Yes, you read that right, this is banana peel bacon. A vegan bacon recipe made from the banana peels that you would otherwise toss away. Am I crazy? Maybe a little. Does it taste good? Yes, it does. It really, really does!
There has been a recent trend of making a vegan pulled pork type sandwich using banana peels, but for the most part, people have had bad experiences with it, saying that it actually tasted awful. But I didn't let that get me down. I was more intrigued by the idea of making banana peel bacon than the pulled pork (but let me know if you want me to give the pulled pork a try too). It took several experiments, but then the magic happened. Let me tell you, the results are good. Like actually really good. Like addictively yummy good.
The banana peel bacon is crispy, chewy, and a bit greasy just like traditional bacon. A bit thinner than traditional bacon, the flavour is smoky, salty, slightly sweet, and has a subtle hint of banana taste which is actually quite delicious. I'm not the only crazy one who liked it, my partner Adam and my dog Chickpea were both crazy about it too!
Banana peel bacon would be delicious alongside a vegan fried egg, tofu scramble, on a sandwich, chopped and served on a salad, or to top a pasta dish!
To make banana peel bacon:
The number one most important step is to use bananas that are very ripe. Stay far away from green bananas, the bacon will taste terrible. The riper the banana the better the flavour so pick bananas that are yellow with lots of brown spots.
To prepare the banana peels, remove the peels from the bananas and tear into about 4 strips per banana. Use a spoon to lightly scrape off the white inside part of the banana peel leaving just the peel.
Make the marinade by mixing the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder together in a dish that will fit your banana peels.
Add the banana peels and toss to coat. Let marinade for a minimum of 10 minutes, but as long as a few hours.
You will likely have leftover marinade. Feel free to make more banana peel bacon or to save the marinade for a few days in a container in the fridge to use again later.
When ready to cook the bacon, heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. When hot add the peels and fry a couple of minutes per side until they are golden and bubble up a little. It may get a little smoky as the sugars will burn so make sure to turn on your hood fan. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel. They should get crispier as they cool.
Now if you want to use up those bananas you just peeled, try more of my vegan recipes such as my banana milk, banana nut muffins, banana bread oatmeal, healthy breakfast cookies, banana coconut French toast, or any of my dessert flavoured smoothies.
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Banana Peel Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe banana peels, (from 2 bananas, see instructions)*
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon light oil (or more if needed)
Instructions
- The number one most important step is to use bananas that are very ripe. Stay far away from green bananas, the bacon will taste terrible. The riper the banana the better the flavour so pick bananas that are yellow with lots of brown spots. To prepare the banana peels: remove the peels from the bananas and tear into about 4 strips per banana. Use a spoon to lightly scrape off the white inside part of the banana peel leaving just the peel.
- Make the marinade by mixing the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder together in a dish that will fit your banana peels. Add the banana peels and toss to coat. Let marinade for a minimum of 10 minutes, but as long as a few hours.
- When ready to cook the bacon, heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. When hot add the peels and fry a couple of minutes per side, until they are golden and bubble up a little. It may get a little smoky as the sugars will burn so make sure to turn on your hood fan. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel. They should get crispier as they cool.
Notes
Nutrition
Joyce says
I LOVE these! I don't miss much after giving up meat, except bacon. These peels satisfied my desire! Unlike others who didn't feel they were crispy, mine were. You have to get the pan hot, add the oil & cook quickly. As Sam said, they will smoke & they burn quickly, so you need to watch. I love using the whole fruit. I followed the recipe as written. Thanks for sharing.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you love it Joyce!!
Patricia G. says
Tried it using the air fryer, as we fry very little, and used low-salt soy, and Braggs amino’s. So it wasn’t too bad for me, my spouse thought it was too salty. Another idea is to try using Ponzu soy sauce - lower salt.
Hard to know temp and time for air fryer- first time, did 180 C, and 10 minutes, were under done, second time did it longer they were burnt.
Will continue. Also, is it possible to have the new comments “box” at the beginning of the comments for a person to fill-in? Had to scroll through many, many, many comments before I found the empty box for mine. Would be nice if we could be switched around.
