Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe That Tastes Amazing

If you’re looking for a fresh, innovative vegan recipe that mimics the flaky, tender texture of fish without sacrificing flavor, this Banana Blossom Vegan Fish recipe is your new go-to. Banana blossoms, also known as banana flowers, have a delicate, fibrous texture that when prepared right, wonderfully resembles seafood, especially fish.

This delightful dish combines the natural subtlety of banana blossoms with bold seasonings and a crispy coating to create a vegan fish experience that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply exploring plant-based alternatives, this recipe promises a crispy, flavorful bite that will impress even the most devoted seafood lovers.

Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish is versatile and easy to make at home. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet while enjoying familiar flavors.

Dive into this recipe and discover how banana blossoms can transform your vegan cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Blossom Vegan Fish recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses a unique, plant-based ingredient that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Banana blossoms are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making this dish healthy and wholesome.

Second, the texture is remarkably similar to flaky fish, thanks to a clever preparation method that separates the blossom’s layers and mimics the natural flakiness of seafood. The crispy, seasoned coating adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.

Finally, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you want a mild, classic “fish” flavor or something with a spicy kick, you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

It’s a perfect recipe for those who want to enjoy the experience of eating fish without any animal products.

Ingredients

• 1 can (about 400g) banana blossoms, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chickpea flour (gram flour)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk)
• 1 tablespoon kelp powder (for a subtle seaweed flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Medium-sized skillet or frying pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork for mixing batter
• Plate lined with parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prepare the banana blossoms: Drain the canned banana blossoms and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Gently separate the layers with your fingers, discarding any hard or thick parts until you get soft, flaky pieces that resemble fish flakes.
2. Marinate for flavor: Place the banana blossom pieces in a bowl and add the lemon juice, kelp powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to infuse that subtle sea flavor.
3. Make the batter: In a separate bowl, combine the chickpea flour, all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in the plant-based milk until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that can coat the banana blossoms well.
4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your skillet, about 1/2 inch deep, and heat it over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil — it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
5. Coat the banana blossoms: Dip each banana blossom piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. This double layer ensures a crunchy exterior.
6. Fry until golden: Carefully place the coated banana blossoms into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn them gently.
7. Drain and serve: Remove the fried banana blossoms and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spices to the batter mix.

If you prefer baking over frying, place the coated banana blossoms on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Use nori flakes or dulse powder as an alternative to kelp powder for different seaweed flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Banana Blossom Vegan Fish makes an excellent main or snack. Serve it:

• In a sandwich or burger with vegan tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a soft bun.
• As fish tacos topped with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
• With a side of crispy fries or roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad.
• Accompanied by a tangy vegan remoulade or your favorite dipping sauce for an appetizer-style dish.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the hearty Half Runner Beans Recipe. If you have a sweet tooth after finishing this meal, don’t miss the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a delightful treat!

Conclusion

Exploring new ingredients like banana blossoms opens exciting doors for vegan cooking, and this Banana Blossom Vegan Fish recipe is a shining example. It offers a delightful combination of texture, flavor, and nutrition that can satisfy cravings for seafood without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.

The crispy, golden coating paired with the tender, flaky banana blossoms creates a dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on the palate.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course, snack, or party appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, by incorporating seaweed powders and fresh lemon juice, it captures that classic oceanic essence in a completely vegan form.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite vegan “fish” dish!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious plant-based alternative to fish using banana blossoms. Crispy, flaky, and perfect for sandwiches or tacos.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups banana blossoms, drained and shredded”, “1 cup chickpea flour”, “1/2 cup coconut milk”, “1 tablespoon nori flakes”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 cup panko breadcrumbs”, “Vegetable oil for frying”, “Lemon wedges for serving”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and shred banana blossoms to remove excess moisture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, coconut milk, nori flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip shredded banana blossoms into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry the coated banana blossoms until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}