In the wilderness, knowing what to eat can mean the difference between life and death. For centuries, pemmican has been a staple food for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike. A blend of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, pemmican is a concentrated source of energy that can withstand harsh conditions and keep you going even when other food sources are scarce. With its rich history and versatility in the kitchen, it’s no wonder pemmican has become a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
But what makes pemmican truly special is its ability to be customized with a wide range of ingredients and flavors. In this article, we’ll explore 18 savory pemmican recipes that will keep you fueled and satisfied on even the most challenging adventures. From classic beef and dried berries to spicy venison and chili flakes, there’s something for everyone in our collection of pemmican recipes.
Classic Beef Pemmican with Dried Berries
Pemmican is a classic outdoor food that’s easy to make and packed with energy. This recipe combines the traditional beef-based mixture with dried berries for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) chopped beef suet
– 1/2 cup (100g) honey
– 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) rolled oats
– 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries or cherries
– 1 tablespoon (15g) vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the suet, honey, and brown sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the suet has melted.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the oats and dried berries. Let cool slightly.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Spoon the pemmican into an airtight container or roll it in parchment paper to shape.
Cooking Time: None – this recipe is ready to eat as soon as it cools!
Spicy Venison Pemmican with Chili Flakes
A rugged and flavorful trail snack that combines the richness of venison with the bold heat of chili flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried venison, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped dried onion
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine venison, honey, vegetable oil, soy sauce, cumin, chili flakes, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in chopped dried onion and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Transfer the pemmican to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Sweet and Salty Pemmican with Maple Syrup
Pemmican, a classic Canadian treat, gets a sweet and salty twist with the addition of maple syrup. This tasty energy boost is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, or anyone looking for a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) beef suet
– 1/2 cup (100g) honey
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon (15g) salt
– 1 tablespoon (15g) maple syrup
– 1/2 cup (30g) chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the suet over low heat.
2. Add the honey, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup.
4. Let cool slightly before mixing with chopped nuts (if using).
5. Spoon the mixture into an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Cooking Time: None! Pemmican is a no-cook recipe.
Yield: About 1 cup (200g) of sweet and salty pemmican goodness.
Nutty Almond Pemmican with Honey
Nourishing Trail Treat: Nutty Almond Pemmican with Honey
This sweet and nutty pemmican is a perfect treat for your next adventure. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great way to refuel and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add the mixed nuts and stir until they’re evenly coated with the oil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until well combined.
4. Fold in the rolled oats and chia seeds until a sticky mixture forms.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
6. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Smoky Bacon Pemmican with Sea Salt
This recipe combines the rich flavors of smoky bacon, sweet honey, and tangy sea salt to create a delicious pemmican that’s perfect for snacking or as a topping for crackers or bread.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (120g) chopped smoky bacon
– 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 cup (30g) rendered beef fat or coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped bacon, brown sugar, and honey.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
4. Let cool slightly before stirring in the rendered beef fat or coconut oil.
5. Pour the mixture into a small container or jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Herbed Turkey Pemmican with Rosemary
This recipe combines the flavors of turkey, herbs, and spices to create a delicious and healthy pemmican perfect for snacking or as an addition to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, rosemary, thyme, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
4. Spoon the pemmican into an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Spiced Bison Pemmican with Cinnamon
Spiced Bison Pemmican with Cinnamon Recipe
This rich and savory pemmican combines the bold flavors of bison, cinnamon, and a hint of spice to create a delicious and sustaining snack or trail food.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rendered bison fat (or other high-quality animal fat)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the bison fat in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
- Add the honey, cranberries, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- If desired, stir in the rolled oats to help bind the mixture.
- Pour the pemmican into an airtight container or mold and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Cooking Time:
No cooking time required!
Tangy Cranberry Pemmican with Orange Zest
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic pemmican, this recipe combines dried cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of citrus to create a flavorful snack or trail mix.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the dried cranberries and chopped nuts.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the honey, peanut butter, and orange marmalade over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Fold in the grated orange zest and a pinch of salt.
5. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Chilling time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 45 minutes
Garlicky Lamb Pemmican with Thyme
This recipe combines the rich flavors of lamb, garlic, and thyme to create a satisfying and energizing snack. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking for a tasty and wholesome treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried lamb (or beef) strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the oil over low heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the lamb strips and thyme to the saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in salt.