StaceyN says
I was excited to try this but was disappointed. It was SO salty that I couldn't even stand more than a small bite. 🙁
DONNA NEUMANN says
Perhaps if you used Low Sodium Soya sauce it would cut the too salty taste.
StaceyN says
Maybe! I don't have any but maybe I'll buy it one day and try again. 🙂
Ida says
Was surprisingly good! I burnt a few pieces (they weren't bubbling/browning nicely, and then they burnt!) so I just threw those out. A medium heat is probably best. I added mine to a vegetarian spaghetti carbonara (along with the mushroom bacon also on this website) and my Dad, who is a bacon lover who was INCREDIBLY dubious of the whole banana peel thing, was actually impressed. Though, I was hoping the banana bacon would stay a bit crispy but it definitely did not. Quite tasty though. Would probably prefer the mushroom bacon in future though, as it requires less effort, has a meatier texture and the flavour was just really nice.
(Also, I used organic bananas and washed the skins well)
Catherine says
This was great for a quick vegan bacon especially if you eat bananas daily like I do... followed the recipe exactly and i was impressed by the result
Geetha says
I make plantain chips in 7 flavors and we have a lot of very greenplantain peels. I am composting it now, but looking at your post, wondering if I can make the Pulled pork with the plantain peels vs the banana peels - the difference is the plantain peels are green.
Reese says
I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m about to and excited to see how they hold up as I’m also a fan of not wasting food product. Sorry for the unnecessary comment, but the amount of people on here criticizing you for using the banana peels or saying you use organic is pretty irritating. Most people just want to complain and don’t recognize that almost all food products (especially in the US) are going to be subpar and not exactly great for you health-wise. People are pretty ignorant generally when it comes to food, so my condolences for you having to deal with the sheer amount of idiocy witnessed in the comment section. Using scraps that are supposedly “not healthy” because of pesticides?? Okay, but also recognize that these people are probably eating Oreos or other substitutes with ingredients and additives that are just as bad, if not worse. Stay educated, people, or simply open your eyes to the entire food crisis in America instead of haranguing a food blogger for being productive. Partial ignorance is bliss, banana-peel haters.
Robert Blodgett says
You asked for nutrition information on banana peels, this link provides some:
https://www.businessinsider.com/benefits-of-eating-banana-peels-2015-9
Aim says
Hey Sam & all,
I came across your site and recipe when i was searching for diy banana peel fertilizer for my plants. So, I'm not a vegan, and in preparing food for my 2 men (husb and 15 y.o.son) there's def regular bacon consumed. I have baked it instead of frying bc of greasy mess. Im wondering if this nanner-bacon would work if you brushed w oil and baked on cookie sheet or parchment paper?
Veronica says
Love the idea of using all of the banana, but I can't quite make it work! I have tried twice now, once with really thin peel and today with some of the pith left. They are slightly too salty for me but that easily remided by using a little less soy next time. The thing that bothers me is that they have this sour/ bitter hint to them. The facon is only black at the edges but the middle part also taste a bit sour and I can detect a hint of banana as well, so it cannot be due to it being burnt. I followed the recipe, only omitted the garlic powder and used a few drops liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika,
I would so much like this to work!!!! Any suggestions?
Meli says
Heyo! I’m trying out this recipe right now 🙂 In other blogs about making banana peel pulled pork (or Brazilian “crazy meat” carne casca louca) they instruct soaking the peels in a bit of vinegar and water for 5 mins to get rid of the astringency. Maybe try that?
Veronica says
Hi Meli,
Thanks for the suggestion, I will try that next time! 🙂
Ms. says
Maybe try preparing as originally written, not omitting or switching up ingredients. You can't really say it did not work, if you did not follow the recipe as written-right?
Veronica says
Like I mentioned in the comment I tried it twice. First time I followed the recipe as is. Only the second time I replaced smoked paprika with two drops liquid smoke and no garlic powder. Both times it didn't quite work for me so I asked for suggestions because I really want to make them.
If it works for you as is, great.
Patti says
Love the idea of not wasting the peels! Any idea so as not to let these burn, as it affects the flavor. I realize that sugar will naturally burn, so perhaps add the maple syrup last (much like grilling) or perhaps an alternative ingredient? Many thanks!
