Quick Turon with Caramel Drizzle

My family has always had a soft spot for Filipino desserts, and turon, those crispy banana spring rolls, are a particular favorite. However, sometimes the craving hits, but the thought of the traditional, slightly more involved method can be a bit daunting, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s when I stumbled upon this quick turon recipe with a caramel drizzle, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer! It delivers all the satisfying crunch and sweet banana goodness of classic turon, but in a fraction of the time and with an extra touch of indulgence from the homemade caramel. The kids absolutely devour them, and even my husband, who usually prefers savory snacks, can’t resist reaching for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). This recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly delicious, making it a perfect treat for any occasion, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a delightful and fuss-free way to enjoy the flavors of the Philippines, this quick turon with caramel drizzle is definitely worth trying!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delectable quick turon with a luscious caramel drizzle. We’ve kept the ingredient list simple and accessible, ensuring you can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store.

• 6 ripe saba bananas (plantains): These are the star of the show! Saba bananas are essential for authentic turon flavor and texture. They are shorter and stockier than Cavendish bananas, with a slightly tangy and less sweet taste when ripe, which caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Make sure they are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
• 12 spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers): These thin wrappers are what give turon its signature crispy exterior. You can find them in the frozen section of most Asian supermarkets or well-stocked grocery stores. Thaw them completely according to package instructions before using to prevent tearing.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor and helps create that lovely caramelized coating on the bananas. Packed brown sugar ensures accurate measurement and consistent sweetness.
• 1/4 cup cooking oil: We need oil for frying the turon to golden perfection. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil are all good choices due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point, which is important for frying.
• For the Caramel Drizzle:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This forms the base of our homemade caramel sauce. Granulated sugar provides a clean sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and a smooth, creamy texture to the caramel sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the caramel.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream contributes to the luxurious, pourable consistency of the caramel drizzle. It also adds a subtle dairy richness that complements the sweetness.
  • Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the caramel and enhancing its overall flavor profile. It prevents the caramel from being overly sugary and adds depth.

Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of quick turon with caramel drizzle. This recipe is designed to be easy and efficient, perfect for beginner cooks and busy individuals alike.

1. Prepare the Bananas: Begin by peeling the saba bananas. Once peeled, slice each banana lengthwise into two halves. If your bananas are particularly thick, you can slice them into quarters to ensure they cook through evenly and fit nicely into the spring roll wrappers.
2. Coat in Brown Sugar: Place the sliced bananas in a shallow dish or plate. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the banana slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. The brown sugar will not only sweeten the bananas but also create a delicious caramelized layer during frying.
3. Assemble the Turon: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, positioning it like a diamond with one point facing towards you. Place a brown sugar-coated banana slice near the bottom point of the wrapper. Fold the bottom point over the banana, then fold in the left and right points of the wrapper, similar to wrapping a burrito. Roll the turon tightly upwards to enclose the banana completely, sealing the edge with a little water if needed to ensure it stays closed during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining banana slices and wrappers.
4. Fry the Turon: Heat the cooking oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying, but not smoking. To test if the oil is ready, you can carefully drop a tiny piece of wrapper into the oil; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready. Gently place the assembled turon into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the turon are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Drain Excess Oil: Once the turon are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place the fried turon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is crucial for achieving crispy turon that are not greasy.
6. Make the Caramel Drizzle: While the turon are cooling slightly, prepare the caramel drizzle. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and heat over medium heat. Do not stir the sugar initially; allow it to melt undisturbed. As the sugar melts, it will start to turn golden brown around the edges. Once most of the sugar is melted and golden, you can gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramelization. Continue cooking until the sugar is a deep amber color – this is crucial for a rich caramel flavor. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it will become bitter.
7. Add Butter and Cream: Once the sugar is caramelized, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the unsalted butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the caramelized sugar. Be careful as the mixture may bubble up when you add the butter. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture may seize up slightly at first, but keep stirring over low heat until the caramel sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
8. Drizzle and Serve: Arrange the fried turon on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the turon. Serve immediately while the turon are still warm and crispy and the caramel is gooey and delicious. You can serve them as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for one serving of our Quick Turon with Caramel Drizzle. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 2 pieces of Turon (approximately)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories. This is a moderate calorie count for a dessert, providing energy from carbohydrates and fats.
• Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams of fat per serving. This includes fats from the cooking oil, butter, and cream in the caramel. Fats contribute to the richness and flavor of the turon and caramel.

Preparation Time

This Quick Turon with Caramel Drizzle recipe truly lives up to its name! From start to finish, you can expect the entire process to take around 20-25 minutes.

• Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes. This includes peeling and slicing the bananas, coating them in brown sugar, and assembling the turon.
• Cook Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes frying the turon until golden brown and making the quick caramel drizzle.

This makes it an ideal dessert option when you’re short on time but craving something sweet and satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but also special enough to impress guests on the weekend.

