Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Chuối Bọc Nếp Nướng, a beloved Vietnamese dessert featuring grilled bananas nestled in fragrant sticky rice. This delightful treat offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – the soft, caramelized banana perfectly complements the chewy, subtly sweet sticky rice, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of grilling bananas, their natural sugars melting into a rich, golden glaze, all wrapped within the comforting embrace of warm, sticky rice. The simple yet elegant preparation makes it surprisingly accessible, even for novice cooks.
This recipe unveils the secrets to crafting authentic Chuối Bọc Nếp Nướng, guiding you through each step of the process from preparing the ingredients to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Vietnam? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this delightful dessert together.
Tools Needed
- Rice cooker
- Cutting board
- Rice ladle
- Plastic wrap
- Stove (charcoal or infrared preferred)
- Oven (alternative)
Ingredients
- Asian bananas (thick and short)
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Sticky rice (Vietnamese preferred)
- Water
- Salt: a pinch
- Coconut milk: 1/4 cup
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Pandan leaves: 1-2
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Banana leaves
- Coconut milk: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch
- Tapioca or cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded young coconut (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel the bananas and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Wash the sticky rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for about an hour. Drain and toss with a pinch of salt.
- Combine coconut milk, sugar, salt, and tapioca/cornstarch. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened.
Step 2. Assemble and Wrap the Bananas
- Cook the sticky rice in a rice cooker with 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup water, and 1-2 pandan leaves. After cooking, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and fluff well.
- Using a rice ladle, mash the cooked sticky rice until mushy. Transfer to a sheet of plastic wrap, roll it flat to about 5 centimeters thick.
- Add shredded young coconut to the sticky rice before wrapping.)
- Remove the plastic wrap and wrap the sticky rice-banana bundle in banana leaves.
Step 3. Grill/Bake and Prepare the Sauce
- Grill the banana bundles on a stove (charcoal or infrared preferred) until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a 250-degree Celsius oven for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the banana bundles from the banana leaves, cut into bite-sized pieces, and drizzle with the coconut sauce. Sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.
Read more: Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Gac (Red Melon) - Easy Recipe
Tips
- Using Vietnamese sticky rice results in a stickier texture.
- Pandan leaves add a nice fragrance to both the rice and the coconut sauce. (122.13, 258.25)
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 12-15gg
- Carbs: 55-65gg
- Protein: 3-4gg
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of bananas besides plantains?
While plantains are traditional, you can experiment with other firm bananas like ripe but not overly soft Cavendish bananas. They might not caramelize quite as intensely.
2. How do I know when the sticky rice is cooked?
The rice is done when it's soft, sticky, and translucent, and no longer has a chalky center. You should be able to easily separate the grains with your fingers.
3. What can I do if my sticky rice is too dry?
Add a tablespoon or two of water at a time while stirring gently, until you reach the desired consistency. It's better to add water gradually to avoid making the rice too wet.
Enjoy the delightful combination of warm, caramelized banana and chewy sticky rice – a taste of authentic Vietnamese sweetness. This simple yet rewarding dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or indulging in as a comforting treat. So, gather your ingredients and embark on this delicious culinary adventure!