Looking for a vegan, plant-based bacon alternative? We tried the viral banana peel bacon and were not disappointed. Here are our thoughts and tips!
To address the elephant in the room, you might be wondering if banana peels are edible, and we wondered the same thing!
Despite being routinely tossed into the garbage bin in the USA, banana peels are often eaten for their high nutrient content and versatility in many other countries.
By swapping traditional bacon for banana bacon, you get a healthier, lower-fat alternative packed with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants—without sacrificing the texture of bacon.
We used the recipe from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken, keep reading for a few of our tips before you jump into the recipe!
Admittedly, banana peel bacon might not be for everyone. You can watch a highly entertaining video from the lovely Tabitha Brown on YouTube, where she gives it a try in the air fryer.
If you're expecting banana bacon to taste like actual bacon, you might be a little disappointed. But, if you’re hosting the holidays with a vegan in the house or just want to eat a little healthier, this is a great way to enjoy a faux bacon.
For what it's worth, all three of us carnivores at TTT were super skeptical and it took us a few bites to make up our minds but in the end, we all decided we liked it!
Why Make Banana Peel Bacon?
- Unique Flavor: Savory, smoky, and slightly sweet—perfect for topping salads, sandwiches, or enjoying as a snack or with a stack of pancakes
- Plant-Based Eating: Low in fat, packed with fiber, great meat alternatives!
- Eco-Friendly: Upcycle banana peels and reduce food waste!
- Versatile: Customize the marinade ingredients with your favorite seasonings for a flavor that’s totally you (spicy, sweet, etc!)
Pro Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: As the author notes, this is non-negotiable! Be sure to use bananas with a few brown spots (not lots of brown spots) —this ensures the peels are pliable and slightly sweeter for the best results. Less ripe banana skins tend to have a bitter flavor.
- Use an Old or Spare Pan: This recipe can get a bit messy, and the caramelized marinade may leave some residue behind. Save your favorite cookware and use a pan you don’t mind scrubbing later.
- Ventilate Your Kitchen: The smoky aroma is part of the magic, but it can linger! Open your windows and turn on a hood fan if you have one to keep your kitchen fresh and smoke-free.
- Fry in a Little Oil: Using an air fryer gives you more of a turkey bacon mouthfeel. It's more dry and doesn't have that umami flavor we all love, while frying in just a bit of oil gives us more of the bacon texture we love. We recommend a neutral oil such as avocado which has a higher smoke point than olive oil.
What we changed...
I accidentally added oil to the soy sauce mixture because I misread the original recipe. However, I don't think it made much of a difference—if anything, it might have helped prevent the strips from sticking to the pan. If you'd like, you can add 1 tablespoon of oil to the marinade for a little extra ease during cooking, or skip it entirely if you're keeping an eye on your fat intake. Both options work great!
I always dilute my soy sauce with a little water, so keep that in mind if you're following this recipe. If you prefer a stronger, saltier flavor, you can skip this step or adjust to taste.
Note that you can make this recipe soy-free and gluten-free by using coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce.
More Recipes You'll Love
Try some of other tried-and-true, plant-based recipes from the Taste Test Tribe kitchen:
Banana Peel Bacon
We always recommend reading through the post (only takes 3-5 minutes) and watching the video if there is one, for best results.
To make banana peel bacon, you'll just need to scrape off the inside of the peel, then soak the skins in garlic powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and a little maple syrup. You can also add a bit of salt and black pepper if you would like.
You'll cook the soaked banana peels in a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels
This recipe is quick and easy and we would love to know if you like it or not so be sure to come back and leave a comment with your thoughts!
Tap the button below to get the printable Banana Peel Bacon recipe from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken
If you make this vegan bacon recipe, will you come back here and let us know in the comments what you thought, and if you tried any modifications?
Thanks for being part of our foodie tribe!
-Stacie, Celeste, and Jodi
FAQ
Yes, it is safe to eat cooked banana peels, as they are edible and contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Cooking softens the texture and enhances the flavor, making them more palatable and easier to digest.
A banana peel has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor when raw but develops a milder, somewhat sweet taste when cooked. The flavor can vary depending on the ripeness of the banana, with riper peels being less bitter.
Eating banana peels has a few disadvantages, such as their tough, fibrous texture and bitter flavor when raw, which can be unappealing to some. Additionally, they may contain pesticide residue, so consider buying organic bananas and washing thoroughly before consuming.
Banana peels are rich in fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium, which support digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. They also contain small amounts of vitamins B6 and B12, along with polyphenols and carotenoids, which contribute to their nutritional benefits.
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