Tofu Jerky Recipe

Craving beef jerky but looking for a healthier, plant-based alternative? This Tofu Jerky recipe delivers the same satisfying salty and smoky flavor you crave, with a delightfully chewy texture. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer. Say goodbye to guilt and hello to deliciousness!

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 735 mins
Calories 39.5 kcal
Protein 9g
Rating 4.0 (4 Reviews)
Tofu Jerky

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Tofu Jerky

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • Water
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • Honey
  • Extra Firm Tofu

How to Make Tofu Jerky

  1. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the block tightly in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object (like books or weights) on top for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 170°F (77°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Cut the pressed tofu into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Add the tofu strips to the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  6. Arrange the marinated tofu strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping.
  7. Bake for 735 minutes (or approximately 12 hours) at 170°F (77°C), flipping the strips halfway through. The tofu should be chewy and slightly firm.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

1g

Carbs

0g

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