Everything You Need to Know About Mushroom Jerky

If you're looking to add some new flavor to your snacking experience, give mushroom jerky a try! While it might not be the most appetizing name, it's one of the tastiest snacks. The result has a texture that's very similar to meat jerky. 

 However, it has an earthy umami flavor that's hard to forget. It's also gluten-free and vegetarian. Moreso, it can be enjoyed by people with dietary restrictions or just looking to try something new.

What is Mushroom Jerky?

While it's not nearly as catchy a name as its meat counterpart, mushroom jerky is an alternative protein snack popping up on store shelves in recent years. It differs from its fleshier brethren in how it's made and what flavor profile it has. 

Meanwhile, mushrooms are dried via dehydration rather than by smoking or other traditional methods when making mushroom jerky. They're then seasoned with cayenne, black pepper, and onion powder.

How Does Mushroom Jerky Compare to the Meat Stuff?

Beef jerky is usually loaded with preservatives. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are preserved naturally. In addition, because of their high water content, dried mushrooms are also much lighter than their cured counterparts. 

 For instance, a typical three-ounce bag of jerky contains approximately 80 calories. While on the other hand, one serving of mushroom jerky is only around 20 calories (or less!).

Besides having lower calories, mushrooms contain fiber and other essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B12.

 However, these two nutrients are found exclusively in animal products that most Americans are deficient in. Talk about a win-win! When it comes to taste?

Cooking with Mushrooms

Tasty Ways to Use Mushroom jerky in Dishes

How many times have you stopped yourself from trying something new? Probably because you're unsure of how it might taste? Or perhaps you want to try something new, but not if it means wasting food? 

Don't knock mushroom jerky off despite those scenarios happening until you try it. This specialty item has a complex and unique flavor that's worth a taste—it just takes a little creativity.

Look for varieties made from young button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms to get started with mushroom jerky. 

 Similarly, these two varieties have well-suited flavors to be transformed into jerky. Thus, start by:

Slicing your fresh mushrooms into thin pieces approximately one inch wide by three inches long. Next, please place them in a bowl and drizzle them with soy sauce. 

Allow them to marinate overnight to give them time to absorb all of their delicious flavors. After marinating, lay out your sliced mushrooms on dehydrator trays lined with nonstick sheets. Dehydrate at 125 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours (or overnight).

Once they've dried completely, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container or baggie. Now that you know how easy it is to make your mushroom jerky at home go ahead and experiment!

Therefore, don't be afraid to use your imagination when using mushroom jerky as a flavoring agent. Its possibilities are endless when creating dishes using these tasty treats. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you're eating healthy. 

While you're also enjoying flavorful dishes like beef stroganoff or chicken stir fry, just remember that there are several different ways to prepare mushroom jerky. Therefore, don't be afraid to play around with other recipes until you find one that works best for you!

The Different Flavors of Mushroom Jerky

As you might imagine, there's a lot of variety in mushroom jerky, from sweet to salty, hot to mild, etc. You can experience all sorts of different flavor profiles depending on what mushroom you choose. 

Although one thing remains constant, they're always delicious. Some popular flavors include portobello jerky and cremini-brandy flavor. 

No matter which way you slice it (sorry). There's a great selection of delectable options, just waiting for you to try them out!

Is mushroom jerky good for you?

Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for millennia. From medicinal to culinary, it's easy to see why. They're low in calories and a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins B and D. 

When dried into mushroom jerky, they become light snacks that satisfy hunger and keep you going. This is why it's no surprise they choose it as NASA's official space food! And while these are just a few of their most notable health benefits. There are plenty more (and you can find them all here)!

What does mushroom jerky taste like?

If you like meat, then you'll love mushroom jerky. The flavor is nutty and savory, making it an excellent substitute for meat in your recipes.

Give them a try! And if you're already sold on mushroom jerky, why not double down with our 100% Grilled Mushrooms? 

However, these mushrooms are marinated in garlic and oil and grilled to perfection. Before, they are ground into bits that mimic beef-jerky texture. Snack on them plain or add them to salads—either way, they're bound to be delicious!

Is mushroom jerky high in protein?

Yes, mushroom jerky is high in protein. The exact amount of protein they contain depends on what type of mushroom you're eating. For example, portobello mushrooms contain 2 grams of protein per cup.

Meanwhile, maitake and reishi mushrooms contain around 9 grams of protein per cup. Overall, mushrooms are a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians and vegans who don't eat meat or eggs.

How many calories are in mushroom jerky?

There are no calories in mushroom jerky. Mushrooms are composed mainly of water, and most brands dehydrate them to create a shelf-stable product that stays fresher longer. It's best to store mushrooms in an airtight container, which should last for two to three months.

However, If you keep them too long, they can become slightly bitter or moldy. Always store your mushrooms away from heat and light to prevent them from spoiling prematurely. In addition to dehydrating their mushrooms into a jerky form, some people also use other ways to keep them.

Similarly, many manufacturers also add seasoning and salt—but both are optional additions. Always check labels carefully if you're trying out a new brand. Besides, some companies pack their product with unnecessary sugar and sodium.

Is Pan's mushroom jerky Keto-friendly?

Mushrooms are naturally low-carb, high-fiber food. This makes them a staple of any keto diet. So, yes—while you won't find Pan's mushroom jerky in most grocery stores, our mushroom jerky is Keto-friendly!

How many carbs are in mushroom jerky?

While mushrooms aren't as carb-heavy as some other foods, they still contain carbohydrates. Mushrooms contain mostly fiber and water, with a relatively small amount of carbohydrates compared to protein and fat. A serving of mushroom jerky includes 5 grams of carbs and 1 gram of protein; it's about 2:1.

Meanwhile, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars in your body. That is why they are often thought of as wrong or empty calories. In reality, all three macronutrients have their place in your diet. 

However, both simple sugars (such as refined sugar) and complex carbs can be healthy for you when eaten in moderation.

Is jerky healthy?

Raw meat is not necessarily unhealthy, but there are issues to consider. Ground beef, for example, can contain a high percentage of fat.

The USDA recommends avoiding ground beef that has more than 30 percent fat. Fortunately, many beef jerky sticks don't go above 10 percent, while some have less than 4 percent fat.

Most companies use lean cuts such as top round or bottom round. This also helps lower fat content in jerky products.

Additionally, many types of jerky contain added sugars and preservatives. They are also doing that for mushroom jerky. Remember to read labels and know what you're eating!