Cheese Turon (Sweet and Savory Banana Lumpia)
Crispy Filipino banana lumpia filled with ripe saba bananas and melty cheese, coated in caramelized brown sugar and fried until golden. This sweet and savory snack is crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and impossible to eat just one.
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Frying pan
- small bowl of water or oil
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 6 ripe saba bananas, sliced lengthwise
- 6 slices cheddar or quick-melt cheese, cut into strips
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 12 lumpia wrappers
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the BananasSlice each saba banana lengthwise into thin halves. Roll each piece thoroughly in brown sugar until well coated.
- Assemble the RollsPlace a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond orientation. Lay one sugared banana slice near the lower edge and top with a strip of cheese.
- Wrap and SealFold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides snugly, and roll tightly into a cylinder. Dab the edge with a little water or oil to seal. If a wrapper tears, wrap with a second layer.
- Heat the OilWarm the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. For extra caramel crunch, sprinkle a small pinch of brown sugar into the oil just before frying.
- Fry Until GoldenFry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are crisp and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and ServeTransfer the turon to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Saba bananas work best because they stay firm and caramelize beautifully.
- Use quick-melt cheese for a stretchy center or cheddar for a stronger salty contrast.
- Fry over medium heat so the sugar melts properly without burning the wrapper.
- Double-wrap if using very soft cheese to prevent leaking during frying.
- Skip adding sugar to the oil if you prefer a less caramelized exterior.