April Reding says
I tried this recipe with plantain peels. Doesn't have the sweet banana flavor. Great recipe. Thanks
Nay says
It took me months to finally be able to make this. Of course I thought what many people thought. This recipe idea is ridiculous! Banana peels? Just STOP with the DIY vegan alternatives already!
But I was eating so many bananas... what would be so wrong in trying it out?
OH ME, OH MY! This is actually scarely really delicious! Even though I made it, ate it, and loved it, it's still unfathomable. Genius. Tasty.
TIP: If you have no liquid smoke, or smokey paprika, just get the pan burning a little after cooking, throw all these bad boys in, cover the pot, and turn off the fire. Natural smokiness in a minute, y'all!
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! Thrilled you loved it Nay!
Marta says
Sam,
I would love to try this! My husband loves bananas and we always have them in the house. Problem is, he likes them barely ripe. My question is, is there any way to ripen the peels after they have been removed from the banana?
Thanks!
Ian says
Refrigerating the peels afterwards should speed up the process, or at least it has for me in the past.
Andrea says
Made this and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Doubled the recipe and added a teaspoon of liquid smoke. Was not able to get the crunchiness that I expected, but the taste was amazing. May try extra liquid smoke next time around + test it in the air fryer.
Elize says
The banana peels themselves offer additional nutrients, including: Vitamin B6. Vitamin B12. Magnesium.
...
Nutrients per Serving
Calories: 105.
Fat: 0 grams.
Carbohydrates: 27 grams.
Sugar: 14 grams.
Fiber: 3 grams.
Protein: 1 gram.
Aug 18, 2020
http://www.webmd.com › ... › Reference
Banana Peel: Health Benefits, Nutrients, Preparation, and More
raffaella says
Dear Sam unfortunately bananas, pinapples and tropical fruit come from very far away and are spayed with chemicals that have to keep the fruit fresh for long time, fight fermentations and high temperature. The peels of bananas even inhibit compost processes because of that This recipe is very unhealthy. Big hug
Josh says
Not only pesticides, but filth. Bananas are known to be shipped crawling with insects and vermin (and the waste they excrete). They're one of the dirtiest crops Americans eat.
I would, at very least, scrub the hell out of these peels before I ate them, and even then, I would think twice.
Veronica says
Hi Raffaella,
I agree with you about the pesticides and always buy organic. Using organic bananas removes the risk of digesting pesticides, so you could safely try the recipe.
Love the idea of using everything on the banana instead of throwing away food. 🙂
Jo says
Plant your own banana tree and don't spray it. They pop out of the ground all over the place where I live.
P.s. I hope you don't eat any processed foods. Or any fruit or vegetable that's not grown in your own backyard.... They're pretty covered in pesticides. Oh and shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, beauty products, feminine products, clothing, etc. They all have residual amounts of toxins that are deamed safe when using that product, though not tested in combination with everything else you're using. Gotta choose your battles. Eat food, and don't waste. Much better philosophy.
Izzi says
I have to admit that I've been making "fake-on" for awhile, using rice paper strips dipped in a similar marinade then baked. They're really pretty good if you like your bacon crispy. This looks more like a slab bacon slice ...I'm totally trying it!
Susan Roman says
Sam, I wish you could have seen my husband's before and after face when I told him I made these and then when he tasted it. I made banana bread and decided to try this with the peels, just for fun. Next time I'll probably be making bacon and then making banana bread just for fun! (I used liquid smoke because I didn't have smoked paprika.)
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! I love that story 🙂
Veronica says
I had the exact same thought when I read this recipe! 😀
Sam Turnbull says
That's why I say to use organic in the recipe notes 😉
Jap says
Hello!
I find this recipe after I ate a bit of banana peel. By the way, what could be the alternative to maple syrup if it's unavailable?
Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Any liquid sweetener would work such as agave or corn syrup.
