Banana Blossom Hue Plee
How to prepare Banana BlossomMost of my students have no idea of how to prepare banana blossom. Then even after knowing how, they still need to acquire a taste for it. It is a little bitter by itself. I would recommend anyone to try it with Phad Thai for the first time just like you would fresh bean sprout; the contrast in the texture and flavor that makes the whole experience very exciting.
The steps to prepare banana blossom are very simple. You will need to learn how to do it once. Then cooking with Southeast Asian recipes will be easy. My favorite way to cook banana blossom is in banana blossom salad and lightly salt coconut milk broth (Tom Kati). Thais love to eat it fresh as prepared below and serve as- is as alongside with Phad Thai and Chili dip.
Now that you have an idea of how to use the prepared shredded banana blossom, let the lesson begin…
Banana tree with banana and blossom
First, the farmer will remove the flower about about 6 to 10 inches long) from the tree.
In your kitchen, remove and discard all pink pedal until it comes to a white or ivory color part.
Discard the stem.
Fold a few petals together and slice
Soak in salt water or lime water immediately and keep in a bowl until ready to use. Use about 1 cup water with 1/2 teaspoon salt or 1 tablespoon lime juice. Drain.
Those are all the steps to it. But there will be another blog entry on where and how to buy banana blossoms.
iLoveThaiCooking & Pranee's Thai Kitchen
Pranee's Thai Kitchen 
Thanks for the tip. It’s really useful. I am now thinking of banana flower curry in coconut milk. Do you have the recipe for the same?
I would suggest trying simmering 1 cup coconut milk with 1 tablespoon red curry paste, 1/2 cup shredded banana blossom, 1/2 cup sliced chicken thigh (need a juicy and a little bit of fat to complement the flavor). Cook until the banana blossom and chicken is tender. You have to finish the curry dish with brown sugar, fish sauce (as needed) and Thai basil (about 1/4 cup) just before serving. When I get a chance, I will write and test this recipe for you. I will let you know then. Thank you! Pranee
Good luck!
I have blooming banana tree. But my blossom is a deep red and I’m not sure it will be white inside. Are there more than one type? can you use any blossom?
There are many types of banana tree but most have deep red flower. In general we don’t eat the flower that just appear but we cut those small one after they are done producing fruits. If you don’t see the white one part of those small banana blossom, you can still try them by following step-by-step as shown and described on this post. Thanks!