5. Let cool completely before serving or storing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield: 1/2 cup pemmican
Peppered Elk Pemmican with Black Pepper
This hearty pemmican recipe combines the rich flavors of elk meat with a bold kick from black pepper, perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures. With its compact and shelf-stable nature, this treat is ideal for backpackers and hunters alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried elk meat (jerky or shredded)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the dried elk meat and honey until well combined.
2. Add the vegetable oil, black pepper, and lemon juice to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
3. Spoon the pemmican into an airtight container or zip-top bag.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze for longer storage.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to eat straight from the container.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pemmican with Basil
A sweet and savory blend of dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and butter. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried basil until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the mixture into a small serving dish or ramekin.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is a no-bake preparation.
Savory Duck Pemmican with Sage
This rich and flavorful pemmican combines tender duck meat with savory spices, sweet honey, and fragrant sage. Perfect for a quick energy boost or as a satisfying snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup dried duck breast (or cooked and diced fresh duck)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rendered duck fat or vegetable shortening
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the dried duck breast and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the rendered duck fat or vegetable shortening, chopped sage, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
3. Spoon the pemmican into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! This snack is ready to eat straight away.
Sweet Coconut Pemmican with Dates
This sweet and savory pemmican is a perfect snack to keep you energized throughout the day. With the natural sweetness of dates, the richness of coconut, and the wholesome goodness of nuts, this treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the dates and honey until smooth.
2. Add the unsweetened shredded coconut and chopped almonds to the blender. Blend until well combined.
3. Stir in the coconut oil until fully incorporated.
4. Spoon the mixture into an airtight container or wrap individually for snacking.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Zesty Lemon Pemmican with Ginger
A tangy and zesty twist on the classic pemmican recipe, this sweet and savory treat is perfect for snacking on the go. The addition of fresh ginger adds a warm and comforting depth to the traditional combination of lemons and honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried beef (such as jerky or pemmican)
– 1/2 cup grated ginger
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add the grated ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
3. Stir in the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Add the dried beef to the mixture and stir until coated.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pemmican is heated through.
6. Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Salmon Pemmican with Dill
Pemmican is a classic Canadian treat that combines the richness of nuts and dried fruits with the smoky flavor of smoked salmon. This recipe adds a burst of fresh dill to create a deliciously savory snack perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rendered beef tallow or coconut oil
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the tallow or coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add the chopped almonds and cook until lightly toasted, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the dried cranberries, smoked salmon, honey, and dried dill weed.
4. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is well combined and slightly caramelized.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your Smoked Salmon Pemmican with Dill as a quick energy boost or add it to your backpack for a satisfying snack on-the-go!
Rich Chocolate Pemmican with Cocoa Nibs
Elevate your snack game with this decadent treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the crunch of cocoa nibs. Perfect for a quick energy boost or as a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. Add the melted chocolate to the oat mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Stir in the coconut oil and vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the cocoa nibs.
6. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch pan.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to devour straight from the fridge.
Fiery Jalapeño Pemmican with Cumin
A spicy twist on the classic pemmican recipe, this dish combines the bold flavors of jalapeños and cumin to create a unique and delicious snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup beef suet
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1-2 diced jalapeños (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the suet over low heat.
2. Add the chopped nuts and stir until they’re evenly coated with the melted suet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeños.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the saucepan and stir until well combined.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Use a spatula or spoon to shape the mixture into small bars or patties.
7. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Umami Mushroom Pemmican with Tamari
This rich and savory pemmican combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the deep umami taste of tamari, making it a perfect snack for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking to satisfy their cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini)
– 2 tablespoons tamari
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine tamari and honey over low heat. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add the dried mushrooms to the saucepan and stir to coat with the tamari mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, or until rehydrated.
3. Remove from heat and stir in coconut oil and grated ginger.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring the mixture to a clean glass jar or container.
5. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to stock your pantry with survival food! This article presents 18 savory pemmican recipes that are sure to satisfy your hunger and provide sustenance for any situation. From classic beef and dried berries to spicy venison and chili flakes, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste bud. Whether you’re a hunter, camper, or just looking for a healthy snack, these pemmican recipes offer a range of options using different meats, herbs, spices, and sweeteners. So why not try something new and stock up on some delicious survival food?