Tropical Hawaiian Tofu Jerky
This Tropical Hawaiian Tofu Jerky is a delicious and nutritious snack that brings the flavors of the islands right to your kitchen! Made from extra firm tofu, this recipe offers a delightful chewiness infused with a sweet and savory marinade, featuring pineapple juice and a hint of spice. Perfect as a protein-packed snack on the go, this jerky is not only vegan-friendly but can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a healthy alternative to traditional jerky. Marinate for maximum flavor and be prepared to share this irresistible treat with friends and family.
1
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
1 lb (drained and cut into strips)
Braggs amino acids or soy sauce
1/8 cup
pineapple juice
1/2 cup
powdered ginger
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
honey or desired sweetener
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your dehydrator or oven to 200°F.
2
Begin by draining the tofu and pressing it to remove as much moisture as possible. Cut the drained tofu into long, narrow strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Don't worry if they seem large, they'll shrink during cooking.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Braggs amino acids (or soy sauce), pineapple juice, powdered ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and honey until well combined to form a marinade.
4
Place the tofu strips in a shallow baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring each piece is well-coated. For best results, cover and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal.
5
After marinating, arrange the tofu strips in a single layer in the dehydrator or on the baking sheet. If using an oven, consider lining the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
6
Dehydrate or bake the tofu for 4-6 hours. Every hour, flip the strips over to ensure even cooking and drying. The jerky is done when it reaches a chewy but not overly crispy texture.
7
Once cooked, allow the jerky to cool completely before storing. Keep your Tropical Hawaiian Tofu Jerky in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can last indefinitely.
8
Enjoy as a standalone snack or add to salads and rice bowls for a flavorful protein boost!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Hawaiian Tofu Jerky?
It is a delicious and nutritious plant-based snack made from extra firm tofu that is marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-based sauce and dehydrated.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it is vegan-friendly, though you should use a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup instead of honey if you follow a strict vegan diet.
What type of tofu is best for this jerky?
Extra firm tofu is the best choice because it holds its shape and provides the necessary chewy texture for jerky.
How should I prepare the tofu before marinating?
Drain the tofu and press it to remove as much moisture as possible, then cut it into long, narrow strips about 1/4 inch thick.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of Braggs amino acids (or soy sauce), pineapple juice, powdered ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and honey or your preferred sweetener.
Can I use soy sauce instead of Braggs amino acids?
Yes, soy sauce is a perfectly acceptable substitute for Braggs amino acids in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the tofu strips?
You should marinate them for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, marinating them overnight is ideal.
What temperature is used for dehydrating the jerky?
Set your dehydrator or oven to 200°F.
How long does the dehydration process take?
The process typically takes between 4 to 6 hours.
Do I need to turn the tofu while it cooks?
Yes, you should flip the strips over every hour to ensure they dry and cook evenly.
How do I know when the tofu jerky is done?
The jerky is finished when it reaches a chewy texture that is not overly crispy.
Can I make this jerky in an oven if I don't have a dehydrator?
Yes, you can use an oven set to 200°F; just be sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How should the jerky be stored?
Once cooled completely, store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long does this tofu jerky last?
When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, it can last indefinitely.
What is the protein content of this snack?
This recipe provides 22g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this tofu jerky?
There are 10g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 4g of fiber per serving.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your personal taste preferences.
Why do the strips look so large when I cut them?
Don't worry about the initial size; the tofu strips will shrink significantly during the drying and cooking process.
What gives this jerky its tropical flavor?
The combination of pineapple juice and powdered ginger provides its distinct tropical Hawaiian flavor.
Is this a good snack for travel?
Yes, it is a perfect protein-packed snack for on-the-go or travel since it is shelf-stable in an airtight container.
Can I use the jerky in other meals?
Absolutely, it makes a great flavorful protein boost when added to salads or rice bowls.
What sweetener can I use instead of honey?
You can use any desired sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup or agave.
Is it necessary to press the tofu?
Yes, pressing the tofu is essential to remove moisture so that it can better absorb the marinade and reach the right jerky texture.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required: tofu, amino acids/soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, cayenne, garlic powder, and honey.
Is this jerky gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use Braggs amino acids or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Soy/Tofu dishes and plant-based snacks.
How thick should the tofu be cut?
The strips should be cut to approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Is this a healthy alternative to beef jerky?
Yes, it is a healthy, plant-based alternative that is high in protein and lower in traditional animal fats.