Turon Recipe (Filipino Banana Lumpia w/ Caramel)

Turon is a delicious Filipino dessert made with fresh bananas wrapped in lumpia wrappers, Fried to a golden crisp and topped with sticky caramel sauce. This sweet and crunchy treat is an iconic snack in the Philippines. Beyond just a tasty dessert, Turon has a unique story and holds a special place in Filipino food culture. So let’s dive in and learn all about this specialty!

Turon provides an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The lumpia wrapper provides a thin, crispy outer shell. Inside, ripe banana slices offer rich sweetness and soft chewiness. Drizzled over the top, buttery caramel sauce adds notes of burnt sugar and richness. With alternating crunchy and smooth textures plus complementary sweet flavors, Turon is satisfying to both the palate and soul.

While Turon may seem simple at first glance, perfecting the recipe requires care and technique. Properly wrapping the bananas, frying the lumpia to an ideal crispiness, and making high quality caramel are all skills that separate an average Turon from a phenomenal one. This guide will outline the ins and outs of crafting authentic, delicious Turon from scratch. Grab some bananas and let’s get frying!

Must-Have Ingredients for Making Turon

To make traditional Turon, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

Ideal Bananas for Turon

• Ripe Saba bananas – Saba is the classic Filipino cooking banana, perfect for Turon when very ripe. Soft, sweet flesh with speckled brown peel.
• Ripe Latundan bananas – A smaller banana variety also called “Pisang Raja”. Soft and sweet when overripe, excellent for Turon.
• Ripe Cavendish bananas – The common yellow banana found worldwide. Use very ripe ones with plenty of dark spots on the peel.

Lumpia Wrappers

• Round lumpia wrappers – The paper-thin pastry essential for wrapping the bananas. Find them fresh or frozen at Asian grocers.
• Substitute: Rice paper sheets, egg roll wrappers – Can use rice paper or egg roll wrappers in a pinch but lumpia wrappers are ideal.

Caramel Sauce

• White sugar – Granulated white sugar is the classic choice for sweet Filipino caramel. Provides pure, clean sweetness.
• Butter – Adds richness, aroma, and color to caramel. Use just a pat or two.
• Evaporated milk – Makes caramel extra thick, luscious, and creamy. Just a splash does the trick.

Spices and Seasonings

• Sea salt – A sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness and elevates flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Optional but adds lovely aroma to caramel.
• Lemon juice – Brightens and deepens caramel flavor. Add just a teaspoon or two.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Turon

Follow these steps carefully for perfect Turon every time:

Prepare the Bananas

• Peel and cut into 2-3 inch pieces.
• Use very ripe bananas that are generously speckled
• Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning

Wrap the Bananas in Lumpia

• Place 2-3 banana slices in lower third of lumpia wrapper
• Fold sides inward to encase bananas
• Roll up tightly from bottom to top
• Brush edges with water to seal closed
• Repeat until all banana slices are wrapped

Fry the Lumpia

• Heat 2-3 inches vegetable oil to 350°F
• Gently add lumpia to oil and fry 2-3 minutes per side
• Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown
• Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels

Make the Caramel Sauce

• Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in saucepan
• Heat on medium, stirring gently, until sugar melts
• Bring to a boil without stirring, then cook until golden brown
• Remove from heat and whisk in butter, milk, vanilla
• Add lemon juice and salt to taste

Finish the Dish

• Drizzle caramel sauce over fried Turon
• Garnish with mint leaves (optional)
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Handy Tips for Delicious Turon

Follow these tips for the very best Turon:

• Use ultra ripe bananas with lots of brown spots
• Wrap banana filling tightly so lumpia doesn’t open during frying
• Fry Turon low and slow until crispy and golden brown
• Make caramel in a light colored pan to easily monitor color
• Add milk, vanilla, lemon at end so caramel stays smooth
• Adjust caramel thickness by adding more or less evaporated milk
• Gently reheat leftover Turon in a 300°F oven to preserve texture

Fun Flavor Variations to Try

While classic Turon features banana and caramel, you can also experiment with fun new flavors:

Different Fillings

• Mango, jackfruit, or pineapple slices
• Shredded young coconut
• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Cheese cubes + caramel

Unique Caramel Twists

• Swirl in peanut butter or nutella
• Infuse with teas like chai or earl grey
• Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
• Stir in liquors like rum, whiskey, or kahlua

Frequently Asked Questions About Turon

Here are answers to common questions about Turon:

Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of lumpia?

Yes, spring roll wrappers make a fine substitute in a pinch! They are a bit thicker than lumpia wrappers, so the Turon will have a more substantial crunch.

How long does Turon stay fresh after frying?

Turon is best consumed within a few hours after frying. Leftovers can be refrigerated overnight but are best reheated in oven before serving.

What if my caramel sauce hardens or stays runny?

To thin dense caramel, stir in hot water a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. For runny caramel, return to stove and simmer uncovered to thicken it up.

What other Filipino desserts are similar to Turon?

Some other banana lumpia desserts to try are Maruya (fried bananas with sugar), Budin (pan fried bananas with brown sugar), and Bananacue (grilled caramelized bananas on a stick).

Conclusion

With its contrasting textures, balanced flavors, and versatility, it’s easy to see why Turon is so cherished in the Philippines and beyond. The secret is all in the ingredients and technique – use ripe, flavorful bananas, lumpia wrappers fried up crispy, and a smooth, rich caramel sauce. Vary the fillings and toppings to make each Turon creation your own. Now that you know the basics, you can share this iconic Filipino dessert with all your loved ones. Enjoy!