Are you tired of the same old sweet banana recipes? Think again! Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering savory banana recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, these recipes showcase the banana’s sweet and savory side.
We’re talking caramelized bananas and crispy bacon on grilled cheese sandwiches, spicy banana and black bean tacos, and creamy banana and chickpea curry. And that’s just the beginning! Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and exotic, we’ve got a recipe to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative with bananas, and discover a whole new world of flavor.
Caramelized Banana and Bacon Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination of caramelized bananas, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In the skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy, flipping halfway through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Slice the bananas into coins and sauté them in the melted butter for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until caramelized.
4. Butter one side of each bread slice.
5. Assemble the sandwich by placing a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, followed by a few pieces of bacon and a spoonful of caramelized banana.
6. Top with another bread slice (buttered side up).
7. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on your desired level of caramelization and toastiness.
Spicy Banana and Black Bean Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors! This recipe combines the creamy texture of ripe bananas with the bold heat of chipotle peppers, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions:
1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chipotle peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the chipotle peppers.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the tacos by spooning the black bean mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a few pieces of diced banana.
7. Top with desired toppings and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana and Chickpea Curry
This unique curry combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of chickpeas, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a vegan option for a dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in chickpeas, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let curry cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Add sliced bananas and stir gently to combine.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Banana Pancakes with Scallions
Elevate your breakfast game with these moist and flavorful pancakes infused with the sweetness of bananas and the pungency of scallions. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Fold in thinly sliced scallions.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana and Peanut Butter Stuffed Chicken
This sweet and savory dish combines the comfort of banana and peanut butter with the tender flavor of chicken, creating a delightful twist on traditional stuffed chicken. Perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with a slice of banana, followed by the peanut butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Banana and Coconut Rice with Shrimp
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of coconut rice, served alongside succulent shrimp. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using the water and coconut oil.
2. Add sliced bananas, shredded coconut, salt, and pepper to the cooked rice; stir well.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve shrimp on top of the banana-coconut rice mixture. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Banana and Sausage Breakfast Skillet
A sweet and savory twist on traditional breakfast skillets, this recipe combines ripe bananas with juicy sausage for a delicious morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 2 Italian sausage links, cooked and crumbled
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until slightly caramelized.
5. Stir in the crumbled sausage, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These unique stuffed mushrooms combine the earthy flavor of portobellos with the sweetness of bananas and spinach. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together sliced bananas, chopped spinach, and minced garlic.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the banana-spinach mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of each mushroom.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Banana and Avocado Toast with Chili Flakes
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this unique combination of ripe bananas, creamy avocados, and a kick of heat from chili flakes. This sweet and spicy toast is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 ripe avocado
– 2 slices whole grain bread (toasted)
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl and spread on top of the toast.
3. Slice the bananas and arrange on top of the avocado.
4. Sprinkle chili flakes evenly over the banana slices.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Optional: add crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Banana and Lentil Stew
A unique and nutritious twist on traditional stews, this Banana and Lentil Stew combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the earthy flavor of lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the sliced banana, cooked lentils, vegetable broth, and ground cumin. Stir well.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Banana and Cheese Quesadillas
Banana and Cheese Quesadillas: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Looking for a unique snack or dessert that combines the best of both worlds? Look no further! This recipe brings together the creamy richness of cheese with the natural sweetness of bananas, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred type)
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the mashed banana on top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per quesadilla
Serve warm and enjoy!
Banana and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Tropical Twist on Shrimp: Sweet bananas and savory bacon add a unique flavor profile to succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sliced bananas and crumbled bacon.
3. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap each shrimp with banana-bacon mixture, securing with toothpick if needed.
5. Place wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Banana and Sweet Potato Hash
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the comforting warmth of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a deliciously unique side dish perfect for brunch or breakfast. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas
– 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, slice the bananas into coins.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the banana slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until caramelized and slightly browned.
7. Combine the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked banana slices in a bowl.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Banana and Turkey Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this unique combination of ripe bananas and lean turkey. The sweetness of the bananas pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of the turkey, making for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite marinara sauce and pasta
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, mashed bananas, breadcrumbs, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana and Corn Fritters
Banana and Corn Fritters Recipe
These sweet and savory fritters are a delicious treat perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack. Made with ripe bananas, sweet corn, and a hint of spices, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add corn kernels, flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix well.
3. Beat in the egg and honey until combined.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the mixture into the hot oil, about 1/4 cup each.
6. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 6-8 minutes per batch
Note: Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.
Banana and Kimchi Fried Rice
This unique dish combines the sweetness of bananas with the spicy kick of kimchi, creating a flavorful and filling meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 ripe banana, diced
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until it starts to caramelize.
5. Push the kimchi mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in a small egg and scramble it until cooked through, then mix with the kimchi.
6. Add the diced banana and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s caramelized and slightly charred.
7. Mix everything together and add the cooked rice. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana and Tofu Stir-Fry
This sweet and savory stir-fry combines the creamy texture of banana with the nutty flavor of tofu, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan; cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the banana slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until caramelized.
5. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana and Pulled Pork Sliders
Elevate your slider game with the unlikely combination of caramelized bananas and tender pulled pork. This sweet and savory fusion will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small skillet, cook the banana slices over medium heat until caramelized and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Assemble the sliders by spooning pulled pork onto the buns, followed by a few slices of caramelized banana.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar.
5. Top with coleslaw if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (including prep time)
Summary
Discover the versatility of bananas beyond sweet treats! This article presents 18 savory banana recipes to elevate your meals. From breakfast to dinner, these innovative dishes showcase the fruit’s creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Try caramelized banana and bacon grilled cheese for a twist on the classic sandwich, or spicy banana and black bean tacos for a flavorful fiesta. Other highlights include banana and chickpea curry, savory pancakes with scallions, and banana-stuffed chicken. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or international inspiration, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and open up new possibilities in the kitchen.
