Banana Peel Bacon (Vegan Bacon Alternative)
Banana Peel Bacon is a creative vegan alternative that transforms banana peels into a smoky, crispy, and savory topping. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers bold flavor while reducing food waste.
Equipment
- skillet
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large banana peels (from ripe but firm bananas)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
Instructions
- Wash the banana peels thoroughly and use a spoon to scrape away the soft white inner pith.
- Slice the banana peels into strips about 1 inch wide.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add banana peel strips to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pan-fry the marinated banana peel strips for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Transfer strips to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow crispiness to set.
Notes
Clean banana peels thoroughly before use. Scraping away the inner pith improves texture. Crispiness increases as the strips cool, so avoid overcooking.