Banana Lumpia Recipe: A Sweet and Crispy Filipino Delight

Banana lumpia, also known as turon, is a popular Filipino snack made from sliced bananas, jackfruit (langka), and brown sugar, all wrapped in a thin spring roll wrapper (lumpia wrapper) and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors – the soft, sweet banana filling contrasting beautifully with the crunchy exterior. This recipe will guide you through making this delicious treat at home.

What is Banana Lumpia (Turon)?

Turon, or banana lumpia, is a ubiquitous street food and snack in the Philippines. It’s often sold by street vendors and is a common merienda (afternoon snack) option. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a favorite among Filipinos of all ages. While the classic version includes just bananas, jackfruit, and brown sugar, variations exist, such as adding cheese or using different types of bananas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Deliciously Addictive:** The sweet and crispy combination is irresistible, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the filling with different ingredients to suit your taste.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
* **Great for Sharing:** Banana lumpia is a perfect snack to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Saba Bananas (6-8 pieces):** Saba bananas are the preferred type of banana for turon due to their firm texture and slightly tangy flavor when cooked. They hold their shape well during frying. If you can’t find saba bananas, you can substitute them with plantains or even cardaba bananas, though the taste will be slightly different. Avoid using Cavendish bananas (the typical banana you eat raw) as they become too soft and mushy when fried.
* **Jackfruit (Langka) Strips (1 cup):** Jackfruit adds a unique sweetness and chewy texture to the filling. You can use fresh or canned jackfruit. If using canned jackfruit, make sure to drain it well and cut it into small strips. Fresh jackfruit should be ripe and soft but not overly mushy. Remove the seeds and cut the edible flesh into strips.
* **Brown Sugar (1/2 cup):** Brown sugar adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the filling. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your preference. Some people prefer a darker brown sugar for a richer flavor.
* **Lumpia Wrappers (Spring Roll Wrappers) (1 package):** Lumpia wrappers are thin, translucent sheets made from flour and water. They are available in most Asian grocery stores. Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you’re working to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
* **Cooking Oil (for frying):** Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart an unwanted flavor to the turon.
* **Water or Egg Wash (for sealing):** A small amount of water or egg wash is used to seal the lumpia wrappers. Egg wash (egg beaten with a little water) provides a stronger seal and also contributes to a golden-brown color during frying. You can also make a simple flour paste (flour mixed with water) for sealing.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the bananas and jackfruit.
* **Knife:** For slicing the bananas and jackfruit.
* **Shallow Dish or Plate:** For the brown sugar.
* **Frying Pan or Deep Fryer:** For frying the turon.
* **Tongs or Slotted Spoon:** For handling the turon during frying.
* **Paper Towels:** For draining excess oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make perfect banana lumpia at home:

**Preparation (15 minutes)**

1. **Prepare the Bananas:** Peel the saba bananas and slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters, depending on their size. You want each piece to be about 1/2 inch thick.
2. **Prepare the Jackfruit:** If using canned jackfruit, drain it well and cut it into thin strips. If using fresh jackfruit, remove the seeds and cut the edible flesh into thin strips.
3. **Set up your workstation:** Lay out the lumpia wrappers on a flat surface. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Have a small bowl of water or egg wash ready for sealing the wrappers.
4. **Brown Sugar Preparation:** Place the brown sugar on a shallow dish or plate for easy access when assembling the lumpia.

**Assembling the Lumpia (20 minutes)**

1. **Place a Wrapper:** Take one lumpia wrapper and place it on a clean, flat surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
2. **Add the Filling:** Place a slice or two of banana and a few strips of jackfruit diagonally across the center of the wrapper, closer to the corner facing you. You don’t want to overfill the wrapper, as it will be difficult to roll and may burst during frying.
3. **Sprinkle with Brown Sugar:** Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over the banana and jackfruit. The amount of brown sugar you use will depend on your preference for sweetness.
4. **Fold the Bottom Corner:** Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, tucking it in tightly.
5. **Fold the Sides:** Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center, like you’re making an envelope.
6. **Roll Tightly:** Starting from the folded bottom corner, roll the lumpia wrapper tightly away from you until you reach the top corner.
7. **Seal the Edge:** Dip your finger in water or egg wash and lightly moisten the top corner of the wrapper. This will seal the lumpia and prevent it from unraveling during frying. Make sure the seal is secure.
8. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1-7 with the remaining ingredients until all the lumpia are assembled.