Vegan-hen says
My fitness pal says a banana peel is 70 cal
Jane says
Could I leave them in the marinade longer? Like days? My partner typically adds a banana to his protein shake every day, and I'm wondering if we could just stash them in a Tupperware in the fridge and cook like 3-5 days worth of bananas at once? I was also wondering if I could freeze them? Before or after cooking?
Sam Turnbull says
I've left them overnight before and they worked fine. I imagine longer would be fine as well. I imagine freezing them might not be as successful though. Enjoy!
Kim Emons says
I've looked at this recipe a number of times and thought...nope, nada, forget it...banana peel bacon. Then for some odd reason I stumbled across this recipe at the same time I was using a couple of bananas for a smoothie and thought, what the heck. I've been following Sam for so long now, I should know better than to question her skill in creating amazing tasting food. So...I gave it a try and WOW. This is fantastic. The taste is amazing, it's so easy to make (like 99% of Sam's recipes). The only thing I would watch out for is it can burn easily.
Thanks again Sam for yet another fantastic recipe. I'll never say no again!
Sam Turnbull says
Bahaha! I love this comment, I even shared it in my Instagram stories. Thank you Kim! 🙂
Rachel says
I cant wait to try this and turn it into a BLT sandwich! Thank you, Sam!
Bruno Boulanger says
Here is what I found:
The skin of the banana is as nutritious as its flesh: it provides iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins A, B, C and K. It also contains significant amounts of manganese, fiber, antioxidants and copper.
Banana peel is also a source of tryptophan, a protein that the body converts to serotonin, a natural relaxant.
Ayumi says
What about the preservatives they spray on the banana peels? How do you clean them effectively?
Sam Turnbull says
I buy organic 🙂
Ayumi says
Cool, but for those of us who either can't afford "organic" or don't have a store who sells "organic" what are we supposed to do to properly rid the banana of any preservatives? (Put it in quotes for the natural cross contamination that can happen from wind, rain, or natural causes that naturally migrate gmo bananas seeds/preservatives to "organic" farms)
Monica says
Soak in vinegar and water for ten minutes or so will help.
Ayumi says
Thank you, do you think rice vinegar will work?
Mike says
I soak all my produce in baking soda and apple cider vinegar (20min at least)Then wash with plant based dish soap as needed. As needed includes cucumber, peppers, and apples.
Ayumi says
Thanks so much for your response what ratios do you use?
Mike says
I eyeball it. About a tablespoon or two of vinegar and one tablespoon of baking powder. I also separate leafy greens from hard skins which slightly alters my amounts. Soak them and leave them Or vigorously apply depending on your time.
Mike says
I found your page looking for B12 naturally. It said banana peels are rich with them. FYI.
zarazek says
Please supplement vitamin B12, there's nothing wrong with that
Janet says
Organic farmers use pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. They are derived from natural ingredients as opposed to synthetic. Just because something is found in nature does not mean it is good for you. Read the science from unbiased sources, not articles in support of organic agriculture or conventional agriculture.
Lisa says
Currently marinating, love so many of your other recipes can't wait to try this tomorrow. I found nutritional information @
https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html
Sam Turnbull says
WOnderful! THanks, Lisa!
Karen Haworth says
Just made these. They are really good! They even look like bacon! I saw the comment about the liquid smoke. I ended up using both liquid smoke and paprika. Next time I may add more liquid smoke. I used 1 tsp in a doubled recipe. I am using these in a BLT for lunch. Thanks Sam for all the great recipes. I can always count on yours to be the best!
Karen Haworth says
BTW, I used smoked paprika...forgot to mention that!
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed Karen!
Gina Caracci says
Well I finally tried these..I didn't have maple syrup so I used pancake syrup and totally missed the paprika. A few pieces were spot on, but some were too bitter. Some were too burnt, but that's my fault. Still a great idea to try again. Made your banana squares again too. Thx Sam!
Beth says
I tried banana peel bacon but didn’t have the liquid smoke or smoked paprika so substituted 2 parts chili powder to 1 part cumin as recommended online. It was ok but I want to try the recipe as written. Thank you for this wonderful way not to throw food away.
