VEGAN JERKY

When my boyfriend and I went vegan, one thing we really missed was this chewy and salty snack... You guessed it: Beef Jerky! After a few experiments in the kitchen, we came up with the perfect alternative. This healthier, cruelty-free and nice-to-the-planet jerky is packed with flavor and protein. While it obviously doesn't taste exactly like beef, it certainly has that meaty feel we're all looking for. We present you: THE VEGAN JERKY!

This is what you'll need:

- 4 oz (half a bag) Soy Curls (textured soy protein) *
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp sesame oil **
- 2 tsp Sri Racha sauce (add to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke ***
- 1 tbsp maple sirup
- 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp vital wheat gluten ****

* Find it on amazon if your local store only sells the powdered one
** Find it at any asian grocery store
*** Find it next to the bbq sauce at the grocery store
**** Adds a fatty-like texture - can be omitted

Whisk together everything in a medium sized bowl EXCEPT for the vital wheat gluten and the soy curls.

Add the soy curls and mix them with you hand so they get all coated with the good stuff. Then, add 3/4 cup of water and mix a little more. Let sit for about 30 minutes. The tasty mixture will re-hydrate the soy curls.

It's a good idea at this point to preheat the oven to 400 F.

Add the vital wheat gluten (omit this step if you don't have any) and mix with your hand. Small chunks of chewy gluten will form.

Lay out the jerky evenly on a baking sheet over a layer of parchment paper. Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes.

Remove the jerky from the oven, and let it cool off for about five minutes. Enjoy it while still hot, and try to save some for later! My boyfriend thinks it tastes even better the next day. You can store it at room temperature in a sealed container for about five days (we all know it won't stay that long on the counter).

Have fun! :)