**Frying the Lumpia (15-20 minutes)**

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour enough cooking oil into a frying pan or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat to around 325-350°F (160-175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of lumpia wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in a few seconds, the oil is ready.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the lumpia into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy turon.
3. **Fry until Golden Brown:** Fry the lumpia for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. **Drain Excess Oil:** Remove the fried lumpia from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the banana lumpia immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh.

## Tips for Perfect Banana Lumpia

* **Use Ripe but Firm Saba Bananas:** The bananas should be ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape during frying. Overripe bananas will become too mushy.
* **Don’t Overfill the Wrappers:** Overfilling the wrappers will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during frying.
* **Seal the Wrappers Tightly:** Make sure to seal the edges of the wrappers tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
* **Fry at the Right Temperature:** Frying at the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy turon. If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the filling is cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the turon will be soggy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Frying the lumpia in batches will ensure that the oil temperature remains consistent and that the turon cook evenly.
* **Drain Excess Oil Thoroughly:** Draining the fried lumpia on paper towels will remove any excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Serve Immediately:** Banana lumpia is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The wrappers will lose their crispness over time.

## Variations and Additions

* **Cheese:** Add a slice of cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese along with the banana and jackfruit for a savory-sweet twist.
* **Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam):** Add a spoonful of ube halaya for a vibrant color and unique flavor.
* **Langka and Cheese:** Skip the banana altogether and just use jackfruit and cheese for a different flavor combination.
* **Chocolate Syrup:** Drizzle chocolate syrup over the finished turon for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce can also enhance the sweetness and flavor.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Sprinkle sesame seeds on the lumpia before frying for added texture and flavor.
* **Langhap Sarap Style:** This involves sprinkling a mixture of powdered milk and sugar over the fried turon, adding a creamy and sweet coating.

## Serving Suggestions

* **As a Snack:** Banana lumpia is a perfect afternoon snack or merienda.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve it as a dessert after a meal.
* **With Ice Cream:** Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a Party Food:** It’s a great addition to any party or gathering.

## Storage Instructions

* **Uncooked Lumpia:** You can store uncooked lumpia in the freezer for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying.
* **Cooked Lumpia:** Cooked lumpia is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make them soggy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 2-4g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use different types of bananas?**
A: While saba bananas are the preferred type, you can substitute them with plantains or cardaba bananas if needed. Avoid using Cavendish bananas, as they become too mushy when fried.

**Q: Can I use frozen lumpia wrappers?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen lumpia wrappers. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using them. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

**Q: How do I prevent the lumpia from sticking to the pan?**
A: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the lumpia. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan.

**Q: How do I keep the lumpia crispy after frying?**
A: Drain the fried lumpia on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them immediately while they are still hot.

**Q: Can I bake the lumpia instead of frying them?**
A: Yes, you can bake the lumpia. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the lumpia with oil and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. However, the baked version will not be as crispy as the fried version.

**Q: Can I make the lumpia ahead of time?**
A: You can assemble the lumpia ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just make sure to keep them covered with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving.

## Banana Lumpia Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12-16 lumpia
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 saba bananas, peeled and sliced
* 1 cup jackfruit strips
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 package lumpia wrappers
* Cooking oil for frying
* Water or egg wash for sealing

**Equipment:**

* Cutting board
* Knife
* Shallow dish or plate
* Frying pan or deep fryer
* Tongs or slotted spoon
* Paper towels

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the bananas and jackfruit.
2. Set up your workstation with the lumpia wrappers, water or egg wash, and brown sugar.
3. Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface.
4. Place a slice or two of banana and a few strips of jackfruit diagonally across the center of the wrapper.
5. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
6. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling.
7. Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper towards the center.
8. Roll the wrapper tightly away from you until you reach the top corner.
9. Seal the edge with water or egg wash.
10. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
11. Heat the oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 325-350°F (160-175°C).
12. Fry the lumpia in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
13. Drain the fried lumpia on paper towels.
14. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade banana lumpia! This simple yet satisfying recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of sweet bananas, chewy jackfruit, and a crispy wrapper is simply irresistible. Happy cooking!