how do you use sweet banana peppers

by Chadrick Parisian Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What is good substitute for banana peppers?

What’s A Good Banana Pepper Substitute?

Your best bet: Pepperoncini pepper. There really are few pepper pairings out there that share as much in common as the pepperoncini and banana pepper.
Looking for a step up in heat? Hungarian wax pepper. ...
A fresh pepper “if you must”: Anaheim pepper. ...

What are some good ways to cook banana peppers?

how to make easy pickled banana peppers: Bring the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed and celery seed to a rolling boil. Pour brine over peppers to within ½" of the top.

How to make home canned banana peppers crisp?

Instructions

Sterilize canning jars and keep warm. ...
Using gloves, wash and cut off the stems of the peppers. ...
Place vinegar, water, and pickling salt in a medium sauce pan and heat until boiling.
Fill each jar with 1/2 clove of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp. ...
Ladle the hot liquid into the jars filling to cover the peppers, maintaining the 1/2" of headspace. ...

More items...

How to preserve sweet banana peppers?

Using different methods to preserve banana peppers

Drying sweet banana peppers. Drying banana peppers are very popular way to preserve banana pepper. ...
Canning sweet banana peppers. To place the sweet banana peppers in can you need to cut the stems from top and remove the seeds and then cut in shapes you ...
pickling sweet banana peppers. ...

How do you eat sweet banana peppers?

They're also known as the yellow wax pepper or banana chili. You'll find them commonly eaten on pizza, in Greek salads, on sandwiches, or stuffed with meat and/or cheese, which is one of my favorite ways to use them.

What can I do with my banana peppers?

10 Ways to Use Banana Peppers Besides ToppingsPickled Banana Peppers.Stuffed Banana Peppers.Buffalo Chicken Banana Peppers.Bacon-Wrapped Banana Peppers Stuffed With Sweet Potato.Three-Meat-Stuffed Banana Peppers.Beer-Battered Banana Peppers.Slow Cooker Pulled Banana Pepper Roast Beef.Garden-Fresh Banana Pepper Salsa.More items...•

Are banana peppers good cooked?

Banana peppers are not consider hot peppers, giving either no heat at all or a very mild kick at 500 Scoville Heat Units. Compared to a jalapeno pepper, which measures from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the hottest banana pepper is actually 5 times milder than the mildest jalapeno peppers.

How do you cut a sweet banana pepper?

0:000:38Cooking Tips : How to Slice Banana Peppers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo slice the banana pepper just make long cuts up. And down the banana pepper. And just slice it toMoreTo slice the banana pepper just make long cuts up. And down the banana pepper. And just slice it to your desired thickness. And that is how you slice a banana pepper.

Can you freeze sweet banana peppers?

Yes, you can freeze banana peppers. What is this? Even though they come from South America, where it is warm all year long, banana peppers can withstand cold temperatures without losing their flavor. But these peppers must be prepared and stored properly to ensure that the freezer doesn't ruin them.

Are banana peppers the same as pepperoncini?

Banana peppers and pepperoncini peppers differ in three very distinct ways: Heat, Appearance, and Flavor. Both peppers measure up to 500 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale, but some banana peppers can have no heat, whereas the mildest pepperoncinis will still have just a touch of heat.

Are banana peppers and sweet peppers the same?

What Are Sweet Peppers? The term “sweet pepper” refers to a range of pepper varieties with mild heat and fruity or sweet flavor, including bell peppers, banana peppers, and pimentos. These vibrant peppers belong to the Capsicum genus alongside hot peppers like paprika, habañeros, and jalapeños.

How do you know when banana peppers are ripe?

Both varieties of banana peppers will turn a yellow color when they are ripe and ready to be picked. Before they are ripe, they are often a pale green color, and they slowly turn yellow when they are ready. If you wait longer and continue to let them ripen on the plant, banana peppers will eventually turn a red color.

What does a banana pepper taste like?

They are also referred to as banana chilis or a yellow wax pepper. They have a sweet, mild taste and they're about five times milder than the average jalapeno. To call these peppers "spicy" would be a stretch, as their flavor sensation is more of a subtle tang.

Do you take the seeds out of banana peppers?

Banana peppers are delicious used in sauces, relishes, or raw on salads and sandwiches. String the peppers up and let them dry in a cool location or slice them lengthwise, remove the seeds, and dry them in a dehydrator or a low oven.

Can you eat sweet banana peppers raw?

Raw or pickled banana peppers are a great fit for salads. The sweetness and subtle heat of the raw pepper complement the most popular salad ingredients including dressings. The acidity of pickled banana peppers can provide a pleasing flavor contrast, especially in salads like coleslaws that have creamy dressings.

