Dried soy as a meat substitute

Just the word "meat substitute" already triggers something in me...

Either I eat (good) meat or I eat vegetables. But forcibly producing sausages, schnitzels, or whatever from soy or whatever else, I find sick. Especially since it's supposed to taste like meat as well.

We will be canoeing for a week. Modest luggage is required. We will rarely get any meat. Although I have some experience preparing meals on a flame and using well-storable ingredients, when I saw these feather-light dried, substantial packets, it immediately clicked. Too bad that in two attempts I didn’t manage to get anything good out of them. The dishes tasted slightly over-seasoned, the soy was rather tough and flavorless despite soaking and a substantial cooking time. Only the thought of high-quality easily digestible protein comforted me. Either I learn more or I don’t buy soy anymore.

Hoping that the community can enlighten me, Gabriele

Beef Jerky! The varieties you can buy are usually overly sweetened. I make it myself. It's very simple, you just have to find good meat. By the way, good meat in this context does not mean filet. That becomes mealy. I have had good experiences with faux filet or beef shoulder. The meat must be cut into thin slices or strips. Then marinate for over 24 hours. Actually according to your own taste. I have had good experiences with soy sauce, pepper, chili sauce, garlic and (apricot) jam or honey. Then dry the strips on a grill rack in the oven (middle rack) at 50-70°C for about 4-6 hours with circulating air. At higher heat it becomes rather dry, hard and crispy, and at lower heat it becomes softer but needs more drying time. I would put a tray with baking or kitchen paper under the rack because of the dripping marinade. Really delicious stuff, high in protein and low in fat!

It also works in the food dehydrator. A friend tried it recently. Smoker works too, you just have to feed it at night. I can't get soy schnitzel to be edible. I'm pretty much at war with meat substitutes. Would rather rely on freeze-dried meals.

Either I eat (good) meat or eat vegetables. But to forcibly produce sausages, schnitzels, or whatever out of soy or whatever, I find sick. Especially since it’s supposed to taste like meat.

what's wrong with that? We also don't eat meat, yet there are "meat substitutes" in the form of green spelt patties, veggie mince, etc., we like it and no animal has to die for it.

Best regards
Sabine

Either I learn something new or I don't buy soy anymore.

Soy should be avoided anyway. What about other protein sources? Canned fish, hard sausage, cheese? Protein powder? I wouldn't eat the schnitzels plain either; they should be prepared to make a meal.