How to Serve

Quick Turon with Caramel Drizzle is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Warm and Fresh: The best way to enjoy turon is fresh and warm, right after frying and drizzling with caramel. The contrast between the crispy wrapper, soft banana, and warm caramel is simply irresistible.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Elevate your dessert experience by serving turon with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream beautifully complements the warm turon and caramel, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea: Turon makes a wonderful accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea. The sweetness of the turon and caramel pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of coffee or tea.
• As a Dessert Platter Element: Include turon as part of a Filipino dessert platter, alongside other treats like leche flan, halo-halo (components), or ube halaya. This offers a variety of flavors and textures for a truly festive spread.
• For Parties and Gatherings: Turon is a crowd-pleaser and a great option for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. They are easy to eat and always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Sprinkled with Sesame Seeds: For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the caramel-drizzled turon. The nutty sesame seeds provide a nice textural contrast and complement the sweetness of the caramel.

Additional Tips for Perfect Turon

Mastering quick turon is easy, but these extra tips will help you achieve truly exceptional results every time:

1. Use Ripe but Firm Saba Bananas: The key to perfect turon is using saba bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will become too mushy during frying, while underripe bananas won’t have the desired sweetness and flavor. Look for bananas that are yellow with some black spots, but still firm to the touch.
2. Thaw Spring Roll Wrappers Properly: Ensure your spring roll wrappers are completely thawed before using them. This prevents them from tearing or sticking together during assembly. Follow the thawing instructions on the package for best results.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the turon, avoid overcrowding the pan. Frying in batches ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy turon. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy turon.
4. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: The oil should be hot enough for frying (around 350°F or 175°C), but not smoking. If the oil is too hot, the turon will brown too quickly on the outside and may be undercooked inside. If it’s too cold, the turon will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer or the wrapper test (as described in the instructions) to gauge the oil temperature.
5. Seal the Wrappers Tightly: Ensure the spring roll wrappers are sealed tightly around the bananas to prevent them from opening up during frying. A little dab of water on the final edge can help seal the wrapper securely.
6. Adjust Caramel Sweetness to Taste: The caramel drizzle recipe is a starting point. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet caramel, you can reduce the sugar slightly. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to the caramel for extra flavor.
7. Make Caramel Drizzle Ahead (with caution): You can make the caramel drizzle ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving. However, homemade caramel is best when freshly made. If you do make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if it becomes too thick.
8. Experiment with Fillings: While saba bananas are traditional, you can experiment with other fillings to create variations of turon. Try adding slices of jackfruit (langka), mangoes, or even chocolate chips along with the banana for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making quick turon with caramel drizzle? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you succeed with this delicious recipe.

Q1: Can I use regular bananas instead of saba bananas?

A: While saba bananas are traditional and provide the best texture and flavor for turon, you can use regular Cavendish bananas if saba bananas are not available. However, regular bananas are sweeter and softer, so the turon might be slightly different in taste and texture. They also tend to become mushier when cooked, so handle them gently.

Q2: Where can I find spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers)?

A: Spring roll wrappers, also known as lumpia wrappers, are typically found in the frozen section of Asian supermarkets or well-stocked grocery stores. They are usually near other Asian ingredients like tofu, noodles, and sauces. Look for packages labeled “spring roll wrappers” or “lumpia wrappers.”

Q3: Can I bake the turon instead of frying them?

A: While frying gives turon its signature crispy texture, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the assembled turon with melted butter or oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Baked turon will be less crispy than fried turon, but still delicious.

Q4: How do I store leftover turon?

A: Leftover turon are best enjoyed fresh, as they lose their crispiness over time. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer to try and restore some crispiness, but they won’t be as crispy as freshly fried turon.

Q5: Can I make the caramel drizzle without heavy cream?

A: Heavy cream contributes to the richness and smooth texture of the caramel drizzle. However, if you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk. The caramel might be slightly thinner in consistency, but it will still be delicious.

Q6: My caramel sauce became grainy, what did I do wrong?

A: Grainy caramel is often caused by sugar crystals not fully dissolving or by stirring the sugar too early while it’s melting. Avoid stirring the sugar until it starts to melt and turn golden brown around the edges. Once it starts to melt, you can gently swirl the pan. If your caramel becomes grainy, you can try adding a tablespoon of water or lemon juice and gently heating it while stirring to help dissolve the crystals.

Q7: Can I add other spices to the turon or caramel?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize your turon and caramel with spices. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar coating for the bananas. For the caramel, you can add a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or even a hint of cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.

Q8: Is this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

A: This recipe, as written, is not vegan due to the butter and heavy cream in the caramel drizzle. To make it vegan, you would need to substitute the butter and heavy cream with vegan alternatives, such as vegan butter and coconut cream. The spring roll wrappers are typically made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, you would need to find gluten-free spring roll wrappers, which are available in some specialty stores or online. Always check the ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

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