Banana Peel Vegan Bacon (Printable Version)

Crispy, smoky banana peel vegan bacon bursts with savory flavor and is ready in just 25 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Banana Peels

01 - 2 large ripe banana peels, yellow with minimal spots

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Thoroughly wash banana peels and remove residual flesh with a spoon. Slice into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
02 - In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke if using, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Submerge banana peel strips in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes.
04 - Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil if necessary. Arrange marinated peels in a single layer in the skillet.
05 - Cook each strip for 2 to 3 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula to achieve desired crispness and caramelization. Adjust heat to prevent burning.
06 - Transfer finished strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make ready in less than half an hour
  • Reduces food waste by using banana peels
  • Packed with savory smoky flavor plus crave-worthy crisp texture
  • Vegan and allergen friendly with simple swaps for soy and gluten
02 -
  • Uses up kitchen scraps in an unexpected way
  • Naturally gluten free if using tamari
  • A fun and healthy alternative to meat bacon
03 -
  • Scrape banana peels thoroughly to prevent bitterness
  • Press gently with a spatula for maximum crisp without burning
  • Let the strips sit for a few moments before serving for best crunch
  • Test out different brand of smoked paprika for varying levels of flavor intensity
  • Keep an eye on the pan because the natural sugars caramelize quickly
  • Trust me the deeper you let them caramelize the better the bacon flavor and texture

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