Vegan Battered Banana Blossom Fish

This banana blossom fish recipe is incredible. It's a vegan recipe that actually tastes like fish, has a nice flaky texture, it's salty and delicious. The consistency is perfect and everyone will love it.

I've been experimenting with vegan fish and chips already so you know how much I love vegan fish recipes. I experiment so much in the kitchen because living in the UK means that I fancy fish all the time. It's one of those things I used to love, so naturally, I'm in pursuit of finding the best consistency. Look no further as I've found the perfect flaky fish made with banana blossom. Now, the banana blossom has an incredible consistency, which is akin to tuna in my opinion.

It has layers upon layers of edible blossoms and it sticks together much like tuna does. It's clear this is one of the best vegan ingredients for making fish. With the right ingredients, the battered banana blossom is an incredible crispy fish, all vegan, served on a nice portion of fries. To add to it even more, I decided to serve it with samphire on the side, a succulent salt-tolerant plant that grows abundantly on shorelines. Samphire has a crisp texture and tastes like the sea, the perfect companion to my banana blossom fish.

To make battered banana blossom fish and chips you will need a few key ingredients like lemon, miso paste and nori sheet. Don't worry, I will explain exactly how to make this vegan fish dream a reality, with clear, step by step instructions. Making banana blossom fish is easier than you think, and the result is a golden and crispy battered deliciousness.

You can serve them with oven-baked chips or proper British fries. Honestly, the result is so incredible, I've never eaten anything that truly tastes like proper British fish. The banana blossoms really are the perfect fish replacement in a vegan recipe because they are so flaky.

What are Banana Blossoms

Never heard of banana blossoms until now? Don't worry, you are not alone. The truth is until I first saw them in a can in my local supermarket, I didn't even know they were edible. Bananas grow on clusters and at the end, there's a big, beautiful purple flower growing. This is the banana blossom, which some call it banana heart. If you get close to it, you can smell it as it's quite aromatic and sweet.

The petals are fleshy, similar to artichoke hearts, and soft like jackfruit. They are ideal for making vegan fish. You can find banana blossoms in a can, usually in brine.

Where to find Banana Blossoms

You can buy banana blossoms in your local Asian supermarket, however, if you live in the UK, you will also find them in your local supermarket as well. For example, I've found my banana blossom cans in a Sainsbury's. No doubt you can also order them online.

There are several brands you can buy like Biona, Puro, Tropical Sun, Summer Pride, Lamthong and AROY-D. I've tried Biona and Summer Pride and they were both perfect for making banana blossom fish. Just buy whatever is available for you. There won't be much difference.

Key ingredients for Banana Blossoms Fish

There are a few ingredients you will need so let me tell you what to grab from the pantry. I will also explain about replacements if there's anything suitable. Let's go!

Banana Blossoms - of course this is the star ingredient and a must for this recipe. You can also make vegan fish with tofu, but that's a different recipe that results in a different texture and taste.

Miso Paste - another key ingredient, this one cannot be replaced. It's what gives the banana blossom that fish taste and umami flavour. A must!

Lemon Juice - It can be fresh or from a little bottle, it doesn't matter. But you will need it so you can add a bit of tart to your banana blossom fish.

Nori sheet - this will really give your banana blossom the taste of the sea. It's a crucial ingredient that cannot be replaced. Not only does it help with the taste but also with the visuals. I wrap the banana blossom in nori sheet so when you have it all ready, it looks like there's crispy skin on your fish.

Salt and Pepper - Always needed in every single recipe. You can add some dried herbs if you wish, but that's entirely optional.

Olive oil - I like to use olive oil for just about everything and I seldom cook using a different type of fat. Having said that, feel free to use any other vegetable oil. You won't need too much, as we are shallow frying the banana blossom fish.

Flour - All-purpose flour works just fine but if you happen to have bread flour, it works also. Don't use self-rising flour or bleached flour. I'm afraid I never tried gluten-free flour in this recipe to tell you if it works.

Corn flour - Corn flour or corn starch is crucial for making a nice crispy batter. I use cornflour in so many recipes, it's a staple in my pantry.

Baking powder - It will make your batter super light and fluffy. This makes the batter super crispy but lightweight and lovely.

Step by Step: How to make banana blossom fish

Step 1: Rinse and drain the banana blossoms. Using your hands, squeeze any excess water from the banana blossom. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze. You can also use a towel for this if it's better.

Step 2: Mix the miso paste with a little bit of boiling water to make it a little thinner.

Step 3: Add lemon juice to your banana blossoms and then brush the banana blossoms with miso paste.

Step 4: Wrap the miso banana blossom in nori sheet and set it aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the batter by mixing all batter ingredients in a bowl.

Step 6: Heat up some oil in a frying pan. Using kitchen tongs, take a banana blossom fish and dip it in the batter. Fry until crisp and golden and when ready, place it on a kitchen paper to remove excess oil.

You are now ready to serve it with your favourite side dishes and dips. I used samphire and oven-baked chips as well as brown sauce as it's my favourite.

Secret tips for the next ever banana blossom fish

This great British seaside fish is now vegan made with banana blossoms and ready to be devoured. But first, let me tell you some secret tips to ensure you really get the best ever banana blossom fish.

Secret Tip 1: Use miso paste and nori sheet to marinate the banana blossom. This is the most important tip. Miso and nori together really make your banana blossom taste salty and like the sea. Don't be tempted to skip this as your vegan fish will be quite tasteless otherwise.

Secret Tip 2: I know you are tempted to air-fry this, but in order to obtain a traditional crispy battered banana blossom, you will want to shallow fry it (or deep fry it) in oil.

Secret Tip 3: Add lemon to the banana blossoms first. This is the first step. It will neutralise the otherwise dull taste of brine in the banana blossom and make it delicious.

Secret Tip 4: If you are crazy about proper fish and chips, then do serve it with a side of Samphire. There's a reason why it's a fish dish' best friend. You won't regret it.

Secret Tip 5: If you want your batter to be light, crispy and amazing, use ice-cold water in your batter.

You are now a master of banana blossom fish and you are ready to make this super easy vegan recipe. Enjoy!

This recipe has been developed entirely by Yuzu Bakes. Any resemblance with other recipes is purely coincidental.