AJ says
Love the idea of these but as others have commented, it’s too salty. Followed as instructed, used coconut oil to fry and couldn’t eat because of the saltiness of the final product. I’m wondering how else to marinate because I do want this recipe to work. It’s a great idea, with little waste on food! Thank you for all your hard work and experimentation.
Frank says
Perhaps try using a low sodium soy sauce?
KPZ says
I used coconut aminos in subsititute of the soy sauce and brown sugar but did not change any other ingredients. The final product was lovely - smokey, sweet and a little salty. Perhaps give this a try if you are not a fan of the saltiness?
KB says
Add water?
Maryse says
I made for the first time today and liked it more than I expected, but next time I'm going to use low-sodium soy sauce; it was too salty for me. I marinated for one hour, maybe that's too long? Anyway, I'm grateful for the recipe and looking forward to making again with low-sodium soy sauce.
Lynn says
I made this recipe and really like it. In place of soy sauce I used coconut aminos; not salty at all. Drain the bacon well and the strips become crisp. I like it.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed, Lynn 🙂
Arielle says
Followed the recipe exactly. Although the marinade flavor was delicious and spot on, there was just no getting around the fact that we were eating banana peels. The vegetal flavor of banana peel came through, and we didnt love that. Will not be eating banana peels in the future.
Dina Anthony says
Hi, Can this be made somehow without the oil. Perhaps baking instead of using a skillet? Thank you for the recipe.
Carmen I says
Haven't tried it yet, but according to my research (dehydrating the peels for fertilizer for my vegetables, as I type this). They also contain Phosphorus and Magnesium. Don't know the amounts of each. I found this recipe after my daughter told me about peel bacon. I had already chopped the peels (was dehydrated the actual banana fruit before she told me) but will try them when I get more.
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks!
Trish says
Hi Sam, I haven't tried this yet but am going to today. Just wondering if you can freeze left over marinade to use again?
Paul Smith says
I just want to hear a little bit more about the vitamin B12 that is in the banana peel and the amounts of this as we are always told the only way to get it on a plant-based diet is through nutritional yeast?
Cindy Heslop says
You are so clever! I dont even like bananas and yet I loved these! Thank you so much for sharing
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome! Thrilled you love it 🙂
Jennifer says
You’ve given us back our bacon! Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing Have you tried baking it? Any suggestions on that? Might be quicker/easier...
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't! If you give it a go, let us know how it turns out 🙂
layor nala says
I don'thave any leftover banana peels. I just use the whole banana sliced in my smoothie, together with other fruits (unpeeled), fruit juice, yoghurt, oatmeal, ginger, and turmeric.
HirlGrend says
Oh wow this was amazing! Even omnivore OH liked this 'bacon' even though he knew what he was eating before he tried it!
I had everything on hand except maple syrup so used a sprinkle of fine brown sugar instead. Great salty flavour and I can magine they'd be great in a BLT. We just ate them as crisps.
Thanks for sharing this recipe, and for the commented questions and answers about preservation options 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome!!! So happy you loved it, HirlGend!
Kelly says
I really like this recipe, it’s so creative! I’ve made it a few times and prefer to scrape the peels lightly, leaving a thin layer of banana on the peels. They retain some moisture that seem reminiscent of bacon fat and still crisp up nicely! I also like to cook in vegan butter on a cast iron pan. Thank you for the vegan recipes, love them 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Aww yay! So thrilled you love it, Kelly!
Sandra says
Truly Genius!
I did not leave them in the marinade very long and I used low salt soy sauce. We Put them on top Romain lettuce leaves filled with lots of veggies and avocado slices…not to salty this way - perfect!!!
Thank You❣️
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing!!
Lynn says
I've been saving banana peels for ages! To dry, then grind into powder to use in my garden and in my soap making! I just might try "bacon" now, too, lol
Barbara says
HI... love the recipe, but I don't always want to eat bananas just to have bacon the next morning or in a day or two. You said freezing made them black...not nice... how can you store them for a few days. n the fridge? In a plastic bag at room temp? In a paper bag ? There must be a way. Not practical to have to eat bananas the day before you can have bacon.
help please, Barb
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Barbara! The banana peels won't keep long but the bananas fruit freezes very well. So I recommend that when you want to make banana peel bacon, peel the fresh bananas, use the peels, and put the fruit in the freezer in an air-tight container to use later in a smoothie or another recipe. 🙂
Patricia Devine says
I peel and slice ripe bananas and freeze them - great for 'nice cream' and smoothies. It's best to slice them before freezing rather than afterwards. I them put them in a plastic bag, spread out on a tray, one layer deep and then later you can tap the bag and they separate nicely rather than sticking together in clumps.
