10 Banana Peel Recipes You’ll Go Bananas For

These banana peel recipes are delicious and ideal if you’re looking for ways to reduce food waste.

There’s a good chance you clicked on this round-up purely out of curiosity. But now you’re here, you might want to bookmark the page.

After all, why would you waste something that’s loaded with nutrients and flavor when you can make something tasty instead?

There are plenty of banana peel recipes throughout Southeast Asia, India, and South America, and I’ve rounded up my faves.

They’re healthy, versatile, and budget-friendly. Oh, and they even make a fantastic alternative to meat. 

1. Banana Peel Bacon

Bacon’s expensive, so this is a great way to curb your cravings and save money.

I’ll be honest, it doesn’t taste exactly like bacon, but it’ll hold you over. And it’s pretty tasty in its own right.

Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then this is a fantastic way to add some extra nutrients to your breakfast. 

The key to this recipe is the delicious marinade. It has nine salty, smoky, sweet, and flavorful ingredients to trick your tongue.

The peels have to sit in the marinade for at least two hours.

When you’re ready to cook, simply fry them with a bit of oil. You’ll want to flip them a few times to guarantee a crispy texture. 

2. Vegan Carnitas

Shake up your Taco Tuesday with these delicious vegan carnitas.

They’re fresh and spicy, with a mild sweetness that will make your taste buds Samba. 

The process is easy, but it is a little time-consuming. It’s worth it, though, because you’ve never experienced carnitas quite like these. 

The peels are sauteed in soy sauce and orange juice with onion, jalapeños, and garlic.

They’re seasoned with black pepper, oregano, cumin, and lime. Trust me, they’re fantastic!

3. Banana Peel Thoran

Thoran is a hot-vegetable stir-fry dish from Kerala in India. It’s typically made with a mix of veggies, beans, and seasonings available in the region.

There are several variations, including this delicious banana peel Thoran.

The recipe is a boldly flavored dish that perfectly accompanies rice and curry. You’ll experience a variety of flavors and textures with every bite.

There’s coconut, multiple kinds of chiles, ginger, alliums, mustard seeds, cumin, pepper, and curry. Delish. 

4. Banana Peel Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich

This recipe is from South America, and like most South American dishes, it’s super flavorful.

Does it taste exactly like the pulled pork you’re used to? Unfortunately, no. But it’s pretty darn great. 

Simply season shredded banana peels with some spicy and savory seasonings before sauteing.

Then mix it all up with your favorite barbecue sauce and fry until it’s tender and meat-like.

Serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a fantastic meal!

5. Lindsay Jean Hard’s Banana Peel Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting

The next time you snack on a banana, save the peel for dessert! This delicious cake is soft, moist, and lightly banana-flavored. 

The lightness is balanced with a rich brown sugar frosting, so it’s still very indulgent.

Consider adding fresh bananas and toasted pecans between the layers if you want something even more flavorful and fabulous.

6. Banana Peel Curry

I love curries for the cozy feelings they elicit and their bold flavors. This one is super tasty, and the texture is fantastic. 

Featuring turmeric, curry paste, cumin, chiles, onion, and ginger, it’s brimming with spice and warmth.

And where most curries are soft (some might even say mushy), this one has a great crunch from walnuts. Yum!

7. Banana Tea

Banana peel tea might be your new best friend if you struggle to fall asleep. 

Bananas are loaded with magnesium, which is known for stress relief and melatonin regulation.

There are two ways to make banana tea: use a whole banana or just the peels. The whole banana method makes the tea sweeter, of course.

Save and dry banana peels, or use fresh every day. Either way, you’ll just boil the banana peel with cinnamon, water, and vanilla. 

Drink it warm, and then get cozy because you’re sure to fall asleep soon.

8. Banana Peel Shanghai

This delicious dish is a fun twist on Lumpiang Shanghai or Filipino spring rolls. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition. 

These lumpias are filled with the usual suspects, including carrots, onions, garlic, egg, and oyster sauce.

But instead of meat, they’re stuffed with a softened and seasoned banana peel. 

They’re savory, crunchy, and tasty as heck!

9. Banana-Skin Chutney

Tantalize your taste buds with this spicy, delectable banana-skin chutney.

It features many of the same flavors you’ll find in a curry or Thoran. Plus, some additional sweetness.

This chutney is made with banana peels, bananas, onion, jalapeños, brown sugar, and orange juice.

It’s seasoned with star anise, mustard, coriander, turmeric, and clove, making it sweet, spicy, and super yummy.

It’s delicious on chicken or pork with rice. I promise you’ll love it! 

10. B.L.T

Trust me when I say that this is not your average B.L.T. It’s vegan-friendly, but even non-vegans will ask for seconds.

You’ll start by making banana peel bacon, which is easy enough. Use the recipe above or try this one with notes of maple, smoked paprika, and garlic. 

Then stack it into favorite bread with plenty of mayo, plus lettuce and juicy tomatoes.