**Tofu Jerky: A Plant-Based Treat for Meat Lovers and Vegans Alike**
Tofu jerky is a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by people of all dietary preferences. Made from marinated tofu that is dehydrated until chewy, tofu jerky has a savory, slightly smoky flavor that is reminiscent of traditional beef jerky. This plant-based alternative to meat is packed with protein, iron, and calcium, making it a healthier choice for those looking for a satisfying snack.
This article offers two unique recipes for tofu jerky:
**Original Tofu Jerky:**
This classic recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The tofu is marinated for at least 30 minutes before being dehydrated in an oven or food dehydrator.
**Spicy Szechuan Tofu Jerky:**
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe incorporates the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. The marinade includes a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. The tofu is marinated for at least 2 hours before being dehydrated.
Both recipes result in a chewy, flavorful snack that can be enjoyed on its own or added to trail mix, salads, or sandwiches. Whether you're a meat lover looking for a healthier alternative or a vegan seeking a satisfying protein snack, tofu jerky is a delicious and versatile option that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
TOFU JERKY
This is a nice substitution for beef jerky, as it provides the saltiness and smoky flavor (it has been a long time since I've had real beef jerky, though, so I may not be the best judge). The texture will not be the same, of course, but it is chewy and satisfying. Enjoy!
Provided by Aunt Cookie
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 12h15m
Yield 12 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut the cube of tofu horizontally into four pieces, and then slice it into strips (I had a total of 12). The strips should be about 4 millimeters in thickness. They're going to shrink a lot in the oven, so they should start out pretty thick.
- Mix all the other ingredients together.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in a shallow baking pan or cookie sheet and pour the marinade over it.
- Let it soak for several hours or overnight.
- Drain excess liquid and dry tofu in food dehydrator or 200 F oven. This will take 4 to 8 hours, depending on the weather (it took six hours for me in the oven).
- Flip the tofu over hourly so it dries evenly.
- Dry the jerky until it is very chewy, but not crispy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 39.5, Fat 1.6, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 675.5, Carbohydrate 2.8, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.2, Protein 4.5
SRIRACHA TOFU JERKY IN A DEHYDRATOR
Spicy tofu jerky made easy in your dehydrator. This gets better both in texture and flavor once it is refrigerated so make sure to plan ahead.
Provided by Soup Loving Nicole
Time 4h10m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Slice tofu block in half lengthwise, then slice widthwise into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices. Lay strips on a clean work surface.
- Whisk soy sauce, Sriracha, liquid smoke, and garlic powder in a bowl. Brush sauce over top side of tofu strips. Carefully flip strips over and brush other side with sauce.
- Place the strips on the rack of a dehydrator. Set temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Dehydrate for 2 hours. Flip strips over and dehydrate 1 hour more.
- Remove the lid from the dehydrator and let strips cool for 1 hour for further drying. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 35.3 calories, Carbohydrate 1.2 g, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 303.3 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
Tips:
- Choose the Right Tofu: Use extra firm or super firm tofu for the best jerky texture.
- Press the Tofu Properly: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, resulting in a chewier jerky.
- Flavorful Marinade: Experiment with different marinade ingredients to create unique flavors. Soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices are great starting points.
- Longer Marinating Time: The longer the tofu marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
- Low and Slow Baking: Bake the tofu jerky at a low temperature for a longer duration to achieve a chewy texture without burning.
- Store Properly: Store the tofu jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Conclusion:
Tofu jerky is a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional meat jerky. With its chewy texture and endless flavor possibilities, it's a perfect snack for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or incorporate it into your favorite recipes, tofu jerky is a versatile and satisfying treat that will keep you coming back for more.
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