🍌 Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Banana Skin Bacon Recipe
“In nature, nothing is wasted — not even the banana peel.” – Chef Ramsay
Introduction
Right, listen up! Most people chuck out banana skins without a second thought — and that’s a bloody waste. In nature, nothing is wasted. Today, I’m showing you how to turn those humble peels into something smoky, salty, and absolutely gorgeous: Banana Skin Bacon. Perfect for topping your vegan breakfast, adding crunch to a salad, or just snacking straight from the pan.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe banana peels (from yellow, spotty bananas — not green or blackened)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Preparation Steps
- Clean the skins
Peel the bananas and scrape off the white stringy flesh from the inside of the peel with a spoon. You just want the yellow part left — that’s your bacon strip. - Marinate the peels
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Add your banana peels and toss them in the marinade. Let them soak for at least 10–15 minutes so they absorb all that beautiful smoky flavor. - Fry until crisp
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
When the oil shimmers, add the banana peels and fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re dark, crisp, and a bit caramelized on the edges.
Don’t walk away — they go from perfect to burnt fast! - Drain and serve
Lay them on paper towel to remove excess oil.
As they cool, they’ll firm up even more — just like real bacon.
Serving Ideas
- Crumble over avocado toast
- Add to a vegan BLT
- Use as a crunchy topping on scrambled tofu
- Pair with buckwheat pancakes and maple syrup for a cheeky breakfast twist
Chef Ramsay’s Tip
“If you’re going plant-based or just reducing waste, this is genius. The peel carries so much fiber and texture — you just need to treat it with respect. Season it right, cook it right, and it’ll taste bloody delicious.”