Vegetarian Jerky

Basic Tofu Jerky
Ingredients:
l lb. (453 g) extra firm tofu, drained
1/2 C. (237 ml) Bragg Liquid Aminos or or a 1:1 soy sauce to water mix
3 to 4 T. liquid smoke
1/8 C. (30 ml) water ( 2Tbs)
1 tsp. onion powder
l tsp. garlic powder or l clove garlic, crushed
l tsp. pepper
1 tsp. sweetener like honey or maple syrup

Directions:

Cut the drained tofu into long narrow strips (about 1/4" thickness or .5 cm ). They may look big but will shrink during baking. In a small bowl whisk together Bragg Liquid Aminos, liquid smoke, water, onion powder, garlic, pepper and sweetener. Place the strips in a shallow baking pan or on a cookie sheet and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate several hours or overnight for best results. Cook the tofu in a food dehydrator or bake in the oven for about 4 to 6 hours at 200 degrees (gas mark 1/8). Turn the tofu over once every hour so it bakes evenly. Continue until the texture is chewy, but not crispy. Tofu jerky will keep indefinitely. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

Be creative: Use low-sodium soy if you want less salt (it is rather salty). Use Tabasco or ground cayenne if you want it hot. Chili powder makes chili jerky. Oregano and basil make pizza jerky.


Spicy 'Beef' Flavor TVP Jerky

2 cups TVP strips or slices
2 cups water
1/4 cup mushroom flavored soy sauce (or regular)
2 Tbs steak sauce
2 tsps natural sugar
1/4 tsp garlic granules or powder
Pinch of cayenne (or to taste)
Other seasonings as desired
1/2 tsp Vegemite (optional)
1 tsp soy oil or other oil

Bring all except TVP to a boil.Add TVP and turn heat to medium simmer.
Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often.Let cool.Spray two large cookie sheets with pan spray.Squeeze TVP slightly to expel excess moisture.Spread TVP evenly on cookie sheets.Cook in a 250 F oven until dried and chewy, checking and turning often.
Cool on racks.Store in airtight containers.Freeze for longer storage.
Can also be dried in a food dehydrator.

Seitan Jerky

Any marinade sauce like:
Tamari, cayenne, honey (a touch), and garlic.
Same as above with fresh ginger
Commercial marinades, including Sechuan sauce

Follow the recipe for basic seitan. Slice the seitan in long thin strips. Bathe the strips in sauce. Place on flat baking sheet. Bake at 250 until nice and crisp or medium crisp. Store in dry container (plastic bags may cause it to sweat).