Authentic Filipino Ginanggang Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Saba bananas
  • 1 cup of margarine
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 4 wooden skewers

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the bananas and skewer each one with a wooden stick.
  2. Heat a grill or a griddle over medium heat.
  3. Spread margarine all over the bananas.
  4. Place the bananas on the grill and cook until all sides are golden brown. Turn the bananas occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Once cooked, remove the bananas from the grill and let them cool for a while.
  6. Roll the bananas in sugar until they are fully coated.
  7. Serve the ginanggang while still warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using margarine, try using butter for a richer flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of bananas, such as plantains or red bananas, for a unique twist.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating for extra flavor.
  • For a tropical touch, top the ginanggang with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
  • Try grilling the bananas with a sprinkle of brown sugar instead of rolling them in granulated sugar.
  • Create a dipping sauce by combining melted chocolate or caramel with a hint of sea salt.
  • For a savory variation, wrap the bananas in bacon before grilling for a salty and sweet combination.
  • Serve the ginanggang with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

Recipe overview

Ginanggang is a popular street food in the Philippines that's both easy to make and delicious. This recipe uses saba bananas, a type of banana that is a staple in many Filipino dishes. Once grilled and coated with margarine and sugar, these bananas transform into a sweet, caramelized snack that's perfect for any time of day. Expect to enjoy a warm and comforting treat with a delightful crunch from the sugar coating. It's a simple yet satisfying dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Common questions

  1. Can I use ripe bananas instead of Saba bananas? Yes, you can use ripe bananas, but Saba bananas are traditionally used for Ginanggang as they have a firmer texture and hold up well on the grill.
  2. Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can substitute margarine with butter if you prefer. However, margarine is commonly used in this recipe as it provides a smoother texture and helps with even browning.
  3. Can I use white sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can use white sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar. Both will work well to coat the grilled bananas.
  4. Can I grill these bananas on an outdoor grill? Yes, you can grill the bananas on an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and follow the same instructions for grilling the bananas.
  5. Can I serve Ginanggang cold? While traditionally served warm, you can also enjoy Ginanggang cold if you prefer. The choice is yours!

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or griddle - Used to cook the bananas and achieve the desired grilled texture.
  • Wooden skewers - Used to skewer the bananas for easy handling and grilling.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and turning the bananas while grilling.
  • Sugar shaker or bowl - Used to coat the grilled bananas with sugar.
  • Plates - Required for serving the ginanggang.

Origin stories

Ginanggang is a popular street food in the Philippines particularly in the Mindanao region. Interestingly, the name of this snack directly translates to 'grilled' in the local dialect of Cebuano. It's a simple, comforting treat that has been enjoyed by Filipinos for generations. It brings a sense of nostalgia for many, as it is commonly prepared and sold by street vendors, typically in the afternoons when students are on their way home from school. The simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients - saba bananas, margarine, and sugar makes it a staple snack in the country. The recipe has been passed down through the generations, and serves as a delightful snack that's reminiscent of warm, childhood memories.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.