How To Turn Overripe Bananas Into Banana Peel Bacon

5 from 205 votes

How To Turn Overripe Bananas Into Banana Peel Bacon

Banana peel bacon? You betcha! Now you can prevent food waste and never toss out another overripe banana. This banana peel bacon recipe is smoky, crispy, savory and sweet, with a subtle hint of banana that's the rage of social media. Vegan bacon here we come, and this banana bacon is also gluten-free, requires only 10 common ingredients, and is ready in about 15 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: All

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: slices

Calories: 53kcal

Author: Deborah

Equipment

non-stick skillet
oblong marinade dish
tongs

Ingredients

3 bananas overripe with brown spots
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup tamari
3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ teaspoon truffle salt or sea salt
½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Scrub your bananas with a fruit and veggie wash or hot soapy water, even if they are organic (think of all those hands)! Rinse well. Pat dry. Remove the peels in approximately one inch increments, give or take. You should get about 4 strips per banana, depending on the size. Once you've removed the peels, place one at a time on a flat surface and use a large spoon to gently scrape out the pulp of each banana peel strip.
Add tamari, maple syrup, spices, salt, and white pepper to a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well-blended. Place banana peels in a rectangular dish. Pour marinade over the bananas, making sure to cover them completely. Marinade for at least 10 minutes, turning the peels over at least once during the process, more if you decide to marinate longer.
Heat olive oil on medium heat in a non-stick pan. Add banana peels and turn the heat to medium. Sprinkle a bit of coconut sugar on each side while frying (optional). Watch your peels carefully as the maple syrup and coconut sugar tend to burn easily. Fry to your desired crispiness on each side. I don't like my banana bacon super crisp, so I fry the peels about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Remove banana skin bacon from pan and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. FOR BEST RESULTS, DON'T PLACE ON PAPER TOWELS, as the paper towels will stick to the bacon during the cooling process and they are difficult to fully remove. Dab each side gently with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast main.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate.
Whenever possible, choose organic bananas to ensure the least amount of pesticides are used during the growing process.
For best results, cook on medium heat to prevent the maple syrup from burning. Watch carefully so you DO NOT OVERCOOK.
After frying the bacon, DO place banana peel bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. DO NOT place on paper towels as the banana peel bacon recipe will stick to them.
Once vegan bacon strips are on parchment paper, blot each side lightly with a clean paper towel to eliminate excess oil.

Nutrition