Shiitake mushroom jerky remains one of the healthiest snacks you would want to encounter if you’re in the process of looking for the specialty of plant-based jerky. This mushroom jerky recipe is loaded with protein and is a vegan snack made without preservatives or other unhealthy ingredients found in most jerkies today. But it has no calories, it is a natural environment-friendly jerky that is ideal for plant-based diets.
In this post, I’ll show you how to prepare shiitake mushroom jerky with basic ingredients, describe various flavored options and outline more about making jerky from mushrooms.
Why Shiitake Mushrooms for Jerky?
From the different types of mushrooms discussed above, Shiitake mushrooms are ideal for preparing mushroom jerky because of their ‘meaty’ texture and rich, savory taste. When dried and dehydrated, these mushrooms become quite chewy, similar to an actual jerky product, thus making them perfect for this plant-based jerky.
But cooking shiitake mushrooms is an extremely healthy activity since these mushrooms are loaded with nutrients, as described below. They also have large proportions of proteins, fiber, and a base mineral, including copper and selenium. The above are not the only health effects of shiitake mushrooms, as they also boost immunity, cholesterol, and heart health.
As far as sustainability is concerned, if there is anyone who would want to cut down on the amount of carbon they produce, then they can consider taking the shiitake mushroom jerky other than the normal jerky which is prepared from the meat.
Ingredients For Shiitake Mushroom Jerky
To make this shiitake mushroom jerky recipe, you’ll need: To make this shiitake mushroom jerky recipe, you’ll need:
- Fresh: Shiitake – 1 pound
- ¼ cup of soy sauce or tamari for the gluten version
- 1 tbsp of olive oil or avocado oil
- What is just one tablespoon of maple syrup or agave syrup?
- 1 tsp of hydrated liquid or liquid smoke
- Optional spices: garlic powder onion black pepper, chili flacks
You can always add or subtract any ingredient depending on the kind of taste you want in your salad. If you want to use less of sodium, you might use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. For those who can handle an extra amount of spices, then one may add extra chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to make Shiitake Mushroom jerky
Step 1: wash new shiitake mushrooms.
Try to clean them with a wet cloth to remove any dirt in them. Do not wash them under water as they can suck water and this will be disadvantageous when dehydrating them. If the mushrooms are dirty, wash them and then, take off the stems and the caps and thinly chop the mushrooms with a thickness of around ¼ inch.
Step 2: Prepare the marinade
In a small ramekin, using a fork or a small whisk, you wish the soy sauce with the oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and any other spices you fancy. This marinade provides your mushroom jerky with a deep-smoke flavor with a nice sweet taste. Lightly spread the shiitake mushroom slices with the marinade ensuring the pieces are well coated.
Step 3: Overnight Sit/Marinating the Mushrooms
For the mushrooms to be well seasoned, let it stay in the marinade for one hour or overnight in case of a more rich flavor. The longer you marinate the mushrooms, the more they are going to imbue the umami flavor from the soy sauce and spices.
Step 4: Dehydrate or Bake the Mushrooms
If you have a dehydrator then you have to set it to 115 degrees Fahrenheit and then lay the mushroom slices in a single layer. In this process, let them dehydrate for 6-8 hours, though checking from time to time so that they over-dehydrate. In case the user of an oven, he or she should preheat it to 200 degrees and roast the mushrooms lined in a baking tray for about 2-3 hours. Make sure you turn them halfway to ensure proper drying of both sides. Be sure to constantly monitor those precious items so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Whenever your shiitake mushroom jerky gets to the point when it is just slightly rubbery in texture with the outside having a crispy brown look, take it out from the dehydrator or oven. Allow the created jerky to cool down to room temperature before packing it airtight container for storage. This jerky can be stored at home in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and even frozen for even longer storage.
Flavor Variations of Shiitake Mushroom Jerky
The other thing that is advisable about preparing mushroom jerky at home is that one can add the spices and herbs that one loves. Here are a few flavor variations you can try:
- Spicy Mushroom Jerky: For a hotter soup you can sprinkle more chili flakes on top, or a tablespoon of the cayenne pepper and use your preferred hot sauce to the marinade.
- Sweet and Smoky Jerky: Add more smoked paprika and include more maple syrup to try and balance the smoky and sweet flavors better.
- Garlic-Lover’s Jerky: Enhance the meaty taste of the savory flavoring using more garlic powder and black pepper.
- Low-Sodium Jerky: In place of salt, use low-sodium soy sauce, and instead of salting with salt use other inputs such as cumin or coriander.
You just need to use the intermeshed spices you desire to use to marinate your jerky depending on the blend of your choice.
Shiitake Mushroom Jerky Food Nutritional Value
Shiitake mushroom jerky is delicious, however, it is also a preparation that contains several nutrients important to the human body. They are thick and compacted with protein and fiber per portion, hence, healthy, delicious, and high-protein plant-based snacks fit for human consumption. Shiitake mushrooms are also packed with B vitamins, copper, and selenium that will enhance the body and the immune system.
In comparison to normal meat jerky, shiitake mushroom jerky is comparatively lean and, hence qualifies to be on the healthy list of snacks. Whether you are in transport or planning a snack in the middle of the day, this vegan jerky is for you; it does not let you down by causing a momentary energy surge followed by a slump.
How to store and enjoy your Shiitake Mushroom Jerky
It is very important to store the homemade mushroom jerky properly so that they do not go bad. Jerky as a food product needs to be placed inside an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator where they can last up to two weeks. If you want to store the jerky for a longer time, wrap it in a plastic bag or an airtight container, thus it is good for several months in the freezer.
Applying Shiitake mushroom jerky on its own is a great snack, but because of its delicious taste and savory smell, it can also be incorporated into other dishes. It is best to try to crumble it and use it in salads, grain bowls, or even in soups to undo its current boring state. Add it to dips such as hummus or guacamole to increase the food’s appealing texture.
Final Thoughts
Shiitake mushroom jerky is a great idea to taste a vegan, protein-rich snack with the benefits of the mushroom. This recipe is good for beginners who wish to home-make their jerky and it is also good for those who are already accustomed to it since it incorporates fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the preparation as opposed to the standard animal jerky preparations. They are very easy to make, you can add any flavor of your choice, and it’s perfect for an environmental-conscious person.
When you prepare shiitake mushroom jerky, you not only dictate the ingredients to be used but also end up with the right snack that is healthy for you. Now you can grab it for a hike, enjoy it mid-day, or add it to many of your favorite meals this jerky will quickly become a household favorite.
Try out the recipe here, play around with the flavor combinations and I guarantee you that you will enjoy your shiitake mushroom jerky to the last morsel.
