Pemmican has a long shelf life and can be used for more than a snack or meal. There are many uses listed below, some of which I already knew from years ago. In fact, we used to sell pemmican bars in my jerky shop. However, some of these ideas are ingenious, which I found through research.
Whether you eat it as a snack, such as when camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, or out and about, or in a survival situation, pemmican has many uses.
Pemmican, with its rich combination of dried meat and rendered fat, is a highly concentrated and nutritious food. While traditionally eaten as a standalone food, pemmican can also be incorporated into various recipes to add flavor, texture, and a nutritional boost.
Here are some ideas to spark your imagination or use pemmican in recipes.
Trail Mix or Energy Bites
Incorporate pemmican into a homemade trail mix by combining it with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. You can also use it as a base for energy bites by mixing it with ingredients like oats, honey, and nut butter.
Some pemmican recipes are made with dried fruit. You can make bars, then cut them into bite-sized bits to help make them last longer.
Pemmican Bars
Press pemmican into bar shapes and add ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create homemade energy bars. These bars make for convenient, on-the-go snacks or even a meal replacement, as they are loaded with protein.
Pemmican Jerky Wraps
Thinly slice or grind pemmican and use it as a flavorful and energy-dense filling for homemade jerky wraps. Pair it with vegetables, cheese, or other jerky for a unique snack.
Pemmican Meatballs
Incorporate finely ground pemmican into meatball mixtures. The rendered fat in pemmican can add moisture and flavor to the meatballs. Bake or cook them in a sauce for a hearty dish.
Pemmican Salad Toppings
Crumble or chop the pemmican into small pieces and use it as a crunchy, protein-rich topping for salads. It adds a unique flavor profile, making the salad more satisfying.
Pemmican Omelette or Scramble
Add crumbled pemmican to your morning omelette or scrambled eggs. It provides a savory and energy-packed twist to your breakfast.
Pemmican Soup Enhancement
Add finely chopped or grated pemmican to soups and stews as a flavor enhancer. It can melt into the broth, providing richness and depth to the flavor.
Pemmican Sandwich Filling
Spread pemmican on bread or crackers as a high-energy and flavorful sandwich filling. Combine it with cheese, vegetables, or condiments for added variety.
Pemmican Tacos or Wraps
Use pemmican as a protein filling for tacos or wraps. Combine it with fresh vegetables, salsa, and cheese for a quick and nutritious meal.
Pemmican Stir-Fry
Incorporate pemmican strips into a stir-fry with vegetables for a quick and protein-rich dinner. The rendered fat in pemmican adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Pemmican Pizza Topping
Crumble or chop pemmican and use it as a protein-rich pizza topping. Pair it with your favorite vegetables and cheese for a hearty pizza.
Pemmican Sushi Roll
Roll finely sliced pemmican with rice, vegetables, and nori to create a unique and energy-packed sushi roll.
Worth Noting…
When using pemmican in recipes, consider its rich flavor and concentrated nature. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences, and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pemmican-infused dishes.
Many of the ideas above can also be made with regular jerky. Choose your favorite flavor and meat, then get to preparing your next meal or snack.
If you come up with a unique recipe, consider sharing it on our Ask About Jerky Page.
Pemmican does take time to make at home. Maybe you would like to try pemmican before going through the process. Here is a Sampler Assorted Variety 10-pack by EPIC. I have eaten them and enjoyed them very much. I think this is one of the brands I used to sell in my jerky shop.
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EPIC Meat Bars
This 10-Pack features a variety of animal meats, including beef, buffalo, pork, chicken, and venison, among others.
Get your assorted box of meat bars today. Click the link below…


Machaca Shredded Jerky
AKA:
- People’s Choice Beef Jerky
- Machaca
- Beef Jerky Chew
- Shredded Beef Jerky
- Carne Seca
This can be used to make pemmican at home. It can be used in some of the ideas above, or I used to use shredded jerky in recipes at camp.
Order yourself a bag of Machaca
Useful Links to Articles on This Website
How to Make Pemmican – Try your hand at making pemmican, a traditional Native American food.
Pemmican Recipes – There are a variety of flavors and additions you can use to make pemmican.
Ask About Jerky – Jimmy from Jerky Homemade is ready to receive your questions, comments, suggestions, and a story or recipe you are willing to share.
New Mexico Jerky Sheets are a unique style of jerky. It’s very dry and can be shredded easier than other types of moist jerky.