Zesty Thai Ginger Kale Crisps
These Zesty Thai Ginger Kale Crisps are a healthy and additive-free snack option that capture the delicate balance of spicy, tangy, and earthy flavors. Crispy and full of flavor, these kale crisps make the perfect guilt-free snack. The marinade, featuring fresh ginger, tamari, and a hint of cayenne, pairs beautifully with the robust texture of kale. Perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, or alongside your favorite soups and salads, one bite will have you hooked!
4
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
kale
1 bunch (washed, dried, and torn into pieces)
unsalted almonds or almond butter
1/4 cup (blended if using whole almonds)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
honey
2 teaspoons (can use raw or regular)
tamari
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
fresh ginger
1 inch (grated)
cayenne
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting or set your dehydrator to 130°F (54°C). If using an oven, leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
2
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale using a salad spinner or patting it with kitchen towels.
3
Remove the kale leaves from their stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
4
In a blender or food processor, combine the almonds or almond butter, lemon juice, honey, tamari, grated ginger, and cayenne. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding a small amount of water only if necessary to aid blending.
5
In a large bowl, pour the marinade over the kale pieces. Use your hands to massage the sauce into the kale until all pieces are evenly coated.
6
Arrange the kale pieces in a single layer on a dehydrator rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
7
Place in the dehydrator or oven and dry for 4-5 hours, checking periodically, until they have reached your desired level of crispiness.
8
Once crispy, allow them to cool and store in an airtight container for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Thai Ginger Kale Crisps?
They are a healthy, additive-free snack made by coating kale leaves in a flavorful marinade of ginger, tamari, and almonds, then drying them until crispy.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of these kale crisps contains approximately 100 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
Can I make these kale crisps vegan?
To make this recipe fully vegan, simply replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
What type of kale is best for this recipe?
Both curly kale and Lacinato (dino) kale work well, though curly kale provides more crevices for the marinade to cling to.
How long does it take to dehydrate the kale?
It typically takes 4 to 5 hours in a dehydrator at 130 degrees Fahrenheit or in an oven at its lowest setting.
Can I make these in a standard oven?
Yes, use your oven's lowest temperature setting and keep the door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
Why do I need to dry the kale thoroughly after washing?
If the kale is wet, the marinade will slide off and the leaves will steam rather than crisp up.
What can I use if I don't have almond butter?
You can use 1/4 cup of whole unsalted almonds blended into the marinade, or substitute with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter.
How much fat is in this snack?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the almonds or almond butter.
Is there a substitute for tamari?
You can use coconut aminos for a soy-free version or regular soy sauce if you do not require it to be gluten-free.
How do I store the kale crisps?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
How long do these crisps stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, they typically stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 to 7 days.
Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?
Frozen kale is not recommended as it becomes too soft and watery when thawed, preventing it from reaching the desired crispiness.
Why do I need to massage the marinade into the kale?
Massaging helps break down the tough fibers of the kale and ensures every nook and cranny is coated with flavor.
Are these crisps spicy?
They have a mild kick from the fresh ginger and cayenne, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice preference.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving provides 2 grams of dietary fiber.
Should I remove the kale stems?
Yes, it is best to remove the stems as they are very tough and do not crisp up the same way the leaves do.
Can I use a blender to make the marinade?
Yes, a blender or food processor is necessary to combine the almonds, ginger, and other liquids into a smooth paste.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 4 servings, approximately one-quarter of the total batch per person.
Can I add more ginger?
Absolutely, if you love the zing of ginger, you can increase the amount of freshly grated ginger to 1.5 or 2 inches.
What if my kale crisps turn out soggy?
If they are soggy, they likely need more time to dry. Return them to the dehydrator or oven until they feel brittle to the touch.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice works perfectly and complements the Thai-inspired ginger and tamari flavors very well.
How much protein do these contain?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
Are these suitable for keto diets?
With 7.5g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar per serving, they can fit into many keto plans, but you might swap the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, it is better to use a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking without adding extra oil.
What does tamari add to the recipe?
Tamari provides a rich, savory umami flavor and the necessary saltiness for the snack.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or tahini for a nut-free version.
What is the best way to wash kale for this recipe?
Rinse the leaves in cold water and use a salad spinner to remove as much moisture as possible.
Can I serve these with anything?
They are great on their own, but also make a crunchy topping for soups, salads, or grain bowls.