Maruya Recipe (Banana Fritters)

This Banana Fritter recipe, also known as Pinaypay na Saging, is a beloved Filipino street food snack made from "saba" or "cardaba" bananas, coated in a flour batter and fried.

Discover the mouthwatering Banana Fritter recipe, also called Pinaypay na Saging. This popular Filipino street food is crafted from "saba" or "cardaba" bananas, dipped in a flour batter, and fried to golden perfection. Ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Maruya or Banana Fritters: A Sweet Filipino Snack

If you're looking for a delightful and easy-to-make snack, look no further than this Banana Fritter recipe, also known as Pinaypay na Saging. This beloved Filipino street food is made from "saba" or "cardaba" bananas, which are coated in a flour batter and fried to golden perfection. Whether you're craving something sweet or looking to introduce a new treat to your family, these banana fritters are sure to satisfy. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen.

Origin of the Maruya

Maruya is a type of fritter that originated in the Philippines. They are famously sold by street vendors and are also a common homemade snack among Filipinos. These fritters are typically made of saba bananas, which are thinly "fanned" sliced, coated in batter, then deep-fried and sweetened by dredging in white sugar.

Maruya’s Primary Ingredient – Saba Bananas

Maruya is primarily made of saba bananas, a type of banana famous in the Philippines because it is primarily a cooking banana and one of the most important varieties in Philippine cuisine. It is also generally known as “cardaba”. Its fruits provide the same nutrients as potatoes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly used in Filipino dishes and desserts. This type of banana is available nationwide in the Philippines and is also exported abroad. Most people buy this at grocery stores, but they can also be made with plantains.

What are Saba Bananas?

Saba bananas are a type of banana native to the Philippines, also known as cardaba bananas. They are primarily used for cooking and are a staple in Philippine cuisine. Saba bananas are known for their versatility and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are commonly used in various Filipino dishes and desserts, such as banana fritters (Maruya), banana cue, and turon.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Saba Bananas?

Nutritionally, saba bananas are similar to potatoes, providing essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron. They are available year-round in the Philippines and are also exported to other countries. Saba bananas are also the main ingredient in the famous Filipino condiment, banana ketchup.

When are banana fritters (maruya) typically served?

Maruya or Banana Fritters are famously served as snacks by Filipinos. You can see them sold in school canteens, street stalls, or even cooked at home as a snack for the family. Some consider this as a light meal. You can definitely see this snack during Fiestas as well, served on the table for guests. Although not traditional, this food can also be served with a slice of jackfruit on the side and is best paired with your favorite juice drink.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

Maruya is also a famous homemade snack, so you better prepare the following kitchen utensils if you are planning on cooking this for your family:

• Chopping board
• Cutting knife
• Bowl
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Serving plate

Interesting Facts

• Saba banana is the main ingredient of the famous Filipino condiment, banana ketchup.
• Unlike other fruits that are seasonal, saba bananas are available all year round.
• Cardaba bananas may be eaten raw, although they are usually a cooking banana.
• There are health benefits associated with Cardaba bananas such as soothing an acidic stomach, being high in fiber, low in calories, improving vision, and potentially promoting heart health due to their potassium and magnesium content. Additionally, this type of banana helps anemic people as it is loaded with iron, which helps those with iron deficiency.
• Saba bananas are not only used in sweet dishes but also in savory dishes like pochero (a Filipino stew).
• The saba banana plant is highly resilient and can grow in various soil types, making it a reliable crop for farmers.
• Saba bananas are often used in traditional Filipino medicine to treat various ailments, such as digestive issues and skin conditions.
• Ripe saba bananas are also used in dishes like humba, where they serve as a sweetening ingredient.

Tips and Tricks When Making Maruya or Banana Fritters

• If you want another variation of banana fritters, you can also use sweet potatoes. They are called maruyang camote (sweet potato fritters).
• Make sure that your oil is hot enough before putting the bananas to fry; otherwise, your banana fritters will absorb more oil and will not be as crispy. To ensure the correct temperature, you may use a deep-fat thermometer to monitor and adjust the heat as needed. We recommend setting it at 375° Fahrenheit or 190° Celsius.
• Use Paper Towel To Absorb Excess Oil: You can use a paper towel and fold it on top of your serving bowl or plate before putting the newly fried maruya (banana fritters) to absorb the excess oil.
• Batter Consistency: Ensure that the batter is not too thick or too thin. A medium consistency will coat the bananas evenly and result in a better texture.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Uniform Slices: If you opt to slice the bananas prior to frying, slice the bananas uniformly to ensure even cooking. Uneven slices may result in some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
• Oil Type: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, to avoid imparting any unwanted flavors to the fritters.
• Cooling Rack: After frying, place the fritters on a cooling rack instead of a paper towel to maintain their crispiness. This allows excess oil to drain without making the fritters soggy.

Maruya or Banana Fritters are a beloved Filipino snack that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat or a new snack to enjoy, these fritters are sure to please. Made with saba bananas and coated in a flour batter, these fritters are fried to golden perfection. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or light meal, and enjoy the taste of the Philippines in every bite. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delightful treat that will delight your family and friends. By following these tips and tricks, you can make perfect Maruya every time. Enjoy this delightful snack that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings! Try making Maruya today and experience the joy of this classic Filipino snack!

You are now ready for your best merienda in the house. Banana fritters are very simple to make and perfect for afternoon snacks. Want to make it more special? You can even add a twist to it. Instead of just rolling it in sugar, you can add chocolate or strawberry syrup to give your snack a sweeter flavor. This is also business-friendly since its cost is very affordable, making it ideal for a small business. Plan your costing now and start your new business with this sweet snack recipe.