Marsha says
I found nutritional info on banana peels here
https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you, but I believe that's the nutrition facts for bananas (not just the peel). Appreciate you looking it up tho!
Melissa says
Delicious! My whole family loved it. I think it is my favorite vegan bacon. Better than bacon made with eggplant, tofu or tempeh. And banana peels are basically free! Amazing.Just wondering how to save all the banana peels. Will they keep in the fridge or do they need to go directly into the marinade? Could the peels be frozen for later use?
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome!! I'm so happy you love it so much, Melissa 🙂 Banana peels turn black when frozen so that might be kind of icky, but you can keep them in the marinade for up to a few days in the fridge if that helps. Enjoy!
Margareth Richards says
Excellent thank you.
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome 🙂
GB says
I would like to bake these and not fry them. What temperature would I bake them and for how long? Thanks
Sam Turnbull says
Hi GB, I haven't tried baking these so I'm not sure the temperature, time, or if it would even yield good results. Sorry I can't be more help!
Juanita says
Maybe I did not fry long enough? They were more chewy, not crispy at all, even after sitting. I'm kinda afraid of overcooking . . . I will try again.
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, you likely need to cook it a little more. Enjoy!
Juanita says
Interestingly, you may be amused to learn that a mouse made off with a couple of slices when I'd left them out overnight! ;-D So: bait!
Sam Turnbull says
Hah! Cute 🙂
James D McCuaig says
Can I make up a batch and store for later use?
Sam Turnbull says
The bacon will lose it's crispiness so it's not really the best to make ahead. Enjoy!
Jim says
I was just thinking about doing everything up to the cooking stage and then having it ready to go just like regular bacon
Sam Turnbull says
Yep you can let it marinate in the fridge overnight. Enjoy!
Ed says
According to this article, https://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html
Banana peels are high in B6 and B12. Lack of B12 is of concern with vegan diets.
Sam Turnbull says
Good to know!
Des says
Nooooooooooo!!!!! I peeled 20 bananas two nights back for my smoothie bags. I actually looked at all the peels and wondered if there's anything I can do/make with it. I'm so sad right now 🙁
Sam Turnbull says
Awww, well next time at least!
Maria K says
Definitely have to be careful not to burn them, but the ones I didn't burn were great! I dipped them in the marinade again just before eating since I didn't marinade them very long.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed, Maria 🙂
Naomi says
I can't believe this worked! I'm not sure what I did that was different from other people but I didn't get even a hint of banana in my final product. Great job coming up with this!
Sam Turnbull says
So thrilled you loved it Naomi!! 🙂
Mallory says
I have sweet smoked paprika and spicy smoked paprika, which would you recommend for this recipe?
Sam Turnbull says
Sweet smoked paprika 🙂
Laura-Lee Bowers says
NO. WAY. First chickpea water is eggs, now banana peels are bacon???? Gaaaaaahhh :DDDDDD I'm so glad I'm not alone being vegan anymore!!!! <3
Sam Turnbull says
Haha!! Right!? The possibilities are endless!!
Laura-Lee Bowers says
I tried it. We loved it. We were rushing out the door for an outing so I just used a bit of soy & the tiniest amount of smoked paprika (the jar had run out). I left them to marinade for a few hours. We came back and made BLTs. We were in shock all day afterwards -- they were so good!!! Plus, I (as a long time vegan, who has never been totally sure it was 'natural' for humans ot be that way) the fact that there is B12 in banana peels, and they're delicious, made me feel like being vegan is completely natural for humans. Thank you so much for this recipe!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome!!! Thrilled you loved it so much, Laura-Lee 🙂
Denise says
Great by me! I love bananas (and salt!), so the hint of banana flavor was intriguing and not overwhelming. It would be fantastic in a BLT or crumbled on a salad. The best part is using something that would otherwise be "waste." BONUS!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, awesome!! So happy you loved it, Denise 🙂
Louise says
I haven't made this yet but have a bottle of liquid smoke in the cupboard. Do you think I could use that and if so, how much?
