem from a tree that has already borne fruit.

Can the banana stem slices be cut in any size?

The banana stem slices can be cut to your preference, but they should be of a manageable size, typically around 3 to 5 cm in length. It’s important not to slice them too thin, as they may crumble during frying.

What is the purpose of marinating the banana stem slices?

Marinating the banana stem slices helps to flavor them and ensures a better texture after frying. It also helps remove excess moisture, which prevents clumping when they are coated with flour.

What ingredients are used in the marination for the banana stem slices?

The marination ingredients include ground pepper, Ngo Hiong seasoning powder (optional), chicken broth powder, fine salt, baking soda, and water.

What is the ideal frying technique for making the chips crispy?

Fry the banana stem slices at medium-high heat initially to firm them up, then reduce the heat to medium-low to cook them thoroughly. Finally, increase the heat again for a brief period to ensure they are crisp and not greasy.

How can you prevent the banana stem chips from being too oily?

To prevent excess oil, use the appropriate frying temperature (medium-high initially, then medium-low). Additionally, after frying, you can use a paper towel or an air fryer to drain any remaining oil.

What are some optional seasoning suggestions for the banana stem chips?

Optional seasonings include roast beef, barbeque, and Balado flavoring. However, it’s recommended to keep the chips’ flavor neutral if you plan to sprinkle additional seasonings.