Easy Boiled Saba Bananas (Authentic Filipino Recipe!)

Craving a unique, healthy snack or side dish? Boiled Saba bananas are a great option! Unlike regular bananas, Saba bananas have a firmer texture, making them ideal for boiling. This simple recipe brings out their natural sweetness and provides the perfect base for both savory and sweet flavorings.

Why You’ll Love Boiled Saba Bananas

• Healthy and Nutritious: Saba bananas are packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins, making them a wholesome option for a side dish or snack. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a healthy addition to your meals.
• Simple to Make: With just one main ingredient and boiling as the only cooking method, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment to get it just right.
• Versatile Dish: Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, Boiled Saba bananas fit the bill. Enjoy them plain or drizzle with honey to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Unique Flavor: Saba bananas have a distinctive taste, slightly sweet but also hearty, similar to plantains. This makes them a refreshing alternative to regular bananas, adding new flavors to your plate.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve them as a side dish with your favorite savory meals or as a healthy snack on their own. Their mild flavor complements a variety of dishes, making them a versatile choice.

Ingredients For Boiled Saba Bananas

• Frozen Saba Bananas – These are firm bananas that are similar to plantains and perfect for boiling. You can also use fresh Saba bananas if available.
• Water – You’ll need enough to fully submerge the bananas while boiling. The water will soften the bananas during cooking.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Boiled Saba Bananas

• Pot – To boil the Saba bananas until they’re tender.
• Slotted Spoon – Perfect for removing the bananas from the water once they’re done boiling.

How To Make Boiled Saba Bananas

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the frozen or fresh Saba bananas to the boiling water, making sure they’re fully submerged.
• Boil the bananas for 25 minutes until they become tender.
• Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bananas from the pot.
• Serve them as a side dish, or slice and drizzle with honey if you’d like to make them sweet.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the boiled Saba bananas as a savory side dish with grilled chicken or fried salmon.
• For a sweet treat, slice the bananas and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
• Enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth and flavor.
• Pair with a cup of hot tea with lemon or turkish coffee for a simple and satisfying snack.
• Add boiled Saba bananas to your breakfast plate alongside scrambled eggs and toast for a unique twist.

Tips For Success

• Use Enough Water: Make sure to use enough water to completely cover the Saba bananas while boiling. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bananas from becoming too dry.
• Check for Tenderness: To check if the bananas are done, pierce one with a fork. If it slides in easily, the bananas are tender and ready to be removed from the pot. If they still feel too firm, boil for a few more minutes.
• Boiling Time May Vary: If you’re using fresh Saba bananas, they may cook slightly faster than frozen ones. Start checking for tenderness around the 20-minute mark when using fresh bananas.
• Use a Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon makes it easier to remove the bananas from the boiling water without breaking them. Be gentle when handling them, as they can become very soft after cooking.
• Serve Them Hot: Boiled Saba bananas taste best when served warm. If you want to sweeten them, drizzle honey or syrup over the bananas while they’re still hot so the flavors absorb better.
• Sweet or Savory Options: Saba bananas have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, but you can easily adapt them to either sweet or savory dishes. Try pairing them with savory sauces or meats, or enjoy them as a dessert with a sprinkle of sugar or honey.

Variations And Substitutions

• Sweet Version: If you prefer your bananas on the sweeter side, drizzle honey, maple syrup, or agave over the boiled bananas. You can also sprinkle a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon on top for added flavor.
• Fried Saba Bananas: After boiling, you can take the extra step of lightly frying the bananas in a bit of oil or butter to give them a golden, caramelized exterior. This adds a rich, crispy texture to the dish.
• Savory Twist: Serve the boiled Saba bananas as a side with a savory dip like garlic aioli or a spicy chili sauce. This makes for a more robust, savory dish that complements grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Add Coconut Milk: For a more traditional Filipino twist, you can boil the Saba bananas in a mixture of water and coconut milk. The coconut milk gives the bananas a richer, creamier flavor and texture.
• Herbal Flavor: Add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme to the boiling water to give the bananas a subtle aromatic flavor. This works particularly well if you’re planning to serve the bananas as a savory side dish.
• Use Plantains: If you can’t find Saba bananas, green or ripe plantains can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that plantains may have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they work well in this recipe.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For an indulgent dessert, drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the boiled bananas. This is a common way to enjoy boiled bananas in Filipino cuisine, creating a decadent and creamy treat.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover boiled Saba bananas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Boiled Saba bananas can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the bananas in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them by steaming or lightly frying them for a crispier texture. If frozen, allow the bananas to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh Saba bananas instead of frozen?

Yes! You can use either fresh or frozen Saba bananas for this recipe. If you’re using fresh bananas, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, around 20 minutes, instead of 25 minutes for frozen ones.

How do I know when the bananas are fully cooked?

The best way to check is by piercing the banana with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, the bananas are done. They should be tender but still hold their shape well.

Can I boil Saba bananas with the skin on?

Yes, you can boil them with the skin on if you prefer, but you will need to peel them after boiling. Boiling them without the skin is more common and quicker, as they are easier to handle after cooking.

How should I serve boiled Saba bananas?

Boiled Saba bananas are versatile! You can serve them as a savory side dish alongside meats or grilled vegetables. For a sweet version, drizzle them with honey or maple syrup and enjoy them as a snack or dessert.

Are Saba bananas the same as plantains?

No, Saba bananas are not exactly the same as plantains, though they share some similarities. Both are firmer than regular bananas and are commonly used in cooked dishes. Saba bananas tend to be a bit sweeter and softer than plantains when cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil the Saba bananas ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat them before serving, either by steaming, microwaving, or frying.

Other Easy Banana Recipes

Peanut Butter Banana Wrap – Quick & Simple Breakfast Idea: A delicious and nutritious wrap combining creamy peanut butter and banana for a fast and easy breakfast.

Nutella and Banana Toasted Sandwich: Enjoy a warm, gooey Nutella and banana sandwich for a sweet and satisfying treat anytime.

Air Fryer Banana Oatmeal Muffins: These healthy banana oatmeal muffins cook up perfectly in the air fryer for a quick, wholesome snack or breakfast.

Crispy Fried Sweet Bananas: Sweet, caramelized fried bananas with a golden crispy exterior, perfect as a snack or dessert.

Easy Bisquick Banana Loaf Recipe: This quick banana bread made with Bisquick is soft, moist, and full of banana flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie – Healthy Breakfast Drink: A creamy and protein-packed smoothie made with bananas and peanut butter for a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Banana Nice Cream (Vegan, Paleo): A creamy, chocolatey banana ice cream that’s dairy-free, vegan, and Paleo-friendly, made with just a few simple ingredients.

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