Vegan jerky is one of the most delicious and easiest foods to make. So, if you are a hardcore vegan but also a big fan of jerky, this is an excellent option for you. The best part is that it is a fantastic snack for the whole family.
Of course, someone might say that it is easier for you to purchase one in your local store, but we disagree with them. In our opinion, the food always tastes better when it is prepared in your own home.
That way, you can use the ingredients you want without putting some chemicals in it, like they do in the markets.
Vegan jerky makes a perfect snack for road trips because it is simple to filling, store and what is important it includes essential proteins. So not only it is delicious it is also very healthy which gives this meal extra points. It is free of animal fats and cholesterol so you won’t have to worry about that.
This snack is ideal for backpacking and hiking, and it also works great to carry along in your bag for a quick brunch or to pack in school lunches. So, in this article, we will show you how to make vegan jerky in your kitchen.
If you want to know more about this fantastic snack, just keep reading.
1. Use a Dehydrator
If you own a good-quality dehydrator, you can quickly prepare this snack with it. With the right model that will be a piece of cake. All you have to do is to dry the vegan jerky like you would dehydrate a meat jerky. The principle is the same, and the best part is that this machine will do all the job for you.
Just set it and leave it to do the rest. The digital dehydrators are a great option because of the feature that goes with them. You will be able to set the precise time and temperature and leave the unit to work. Even if you use one of the affordable models, it will still be an excellent choice to make vegan jerky.
You can also make it in your oven if you don’t have this machine, but if it is old and burns the meal easily or cook unevenly, then we wouldn’t recommend it. On the other hand, if it is good, you just need to set it to the lowest temperature and check every hour to make sure it is not overdried. Always try it to see if it is done.
2. Firm Tofu or Tempeh
Vegan jerky is the most delicious snack that will suit anyone’s taste. When you are making it, you need to purchase the block of firm tofu or tempeh. Before you place them on the dehydrator’s trays, you need to form thin strips. To do that, slice the ingredient thin lengthwise.
It depends on your personal taste if you want to make them short or long. You can also make them thicker or thinner, whatever you like. But, bear in mind, that if you want it to be thicker, it will take longer to dry it to form a nice jerky.
If you have children, you can also ask them for an opinion. That way you will include them in this process too.
3. Flavor the Jerky
The next thing you need to do when preparing the jerky for the dehydration process is to season it. We love this part because you can use whatever ingredients you and your family like. If you want something spicy use the right seasoning, or use more salt if you want the food to be saltier.
As we already mention the great thing about this step is that you can choose whatever you like. We suggest purchasing
- black pepper,
- chili powder,
- mesquite powder and
- all the seasonings you want.
You can use Vegan Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, mustard, and BBQ sauce.
Note: We give you some ideas of what ingredients and seasonings you can use for your vegan jerky. It is up to you and your family to choose the right recipe for you.
4. Preparation Process
After you have determined what seasonings you want to use, the next step is the preparation process. The first thing you need to do is to make the right marinade of your favorite flavors. Always try it before you soak the jerky into it, to check does it taste good. Then dip the firm tofu or tempeh, whatever you used, in that marinade.
Store it in the right container and leave it to rest in the fridge overnight. The jerky will soak all the flavors and taste great when it is done. Tomorrow morning, get the jerky out of the marinade and pat it dry. When you are sure it is dry enough, place it on the dehydrator or an oven and start the drying process.
It may take 6 to 8 hours or perhaps even more for this snack to be thoroughly dried if you use a dehydrator. But if you use the oven, it takes less period, but you need to check the food every half an hour or hour to make sure it is not cooked. And bear in mind that the temperature cannot go above 250 degrees F.
5. Store It Properly
It is essential to store this snack properly once it is dehydrated. We suggest to place it in a plastic bag or the airtight container. Make sure to eat it in the next two days. It is an excellent option for those short camping or hiking trips.
Or you can also place it in the fridge so you can preserve it for a longer time. That way you will have an ideal on-the-go food, that you can consume whenever and wherever you want.
Conclusion
Vegan jerky is a perfect and healthy snack that you can use for your hiking, backpacking trips, school lunches or even for your quick brunch when you are too busy. The best part about them is that they are an excellent source of vegan protein, so you cannot go wrong with it. Follow our instructions and learn to prepare it like a pro. Bon appetit!