Do you remove the seeds from banana peppers?

0:070:40Cooking Tips : How to Clean Banana Peppers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe top stem of the banana pepper. Next with your finger go ahead and remove the rest of the stemMoreThe top stem of the banana pepper. Next with your finger go ahead and remove the rest of the stem and some of those seeds.

Can you freeze banana peppers whole?

If you do not want the heat level to increase with freezing, you can slice open the peppers and remove the seeds carefully before freezing. The seeds are the source of heat in hot peppers. What is this? To freeze banana peppers, you can either freeze them whole or chopped.

How do you store banana peppers after you pick them?

The first step in storing banana peppers is to refrigerate them as soon as they are picked or brought home from the store. They must be refrigerated even if you plan on storing them soon by other means. Store whole banana peppers in a brown paper bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

How do you know when banana peppers are ready to be picked?

2:205:49When To Pick Banana Peppers (It's Sooner Than You Think!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust to feel that they're crisp and not starting to soften.MoreJust to feel that they're crisp and not starting to soften.

How do you dry banana peppers?

Directions1Pour jar of sliced banana pepper rings into a colander/strainer to drain. ... 2Arrange sliced banana pepper rings in a single layer on an Excalibur Dehydrator tray lined with a ParaFlexx sheet. ... 3Dry at 125° F for 4-8 hrs or until dry.4Allow to cool before storing in an air-tight container.

Can you freeze banana peppers?

Banana peppers can be frozen whole or sliced (and can be blanched or not), but should only be used in cooking once defrosted as they lose their cru...

Are banana peppers good for you?

Banana peppers are extremely good for you. They're low in calories and fat, high in dietary fiber, and packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and cancer...

How hot are banana peppers?

Banana peppers are not hot. They've got a mild kick with very little heat and tend to be sweet and tangy. These peppers have a Scoville heat range...

What can I do with banana peppers?

Banana peppers are versatile and delicious, so there are many ways to use them. If you have too many and are looking for a way to preserve them, yo...

Are pepperoncinis and banana peppers the same thing?

Banana peppers and pepperoncini peppers differ in three ways: appearance, heat, and flavor. The banana pepper has smoother, thicker skin that looks...

Pickled banana peppers

If you find yourself with a lot of banana peppers, you can pickle them to extend their shelf-life. Unlike other pickled peppers, the color of banana peppers does not change as a result of pickling. You get the same bright greenish yellow color as an attractive addition to your food.

As a topping for pizza

Banana peppers — pickled or fresh — make a great topping for pizza. The flavors meld well with traditional pizza toppings like pepperoni and other cured meats. It goes well with common pizza vegetables like onions and even arugula. A spicier banana pepper might be even more enjoyable as it will offer a light heat to cut through pizza’s fattiness.

In sandwiches

Banana peppers pair well with all meats and can add a delightful tang to cold cuts, turkey, and even tuna salad. Pickled banana peppers provide the same acidity as pickled jalapeños but without the heat. It even works as a topping for one of the most popular sandwiches: the hotdog.

In salads

For stuffing

Bell peppers and jalapeños are popular peppers to serve stuffed. Banana peppers can be seen as a combination of the two from a flavor perspective so why not stuff them too? They are milder than jalapeños, which makes them a great choice if you want as little heat as possible.

In salsa

Salsas typically have a chili pepper component, sometimes jalapeño peppers are used or a hotter chili like the serrano. Banana peppers can work as well in salsa as any other pepper. Their flavor is an effective complement for the acidity of tomatoes and other salsa ingredients as well as for the herbaceousness of cilantro.

In tacos

Pickled or fresh jalapeño peppers are the traditional option for tacos, but banana peppers can work just as well. Use them to provide a little heat, a crisp texture, and a fruity flavor. Pickled peppers will give tacos a touch of acidity but without the stronger heat of jalapenos or serranos.

Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio

Mojito-Style Yellow Tomato Salsa

With grilled tomatoes, crunchy peppers and a sprinkle of mint, this fresh salsa is good on just about everything. Try it in fish tacos, on tortilla chips or by the spoonful! —Patterson Watkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pickled Sweet Peppers

I love to can my homegrown produce. I call this recipe Summer in a Jar. The peppers have a nice combination of tart and spicy flavors. —Edna Clemens, West Branch, Michigan

Tex-Mex Cheesesteak Sandwiches

We adore cheesesteak sandwiches and anything with southwestern flavor, so I combined the two. If you crave even more firepower, add chopped jalapenos. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas

Feta Shrimp Tacos

A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina

Summer Sub Sandwich

Being originally from the Northeast, we love submarine sandwiches. So I came up with this hearty ham-and-cheese combination that's good either hot or cold. —Jennifer Beck, Concord, Ohio

Chili Macaroni and Cheese

What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

What Are Banana Peppers?

