5 Surprisingly Delicious Recipes You Can Make Using Vegan Jerky

Vegan Jerky Recipes

Are you tired of the same old vegan recipes and craving something new and exciting? Then you should definitely try vegan jerky! This chewy and flavorful plant-based treat makes a perfect substitute for beef jerky that will please your taste buds. So, here are 5 surprisingly delicious recipes you can make using vegan jerky! But first, let’s get familiar with this tasty treat!

What is Vegan Jerky?

Vegan jerky is a great replacement for animal-based jerky. It’s vegan yet tastes like beef. Soy, seitan, mushrooms, and jackfruit are commonly used to make vegan jerky. These protein sources are marinated in spices, herbs, and seasonings for a tasty snack. The jerky’s chewiness comes from drying or baking marinated protein. Vegans, vegetarians, and meatless snackers will love these kinds of jerky. It offers a handy and delicious way to experience the flavor and texture of jerky in a cruelty-free and plant-based version.

5 Must-try Jerky Recipes

Vegans and vegetarians who avoid animal products should definitely try out these jerky recipes:

1. Smoky BBQ Jerky:

It’s healthier than meat-based jerky since it’s usually cholesterol-free, fat-free, and allergen-free.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy curls or TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bake on a baking sheet with parchment paper at 250°F (120°C).
2. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
3. Mix in the soy curls or TVP and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
4. Layer the marinated soy curls or TVP on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the jerky for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning halfway, until dry and chewy.
6. Before storage, let it cool.

2. Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky:

The mushrooms soak up flavors like a sponge, creating a mushy and nice snack that’s perfect solo or as an appetizer as well.

Ingredients:

• 5 pound sliced Portobello mushrooms
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions:

1. Soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder are mixed together in a bowl to make the dressing.
2. Toss the marinade-coated Portobello mushrooms. Marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Warm your oven to 175°F (80°C) with a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Place marinated mushroom slices on the baking pan.
5. Flip the slices halfway through baking for 2–3 hours until dry and jerky-like.
6. Cool the jerky before eating or storing it.

3. Spicy Chipotle Jerky:

Jerky with a hot chipotle flavor is a tasty alternative to meat snacks. If you’re a vegan looking for a bit of spice in your cravings, this one’s a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy curls or TVP
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Warm your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. To create the marinade, mix tomato paste, tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chipotle spicy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
3. Mix in soy curls or TVP and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
4. Place marinated soy curls or TVP in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the jerky for 1.5–2 hours, turning halfway through.
6. After cooling, you can eat or store the spicy jerky in an airtight container.

4. Tangy Lime and Pepper Jerky:

Tangy lime and pepper jerky is a tasty choice for vegans who want to snack on something lively and energizing but don’t eat meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke

Instructions:

1. Warm your oven to 325°F (165°C) with a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Mix basic ingredients like wheat gluten, yeast, garlic, onion, black pepper, smoked paprika, lime zest, and lime juice in a big bowl.
3. Whisk vegetable broth, soy sauce or tamari, and liquid smoke in a separate dish.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients to make dough.
5. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch and cut it into strips or shapes.
6. Place dough on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until firm and slightly crispy.
8. Cool the zesty lime and pepper jerky before eating or storing it in an airtight container.

5. Sweet and Spicy Jackfruit Jerky:

Keep in mind that sweet and hot jackfruit meat can be used in a lot of different ways. With that said, here is how you can prepare sweet and spicy jackfruit jerky.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups young jackfruit, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Warm your oven to 200°F (95°C) with a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Shred the jackfruit into jerky-like strips.
3. Mix tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a bowl.
4. Toss the marinated jackfruit. Marinate for 30 minutes.
5. Place marinated jackfruit strips on the baking pan.
6. Bake the strips for 2–3 hours, turning halfway, until they are dry and jerky-like.
7. After cooling, enjoy the sweet and spicy jackfruit jerky.

Benefits Of Vegan Jerky

This jerky is popular among plant-based snackers due to its many advantages, which include the following:

• Cruelty-free: It is a humane option for vegans and vegetarians. And it is a tasty snack that doesn’t harm animals.

• Healthy snack: Has less fat and cholesterol than animal meat jerky. Commercial meat-based jerky sometimes contains hazardous additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It is a healthy snack option because of its plant-based components.

• Plant-based protein source: Vegan jerky is an excellent method to get plant-based protein. It’s created with protein-rich soy, seitan, mushrooms, or jackfruit. These plant proteins provide vital amino acids for muscle development, repair, and general health.

• Variety of flavors: They are available in several flavors and spices for a varied eating experience. There are limitless flavor variations, from smokey and spicy to acidic and sweet. Snacking is more fun with this variation.

• Environmental sustainability: It is good for the environment. Animal farming is a major cause of deforestation, greenhouse gas releases, and water pollution. Eating vegan jerky can lower your carbon footprint and support a sustainable food system.

• Allergy-friendly: They do not contain any dairy, eggs, or gluten, making them acceptable for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies.

• Great on-the-go: It is a great snack for on-the-go protein boosts. It’s a convenient snack for travel, hiking, and hectic days since it fits in your bag.

Final Thoughts

You can fulfill your snacking needs with one of these delicious vegan jerky recipes. Get the necessary items and get ready to enjoy some unexpectedly tasty animal-free jerky.