Mushroom Jerky Is The More Savory, Soy-Free Alternative To Beef

Mushrooms are having a moment and for good reason. The little fungi are extremely healthy for you being low-calorie, fat-free, and packed with nutrients. Mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants and may also help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. But what if you could enjoy them as a nutritious snack food? Well, you can! In fact, mushrooms actually make a flavorful and satisfying stand-in for beef jerky.

This makes mushrooms easy to enjoy on the go. Plus, the jerky-making method creates a unique chewiness. So, those that don't love the texture of sauteed mushrooms can still reap the benefits. The more intense flavor can also make mushroom jerky more appealing than its raw counterparts. Plus, it's a vegan alternative to regular beef jerky, which can contain high levels of soy sauce. This is a no-go for those with soy allergies. If you really want to try something new, mushroom jerky is a delicious and healthy snack that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. That way, you can enjoy the great benefits of mushrooms every day!

Mushrooms are already bursting with complex flavors so the jerky often doesn't lean on a lot of soy sauce to flavor it. Several brands of meat jerky, like Old Trapper and Jack Link's, contain soy sauce, which can be very high in sodium. Too much sodium can lead to health issues if it's consumed too often. There's also the concern that some brands of soy sauce contain gluten, which can be a problem for people with intolerance or celiac disease. Additionally, soy is one of the most common food allergies that people have to avoid. 

Mushroom jerky could be a better option because mushrooms don't rely on lots of soy sauce to flavor them. They naturally have a strong umami flavor, so soy sauce isn't necessary for adding that distinct taste. It's also the reason that mushroom jerky may have a more savory taste than meat jerky. You can buy mushroom jerky in stores, and brands like Eat the Change and GTFO It's Vegan don't contain soy sauce. This makes them an ideal snack for both people with soy allergies and those looking to avoid eating meat.

You can make your own homemade mushroom jerky in your oven by preheating it to 250°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wash the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces. Mix your marinade in a bowl, toss in the mushrooms, evenly coat them, and let them sit to really soak in the marinade. Lay the slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Bake them for an hour or so, checking on them occasionally, until they are dry and slightly crispy. Let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Mushroom jerky can last in the refrigerator for about 5 days if stored correctly. 

The great thing about homemade mushroom jerky is that you can add any spices and herbs to flavor the mushrooms to your liking. For example, you can make a marinade with cracked black pepper, lemon pepper, or even Cajun seasoning. You can also skip the soy sauce and use coconut aminos. This is a soy-free sauce made from coconut sap and sea salt. Choose your favorite mushrooms for the jerky and experiment with new kinds. Shiitake are a great choice because they have a strong meaty texture, but Portobello mushrooms are also a top pick because they have a texture similar to steak.