Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

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This Vegan Fish made with Banana Blossoms is life-changing – especially if you thought that you would never eat anything that tastes like fish again! The soft and flaky texture of the banana flowers is perfect as the base!

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (1)

I’ve seen a couple of fishy recipes with banana blossoms on Pinterest and immediately knew that I wanted to give them a try. But I’ve never seen banana blossoms in the stores, so I thought it was one of the ingredients I would never get my hands on. You can probably guess how excited I was when I found a can of banana blossoms in brine at my local Asian grocery store. I almost freaked out.

For the preparation, I kind of followed the process of making tofish (fish made with tofu). The banana blossoms are tossed in a flour mixture, then dipped in a batter, and fried until golden brown. I’ve served them with Oven Baked Potato Slices and Tartar Sauce.

This is fishy dream come true! I’ve never had anything that tasted THAT MUCH like fish. The banana blossoms are the perfect base because they are soft and flaky.

Nori, lemon juice, and dillin the flour mixture and batter add the typical fishy flavors. I highly recommend making a tartar sauce to serve with this vegan fish. It’s so good!

What are Banana Blossoms?

Bananas on trees grow in clusters and at the end of the cluster, there’s a purple flower growing – this is known as the banana blossom (or banana blower or banana heart).

The petals are fleshy and soft and therefore PERFECT for vegan fish! For the recipe, we are using canned banana blossoms in brine.

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2)

Where to buy Banana Blossoms?

I’ve found these canned Banana Blossoms in an Asian grocery store, but not all of them carry them. Most owners are really nice and stock up on them when there’s a demand, so it’s worth asking for them!

Until now, I’ve found canned banana blossoms in brine from two brands: AROY-D and CHAOKOH. I’ve found that the banana blossoms from AROY-D are in better shape (bigger pieces) and therefore better for making vegan fish but if you can only find the CHAOKOH ones, that’s okay, they will work too!

You can also order banana blossoms on Amazon.

How to make Vegan Fish out of Banana Blossoms

You’ll need:

  • banana blossoms
  • for the flour mixture: flour, salt, nori, dill
  • for the batter: flour, salt, turmeric, pickle juice, caper brine (or more pickle juice), water, lemon juice
  • frying oil
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (3)
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (5)
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (6)
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (7)
Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (8)

See the different layers? Banana Blossoms are perfect to make vegan fish! But if you can’t find banana blossoms, this artichoke fish recipe is a good alternative.

Serve the banana blossom vegan fish with…

  • vegan tartar sauce
  • oven-baked potato slices

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish FAQ

What to do with all the leftover oil?

After frying, let the oil cool off completely. Then strain it (to remove small pieces) and pour it into a bottle to use it the next time. I usually use the oil 4-5 times if it’s not too dark.

Can I make the batter gluten-free?

You can use rice flour or chickpea flour instead to make it gluten-free.

Can you bake/air-fry the banana blossom fish instead of frying?

You can probably do that BUT you will have to make the batter thicker so that it sticks more to the banana blossoms. Bake it at 350°F/180°C for about 10 minutes.

Where can I buy banana blossoms?

You can find canned banana blossoms in (some) Asian markets. Sometimes even health food stores carry banana blossoms. The third option is to order it online.

Do you have any more questions? Put them in the comments below and I will do my best to answer them all!

More Vegan Fish Recipes

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  • Tofish and Chips
  • Vegan Fish Burger
  • 15+ Vegan Fish and Seafood Recipes

Love it? Rate it!

I hope you will enjoy this vegan ‘fish’ made out of banana blossoms as much as I did! Let me know if you give it a try!

And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you like it, this helps other users figure out if it’s worth a try!

If you don’t wantto miss out on any new recipes, subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on Instagram and Facebook!

Cheers, Bianca

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (9)

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (10)

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish

Bianca Haun | Elephantastic Vegan

This Vegan Fish made with Banana Blossoms is life-changing – especially if you thought that you would never eat anything tastes like fish again! The soft and flaky texture of the banana flowers is perfect as the base!

4.37 from 221 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 8 fish*

Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients

Flour Mixture

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dill
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons crushed nori

Batter

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon caper brine (or sub with more pickle juice)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain the banana blossoms.

  • In separate bowls, combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and whisk together the ingredients for the batter.

  • In a pot or wok, heat the frying oil. You’ll want enough so that the battered banana blossoms can swim in the oil but make sure you leave enough space in the pot/wok so that it doesn’t spill over.

  • Coat the banana blossoms in the flour mixture. Then dip them in the batter. Carefully lower them in the oil. Let them fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, flipping them once.

  • Transfer the fried banana blossoms onto a kitchen paper to remove excess oil. Serve with tartar sauce, fries, and mashed peas, for example. Add fresh dill on top and squeeze with lemon juice.

Notes

*With how many vegan fish pieces you will end up, depends on how many banana blossoms are in the can. I’ve had 4 large ones, 2 smaller ones, and then used parts of the banana blossoms that fell off during the process to make 2 additional pieces.

Tips:

  • The vegan fish will taste a lot fishier if you add dill and lemon juice on top, and when it’s served with typical sides for fish e.g. tartar sauce, potatoes or mashed peas.
  • You can re-use the frying oil. Let it cool off completely, then pour it through a strainer to remove small bits and crumbs. Fill it in a bottle and store it at room temperature. You can use it for approx. 3 times!
  • Can I make the batter gluten-free? You can use rice flour or chickpea flour instead to make it gluten-free.
  • Can you bake/air-fry the banana blossom fish instead of frying? You can probably do that BUT you will have to make the batter thicker so that it sticks better to the banana blossoms.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 325mgPotassium: 33mgVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1.5mg

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Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn referral fees if you make a purchase through my link. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they will help me keep this site up and running!

Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Recipe | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

Can you use banana blossom instead of jackfruit? ›

If you've ever cooked with young green jackfruit, the texture is a bit similar! I find banana blossoms to be less tough and to have a more neutral flavor. Like jackfruit, I think they would also work great in recipes like vegan pulled pork, shredded chicken, or crab cakes.

What is vegan fish made of? ›

To create the flavour and texture of fish, manufacturers use a variety of different ingredients. Some common ingredients found in vegan fish are chickpeas, pea protein, soy, tofu and potatoes.

What are vegan fish fingers made from? ›

Ingredients. Rice Flake (Rice, Emulsifier: Sodium Alginate), Wheat Flour (contains added Calcium, Iron, Niacin & Thiamine), Mycoprotein (12%), Water, Natural Flavouring, Rapeseed Oil, Stabiliser: Methylcellulose; Yeast, Salt, Paprika, Colour: Paprika Extract.

How to get vegan fish flavour? ›

Seaweed and Kelp.

Wakame seaweed (or undaria) or dulse seaweed are both good options for this recipe (I use wakame). I also use dashima or dried kelp to intensify the fishy flavor of this vegan fish sauce.

Does banana blossom taste like jackfruit? ›

Even though they come from the same tree and literally grow off a cluster of bananas, you won't find any fruity banana flavor here—it's a flower, after all. Similar to jackfruit or tofu, the flavor of banana blossoms is neutral, meaning they can take on the taste of however you season them.

Does banana blossom taste like meat? ›

Unlike the sweet banana fruit, the flowers offer a mild to neutral taste, making them an ideal vegetarian alternative to fish, absorbing flavors from other ingredients in the recipe and mimicking the flaky texture of some fish.

What is a vegan who only eats fish? ›

Most simply, a pescatarian is someone who doesn't eat red meat or poultry, but does eat fish and other seafood. The term pescatarian was coined in the early 1990s and is a combination of the Italian word for fish, “pesce,” and the word “vegetarian.” Sometimes it's spelled “pescetarian,” but this means the same thing.

Why is it OK for vegans to eat fish? ›

Vegans do not eat any animals or any food that is derived from animals. This means that vegans do not eat beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat. They also don't eat chicken, duck, and other poultry. And because fish are also living creatures, vegans don't eat fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.

What is it called when you eat fish and vegan? ›

Pescatarians have a lot in common with vegetarians. They eat fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, eggs, and dairy, and stay away from meat and poultry. But there's one way they part company from vegetarians: Pescatarians eat fish and other seafood.

What is in a fishless finger? ›

Water, Textured 𝐒𝐨𝐲𝐚 Protein (16%), 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫, Rapeseed Oil, Potato Starch, Flavourings (Conatins 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭), Sea Salt, Linseed Oil, Thickener: Methyl Cellulose; Spices, Salt, Yeast, Dextrose, Linseed Flour, Maize Flour.

What is a vegetarian alternative to fish fingers? ›

The fish fingers begin with tofu that has been frozen and defrosted, which creates a meatier, chewier texture. Tofu is an easy vegan, gluten free and low FODMAP protein, which is why I use it.

How do you make fishless fingers for vegans? ›

  1. For the fishless fingers. 1 tbsp caper brine1 tbsp nori sprinkles4 tbsp cornflour2 tbsp water4 tbsp golden breadcrumbs vegetable oil1 x 280g block of firm tofu.
  2. For the minted mashed peas. 2 tbsp mint jelly1 tbsp plant-based butter150g frozen peas Salt & pepper to taste.
  3. For the super simple tartar sauce. ...
  4. For the sarnie.

What is the best vegan fish sauce brand? ›

1 Ocean's Halo. For fishy snacks and sauces without, well, the fish, Ocean's Halo is one of the best brands to check out. It offers a range of seaweed-based snacks, as well as vegan broth, dressings, marinades, and, of course, its own Vegan Fish Sauce. Its kelp-based recipe is totally soy-free, organic, and gluten-free ...

What spice tastes like fish? ›

In terms of appearance, fish mint belies its name. With beautiful white flowers and broad, heart-shaped leaves, the herb does not really remind one of fish. However, as one examines the plant closely, the distinct fish-like smell and taste of the leaves clarify the unusual name.

What plant is similar to a jackfruit? ›

Breadfruit is closely related to the breadnut. It is similar in appearance to its relative of the same genus, the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The closely related Artocarpus camansi can be distinguished from A. altilis by having spinier fruits with numerous seeds.

What can banana blossoms be used for? ›

Banana blossom comes from a species of wild banana native to Southeast Asia. Its taste is delicate and fragrant. The flower is commonly cooked in savory dishes, steeped in water to make tea, or used as a supplement. Banana flower is rich in nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and numerous minerals.

What fruit is similar to a jackfruit? ›

Both jackfruit and durian are large ovals with bumpy exterior textures. At first glance, you may mistake these two fruits for one another. However, there are some differences in the appearance of these summer fruits. Jackfruit, the largest tree-borne fruit, boasts a green, spiky, bumpy exterior.

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