Jerky (almost)

[Guest guest]

Its been 20 years since I've eaten meat. I still miss what I remember the

taste to be. I have a killer way to make jerky or alternately bacon like strips

out of fried tofu. This is not the healtiest recipe since it has so much salt,

the method of producing the fried tofu is seldom documented, and I

make it a bit too spicy. Fried tofu is available at many chinese markets and

some is produced in the US. Baked tofu also works but is much more expensive.

 

 

 

Vegetarian Jerky/Bacon

 

Baked or fried tofu 3ea 9oz packages

3 cups of water

3 tbl Miso paste

3 tbl Soy sauce

1 tbl vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (some house brands seem to be

vegetarian)

2 tbl red pepper sauce (catsup may be substituted)

1 tsp Chipolte pepper (optional or to taste)

1 tsp red pepper spice (optional or to taste)

2 tsp Salt (optional or to taste)

ground black pepper

 

I buy the fried tofu at a local Chinese store. I often find brands produced in

the

US. Baked or fried tofu is also available at upscale food stores like Whole

Foods

but is very expensive.

 

Create a broth with water, Miso, Soy and Worcestershire sauce. Add spices

to taste. I make it extremely spicy and salty. The Tofu comes in 1x2x4 inch

blocks

or 1x2x2 inch block usually. Slice tofu into 1/2 inch

strips and place in broth to absorb flavor. Don't cut it too thin or it

comes apart with even the slightest stirring. Simmer at low heat for

at least an hour. Cool and store tofu in sauce in fridge. The tofu continues

to absorb flavor. ( I also use this broth to reconstitute TVP chunks).

 

To create bacon like strips. Cut length wise into 1/8 inch or thinner slices.

Fry in Olive oil at medium temperature until crisp. Makes a

great BLT sandwich. This also produces a pretty good jerky.

 

Alternately I put the thin slices in a shallow pan in the oven at low

temperatures

until semi soft. Baste often with sauce. This usually takes over an hour.