Description
Delicious grilled brown sugar bananas, lightly coated with cinnamon and lemon juice, cooked to caramelized perfection on a grill. Perfect as a sweet side dish or dessert, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of firm bananas with a rich brown sugar glaze and smoky flavors from the grill.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 6 large, firm yellow bananas
For Coating
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cups lightly packed brown sugar
Others
- Canola oil, for the grill
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Start by heating your gas or charcoal grill to medium-low heat, aiming for a temperature between 300°F to 325°F. This moderate heat will allow the bananas to caramelize without burning.
- Prepare bananas: Without peeling, cut each banana in half lengthwise to create two long halves per banana. This shape helps them grill evenly and hold the sugar coating.
- Apply lemon juice: Using a brush, coat the cut sides of each banana half with lemon juice. This will add a subtle tang and help prevent browning.
- Make sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and brown sugar thoroughly, creating the flavorful coating for the bananas.
- Coat bananas with sugar: Generously sprinkle or press the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture onto the cut surfaces of the bananas, ensuring they are well covered for maximum caramelization.
- Oil the grill grates: Lightly brush canola oil onto the grill grates to prevent sticking before placing the bananas on the grill.
- Grill bananas, peel side up: Place the banana halves cut side down on the oiled grill grates with the peel side up. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar starts to caramelize.
- Flip and continue grilling: Carefully turn the banana halves over so the peel is down and the sugar-coated side is up, and grill for an additional 3 minutes to finish cooking and caramelizing the bananas.
- Serve: Remove the bananas from the grill. You can leave them in the peel or remove the peel before serving. They pair wonderfully with savory dishes or can be served as a dessert on their own or with accompaniments like ice cream.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe but not overripe bananas to ensure they hold their shape on the grill and don’t turn mushy.
- You can serve the grilled bananas as-is or add toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce for variety.
- Try using the grilled bananas in banana bread recipes for added caramelized flavor.
- Grilled bananas can also be used as a filling for desserts like pies or fried wontons.
- Ensure the grill is properly oiled to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
