Rellenong Saba

Try this uniquely delicious dish made with saba bananas and ground pork filling! Rellenong Saba is perfect as an appetizer or main dish with its sweet and savory flavors!

This hearty and tasty Daleguete dish, also known as banana meat, is made with saba or cardava bananas stuffed with sautéed ground pork. The meat is coated with a thin batter and then fried until golden or lightly browned. 

This rellenong saba recipe is easy to prepare, delicious, and budget-friendly. The combination of savory meat and sweet bananas is sure to rock your tastebuds!

Ingredient notes

• Saba bananas– cardaba is a type of “cooking bananas.” Choose ones that are sweet but firm.
• Ground pork– Alternatively, you can use ground beef or chicken.
• Flour + Water– the batter thinly coats the meat filling to keep it moist and from falling off.
• Onions and garlic– these aromatics add depth of flavor to the cooked pork filling
• Soy sauce – for a salty, umami taste

Cooking tips

• Do not overstuff the bananas; they might split open while cooking.
• You can add vegetables like green peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers to the meat to make it more nutritious and delicious.
• Use enough oil for deep-frying. Occasionally spoon the oil on top of the bananas to cook and brown them without flipping.
• Drain on a wire rack or on paper towels to remove excess oil.

How to serve and store

• These stuffed bananas are traditionally served as an appetizer for fiestas or parties. They’re also delicious as a midday snack or main dish with rice. Serve them with banana ketchup on the side for dipping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, arrange the bananas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm. When frozen, transfer them to resealable bags or freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.