Thailand Kluay Tod (Fried Bananas)
Kluay tod, or fried bananas, is a beloved dessert and street food treat in Thailand, celebrated for its crispy exterior and naturally sweet, tender interior. This dish is made by slicing ripe bananas, often a smaller, sweeter variety like Thai bananas, and dipping them in a batter made from rice flour, shredded coconut, sesame seeds, sugar, and coconut milk. The coated bananas are deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crunchy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, caramelized banana inside. Served warm, kluay tod is often enjoyed on its own or paired with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of coconut ice cream for an extra indulgence. This dessert is a testament to Thai cuisine's creativity and its ability to turn simple, local ingredients into something utterly delicious and satisfying.
Recipe Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 6 large bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1 cup (160 g) glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp (3 g) salt
- 1⁄4 cup (85 g) caster sugar
- 1 cup (237 ml) coconut milk
- 3⁄4 cup (177 ml) water
- 1⁄4 cup (35 g) sesame seeds
- 1 cup (80 g) fresh grated coconut, plus extra for topping
- 4 cups (946 ml) sunflower oil
- Condensed milk, as needed for topping (optional)
Directions
- Whisk together glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl until well combined.
- Whisk in coconut milk gradually until smooth.
- Add water slowly while stirring until the batter reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
- Fold in sesame seeds and grated coconut.
- Heat sunflower oil in a deep-fryer or heavy pot on the stovetop to about 375°F (190°C).
- Dip banana slices into the batter, coating them evenly, and then place them into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry bananas for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried bananas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Top fried bananas with a sprinkle of grated coconut and drizzle of condensed milk, if desired, and serve warm.
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