Banana peppers are either sweet peppers or hot peppers, depending on the variety. When harvested, they are typically yellow, and they take their name from their color and long and curving form. Though they don’t really look that much like bananas, truth be told, the moniker is well established.

How To Grow Banana Peppers

In all but the warmest climate zones, it is usual to start peppers indoors, to be transplanted into the garden once the weather warms. When you start them indoors, it is possible to grow these right down to zone five or even below with some protection, with row covers, a greenhouse or polytunnel.

16 Ways To Use Banana Peppers

There are plenty of ways to use this versatile sweet pepper. Here are just some ideas that might give you some inspiration:

1. Stuffed Banana Peppers

One of the classic ways to use any sweet pepper is to stuff them and roast them in the oven The recipe below is for meat-eaters, but there are also plenty of ingredients you could use to make a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.

2. Fried Banana Peppers

Another way to cook your banana peppers is to fry them. It works very well to give them a crumb crust, as in the recipe below.

3. Pan-Charred Peppers

If you like to keep things simple, another great way to cook sweet banana peppers is to simply roast them in a pan, allowing them to char and soften.

4. Banana Pepper Fritters

There are also plenty of ways to make fritters with your banana peppers. If they are sweet, you can ramp up the flavor with a wide range of herbs and spices to taste. If they are hot, they can have a fiery kick.

1. Freeze them

Pick the peppers from the tree, wash them, dry them, and lay them on a tray in the freezer overnight. The next day, place them in a freezer bag and pop them back into the freezer. You can take as many as you need out each time you are going to cook with them.

2. Stuff them

While banana peppers are not very big and are rather thin and long, they can still be stuffed. Here is a great recipe we found for Bob’s Stuffed Banana Peppers. Enjoy!

3. Fry them

Pep pers loved to be fried. It brings out their flavor in the most delicious way. Here is a simple little recipe – A Southern favorite: Fried Banana Peppers

5. Grill them

Want a healthier alternative? Try grilling those peppers. Below is a great recipe. You can substitute the Gouda Cheese for a low-fat option like Mozzarella if you prefer.

6. Grill them: Cheesy Grilled Banana Peppers

Mild banana peppers, creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon for a smoky richness, and tomatoes to offer a bit of freshness.

Step 2

Fill a pot with water and heat to boiling. Place the jars and lids in the water to sanitize. After five minutes, pull out with tongs and allow to cool.

Step 3

Slice your sweet banana peppers into small rings. Place in the jars, leaving about an inch of space between the top of the jar and the peppers.

Step 4

Mix one cup of water with five cups of vinegar in a saucepan. Heat until boiling. Allow to boil for 15 minutes.

Step 6

Put the lids on the filled jars immediately. Bring the pot of water back to a boil. Plunge the jars in the water. There should be enough water in the pot to fully cover the jars. Bring the water back to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Turn off the heat. Remove the jars using tongs. Set on a towel to cool for several hours.

Health Benefits of Banana Peppers

Banana peppers are closely related to bell peppers, but they are different in both size and color. These tasty peppers aren’t quite as spicy as jalapenos, and have an interesting tang that adds a unique taste to a sandwich or meal. Even better, banana peppers have dozens of exceptional health benefits.

Types of Banana Peppers

There are four main categories of banana peppers, with dozens of sub-varieties falling within those categories. Banana peppers can be found in either sweet or hot varieties, and are typically harvested when they are orange, yellow, or red.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Banana Peppers

Banana peppers need lots of sun and warm soil in order to thrive. Because they require a longer growing season than other types of vegetables, they should be started from transplants instead of seeds.

Planting Banana Peppers

Start your seeds indoors about forty days before you wish to plant the peppers in the ground. Research your area’s specific growing requirements, and count backwards based on your expected date of last frost.

Caring for Banana Pepper Plants

Banana peppers are relatively easy to care for, but they don’t contend well with weeds. Too many weeds can result in plant death or decreased yields (or simply fruits that are smaller and less flavorful) so it’s important that you stay on top of your weeding duties.

Harvesting Banana Peppers

Banana peppers are ready for harvest when they are full-sized (anywhere from six to eight inches in length) and have firm skins. Check the firmness of the skin with your fingernail, and try not to harvest before the skins have hardened. While they will likely taste fine, they will not keep for very long, even if they are refrigerated.

Growing Banana Peppers in Containers

If you’re limited on space or restricted by a lack of ideal growing conditions, you can also grow banana peppers inside in containers. Peppers thrive in containers, as many varieties were adapted to grow well in pots.