Banana peel bacon is the new viral meat alternative sensation.
Banana peels are marinated in a smoky mixture that mimics the flavor of bacon. They're then fried to crispy perfection. And, believe it or not, they taste surprisingly like bacon! Serve it with my air fryer breakfast potatoes for the ultimate vegan breakfast.
There's something so deliciously creative about vegan meat substitutes that you can make at home. If you haven't already tried them, I highly recommend my Vegan Chicken Wings and my seitan-based Vegan Chicken Nuggets With Chipotle Mayo .
But, what about bacon? In the vegan groups I participate in, bacon and cheese are the two omnivorous foods that vegans say they miss the most. With that in mind, I decided to do my own spin on the viral banana peel bacon trend. And, I wasn't disappointed!
Can You Eat Banana Peels?
Yes, you can! In fact, despite the fact that banana peels are not used much in Western culinary traditions, they appear in many dishes in other cultures.
If you don't believe me, check out this banana peel curry by Surprising Recipes. Bengalis have been using raw banana peel in their famous chutney kancha kola khosha bata. And, in the southwest region of India's Kerala state you can sample a thoran, a regional specialty where banana peels are sauteed with coconut, curry spices and chilies.
Banana peels are not poisonous. In fact, the skins are packed with fiber and contain nutrients such as Vitamin B6, B12, magnesium and potassium.
So, feel free to enjoy banana peels as part of your vegan diet. Not only will you benefit nutritionally, you'll be reducing your food waste.
Let's make banana peel bacon!
How To Make Banana Peel Bacon
- The first, and most important step, is choosing the right banana peels to use for your bacon. Choosing the right peel is essential to the success of this recipe. Look for a banana that is very ripe. You'll know a banana is ripe by the brown and black spots on the peel. If you use a banana that is not yet ripe, your banana peel bacon will lack the sweetness that's essential for achieving that yummy bacon flavor.
- If your bananas aren't organic, which I recommend, scrub the peels to remove any pesticides.
- Peel your bananas. Set the bananas aside for another use (or freeze them). Cut the peels into four pieces and scrape out any banana "meat" with a spoon. The peels will be quite thin.
- Add the tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, pepper and salt to a container big enough to hold your banana peels.
- Transfer your banana peels to the marinade and turn them over with your hands to ensure they're evenly coated in marinade. Set them aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat your olive oil in a non stick pan. Fry the banana peel bacon for approximately 2 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them. As the sugar in the banana peel caramelizes, they'll begin to smoke and burn quite quickly. Different banana peels will cook at different rates, so use your best judgement, and remove the peels from the pan before they are too dark. They will crisp up more as they rest.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is if you tamari, and not soy sauce (which contains gluten). You might also want to check the ingredients on your liquid smoke label, to make sure it contains no gluten.
Banana peel bacon is best eaten straight away. However, if on the off chance you leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
Craving More Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipes?
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📖 Recipe
Ultimate Banana Peel Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, very ripe peels only *see note 1
- 3 tablespoons tamari *or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Peel the bananas. Set the bananas aside for another use (or freeze them). Cut the peels into four pieces and scrape out any banana "meat" with a spoon. The peels will be quite thin.
- Add the tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, pepper and salt to a container big enough to hold the banana peels.
- Transfer the banana peels to the marinade and turn them over with your hands to ensure they're evenly coated in marinade. Set them aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a non stick pan. Fry the banana peel bacon for approximately 2 minutes on each side.
Notes
- It's important to choose a banana that is very ripe. A ripe banana has brown spots (see image in post). If the banana is not ripe enough, the end result will lack sweetness, which is necessary in this recipe. If your bananas are not organic, you will need to scrub the peel to remove any pesticides.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free. However, be sure to use tamari, not soy sauce (which contains gluten).
Caroline
Can the bacon be cooked once it is cooked?
Josue
Hi! Any input on shelf life/proper storage for these? I.E. room temp or fridge, silica packets etc
Keri Bevan
Hi Josue, You can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Bear
Wow! I had absolutely no idea such a recipe existed! I always thought banana peels were inedible. You make these look so good I will definitely be giving them a try to pair with our favorite vegan egg scramble!
Keri Bevan
I hope you like it! You'll be surprised how well it works:)
Charlene Land
Do you dry banana peels before frying?
Keri Bevan
Hi Charlene, There's no need to dry them. I hope you really enjoy the vegan bacon!
JJ
Definitely going to make this recipe!
Keri Bevan
I hope you enjoy it!
Carol
I haven't tried it yet as I can't have any soy products. Can you recommend a soy substitute? Thanks.
Keri Bevan
Hi Carol, I haven't tried it, but I think coconut aminos would be a good substitute. If you try it, let me know how it goes!x
Kim
Could you air fry them?
Keri Bevan
Hi Kim, I haven't tried to air fry banana peel bacon. I should think it would work if you used a bit of olive oil spray. If you try, definitely let me know how it worked out!
Mel
This was the question I was coming to ask as well. Did you try this?