Thanks for helping me discover how easy being a vegan can be.
Sam Turnbull says
Smoked paprika adds not only flavour but also colour. If you want to sub liquid smoke instead I would recommend 1/4 teaspoon
EL says
This was a very easy recipe. You definitely have to watch closely it doesn’t get burnt. While the texture was really enjoyable, I have to admit.. the banana flavor just wasn’t for me. But in a sandwich (BLT with vegan mayo) it was doable. But me not liking the banana flavor is no fault of Sam’s. Her recipe was on point and the rest of the flavor was nice. While this one wasn’t my cup, it has me excited to try rice paper bacon! (*Definitely use organic!)
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, so happy you gave it a try, EL 🙂
Lauren says
Is there enough of a difference between "paprika" and "smoked paprika" to matter? I only have regular paprika... Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
The smoked paprika adds a smoky taste the the banana peel bacon, you could sub by adding a few drops of liquid smoke. Enjoy!
Lauren says
Awesome, thanks so much for getting back to me!
Juanita says
HA! Just what I did--before seeing this! 🙂
Anne-Marie Lacroix says
Hi! I tried the banana peel pulled pork. I've done it already a couple of times and personally, I love it. I would recommend to give it a try.
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome!! I will give it a try soon 🙂
Rachel says
Disappointed. Excited to try my first banana peel recipe but it just wasn't very good. The initial taste was ok but then it was salty and burnt tasting. Will not make again. Easy recipe though!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Rachel, traditional bacon is quite salty, but to reduce the saltiness use less soy sauce or a low sodium soy sauce. If it was burnt tasting, it's because it probably got a little burnt. Try cooking it at a lower temperature next time. Enjoy!
Lynn says
Hi, Rachel,
I used coconut Caminos and the bacon strips were delicious and not salty at all. Next time I'm going to put a bit of sea salt into the marinade. I agree with Sam that real bacon is salty.
Lynn
Shenoa says
This looks really interesting! I wonder if they could be baked, like the rice paper bacon I adore.
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't tried, but if you do you may need to spray them with oil or add oil to the marinade so they have that fatty crispiness that traditional bacon has.
Becky LL Holm says
Please let me know how this turns out baked! I don't use oil!!
Cynthia Tonseth says
I added liquid smoke to make the flavor more authentic . I did not use oil but used the Skan pan .. I probably cooked them at too high a heat at first but they were not bad . Crispy , interesting flavor .. will try again and work with the marinade some more .
Sam Turnbull says
I always recommend trying the recipe as written before making any adaptions but I am glad you enjoyed!
vm says
Have you tried cooking these peels in an air fryer to avoid using oil (or at least much less oil than frying for us noSOS vegans)? I just got an air fryer and am just starting out. Thanks for all your hard work and innovation!!!
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't no, but you are welcome to try!
Becky LL Holm says
OH, Good idea to use the air fryer. Please let us know how it turns out!!
iv says
i made some using the microwave for about 3 minutes and were just as good as fried!
Sam Turnbull says
Wow! Great idea, I must try this 🙂
Michael Worsham says
Did you try making these with liquid smoke?
Organic bananas are a must for this recipe, since you are eating the peels. luckily are now available at just about every supermarket in the U.S.
Sam Turnbull says
I first used liquid smoke, but I preferred the taste and colour to the version with smoked paprika. But you are welcome to adapt the recipe to your own preference!
Stefani says
What an intriguing recipe! Do you buy organic bananas for this? Conventionally grown bananas do get a pretty good wash with pesticides, if I'm not mistaken, and the only reason why they're low on the Dirty Dozen list is because we don't tend to use the peel. Just wondering...
Wynne says
I second this question...
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, I bought organic bananas and gave them a wash first- I will add that to the recipe notes!