Smoky Savory Tofu Jerky
This Smoky Savory Tofu Jerky is inspired by a cherished family recipe for venison jerky. Since my father's passing, I had the desire to recreate the comforting flavor of his jerky, but with a vegetarian twist. This recipe is designed to evoke nostalgia while offering a delicious, protein-packed snack option. The harmonious blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices makes the tofu incredibly flavorful, while the drying process gives it that satisfying chewy texture reminiscent of traditional jerky. Not only is it perfect for snacking, but it can also be crumbled into salads or added to sandwiches for an umami kick. Feel free to adjust the pepper to suit your palate. I often double the recipe because it disappears quickly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
low sodium soy sauce
1 cup (none)
liquid smoke
1/2 cup (none)
water
2 cups (none)
onion powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
4-6 tablespoons, separated (grind fresh)
honey
1 tablespoon (none)
light firm tofu
2 lbs (press and drain)
Instructions
1
Begin by pressing and draining the tofu. Place it between two paper towel-lined plates with a weight on top for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a chewy texture.
2
Meanwhile, prepare the marinade. In a large jar with a tight lid, combine 2 tablespoons of freshly ground pepper, low sodium soy sauce, liquid smoke, water, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and honey. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
3
Once the tofu is pressed, remove it from the draining towels and cut each block in half widthwise. Then, slice each half into 6 strips, yielding a total of 24 strips. Arrange the tofu strips in a single layer, about 1/2 inch apart, in two small or one large glass baking dish.
4
Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring the liquid comes at least halfway up the sides of the strips. If necessary, add more water to achieve this. Cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours, turning the tofu every 4-6 hours to evenly absorb the flavors.
5
After marinating, preheat your oven or food dehydrator to 200°F.
6
Remove the tofu from the marinade and place the strips 1 inch apart on dehydrator trays or two parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops of the tofu strips with half of the remaining ground pepper, grinding it directly onto the pieces for fresh flavor.
7
Dry the tofu for 6-24 hours, depending on your climate and equipment. If using the oven, it will dry faster. Turn the strips after the first hour and sprinkle the opposite side with the remaining ground pepper. Continue to turn every 1-2 hours until the tofu is firm and has reduced in size by about half, but remains moist and chewy—not shriveled and crisp. If the tofu over-dries, you can use it as a crumbled seasoning in salads or sandwiches.
8
Store the finished tofu jerky in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. In humid climates, it may release moisture, but it will still be perfectly fine to eat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Savory Tofu Jerky?
Smoky Savory Tofu Jerky is a protein-packed plant-based snack designed to mimic the chewy texture and umami flavor of traditional venison jerky.
What inspired this tofu jerky recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a cherished family recipe for venison jerky used by the author's late father, recreated with a vegetarian twist.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. It uses tofu as the primary protein and honey as a sweetener.
How do I prepare the tofu for this recipe?
You must press and drain the tofu for about 30 minutes between paper towel-lined plates with a weight on top to remove excess moisture.
Why is pressing the tofu important?
Pressing the tofu is a crucial step for achieving the satisfyingly chewy texture needed for jerky.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade includes low sodium soy sauce, liquid smoke, water, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, honey, and ground pepper.
How should the tofu be sliced?
Cut each block in half widthwise, then slice each half into 6 strips, creating a total of 24 strips from 2 lbs of tofu.
How long should the tofu marinate?
The tofu should marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours to ensure it absorbs the flavors deeply.
How often should I turn the tofu while it is marinating?
You should turn the tofu strips every 4-6 hours during the 24-hour marinating period for even flavor absorption.
What temperature is used for drying the jerky?
The oven or food dehydrator should be preheated to 200°F.
How long does the drying process take?
The drying time ranges from 6 to 24 hours, depending on your climate and whether you are using an oven or a dehydrator.
How do I know when the tofu jerky is finished?
The jerky is done when it is firm and has reduced in size by about half, but remains moist and chewy rather than shriveled and crisp.
What should I do if the tofu becomes over-dried?
If it becomes too dry and crisp, you can crumble it to use as a savory seasoning for salads or sandwiches.
How should I store the finished jerky?
Store the finished jerky in an airtight container.
How long will the jerky stay fresh?
The jerky can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Can I adjust the amount of pepper in the recipe?
Yes, you can feel free to adjust the amount of pepper to better suit your individual palate.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 24 strips, and the serving size depends on individual preference.
Can I use an oven instead of a food dehydrator?
Yes, an oven can be used and often dries the tofu faster than a traditional dehydrator.
Is this a good snack for a high-protein diet?
Yes, tofu is a high-protein ingredient, making this jerky a great plant-based protein snack.
Does humidity affect the storage of the jerky?
In humid climates, the jerky may release some moisture during storage, but it remains safe to consume.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the author often doubles the recipe because the jerky disappears very quickly.
Should I use parchment paper when baking in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to use parchment-lined baking sheets if you are using an oven for the drying process.
How much liquid smoke is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of liquid smoke to achieve its signature flavor.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for this recipe to keep the salt content balanced.
What are some ways to eat tofu jerky besides snacking?
It can be crumbled into salads or added to sandwiches to provide an extra umami kick.
Does the tofu need to be firm?
The recipe specifies light firm tofu to ensure it holds its shape during the marinating and drying process.
Is there water in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes 2 cups of water, and more can be added if the liquid doesn't cover the tofu halfway.
When should I add the second half of the ground pepper?
After turning the strips during the first hour of drying, sprinkle the opposite side with the remaining ground pepper.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 total ingredients in this Smoky Savory Tofu Jerky recipe.
Can I use dried herbs other than parsley?
While the recipe calls for dried parsley, you can experiment with other dried herbs, though it may change the original flavor profile.