7 Easy Ways to Use Bananas
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Bananas are one of those fruits that come in big bunches, and it’s easy to forget about them until they’re all suddenly ready at once.
I’ve had this happen more times than I can count, especially with the ones from our banana trees. So instead of trying to eat them all at once, now I turn them into different snacks or desserts depending on how ripe they are.
That’s pretty much how I ended up with so many banana recipes!
What kind of bananas work best?
Most of these recipes will work with regular bananas, but if you can find Thai bananas like kluay nam wa (look for these at Asian grocery stores or markets), the results are usually better.
They’re smaller than regular bananas, but firmer and naturally sweeter, which is why they’re often used for Thai desserts and snacks.
How to use up bananas
1. Fry them
Fried bananas are my favorite thing to make with leftover bananas. Not the healthiest option, but definitely the one I love the most.
They’re coated in a light batter (usually with sesame seeds), then fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Best eaten while still warm.
2. Turn them into chips
If you want something that keeps a bit longer, turning them into chips is a good option.
Fried banana chips are sliced thin and fried until crispy, then lightly coated in sugar.
You can also make air fryer banana chips if you want something a bit lighter. They’re not exactly the same as deep-fried, but still really good if you want something crispy without using much oil.
3. Grill them
Grilled bananas are super simple but really good. Just put them on the grill and let them cook until soft and slightly caramelized.
I usually finish them with a bit of homemade coconut caramel sauce.
4. Make fried banana spring rolls
Banana spring rolls are super easy to make and honestly really good. Just wrap the bananas in spring roll wrappers and fry until golden and crispy.
The inside gets soft and sweet, while the outside stays crispy.
5. Cook them in coconut milk
Bananas in coconut milk is a classic dessert in Thailand, and one I make often because it’s quick and always delicious.
Just simmer them in coconut milk with a bit of sugar and salt until soft and slightly creamy.
6. Make khao tom mud
This one takes a bit more effort, but it’s so worth it.
My grandmother’s khao tom mud is made with sticky rice, banana, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. She used to sell them at markets here in Thailand, so this is pretty much how it’s traditionally made.
7. Dry them
When I have a lot of bananas at once, this is what I usually end up doing.
Just slice them and dry in the sun, oven, or dehydrator until soft and chewy. They keep much longer and are really easy to snack on.
If you want the full method, you can check out my dried bananas recipe.
What to do with banana blossom
If you ever get your hands on a banana blossom, don’t throw it away. It works great in my Thai banana blossom salad, a fresh and slightly crunchy salad with bold, spicy flavors.
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If you’ve got bananas sitting on your counter right now, just pick one of these recipes and give it a try. And if you do, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how it turned out!