Try This Edible Post-Apocalyptic Recipe Inspired by The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead takes viewers on a gripping journey through survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Yet, beyond the enthralling narratives of zombie encounters and human competition, one critical theme often gets overlooked: the essential quest for food. For survivors, a sustainable food source is vital, as resorting to cannibalism, like consuming human flesh, is simply not an option.

Establishing a dependable food system in such dire circumstances poses a significant challenge. As noted by series creator Robert Kirkman, creativity and resourcefulness are paramount. Kirkman touched on this issue during a reader’s inquiry in the “Letter Hacks”section of The Walking Dead Deluxe #103.

Comic book panels: Spencer and Andrea discuss dinner in The Walking Dead #77

A reader curious about the Beef Jerky Stroganoff mentioned by Spencer Monroe in issue #77 prompted a detailed response from Kirkman, who humorously admitted he was uncertain if the dish was even “edible.”He elaborated on his inspiration:

I thought a really crappy dish to make in the apocalypse would be Stroganoff made with beef jerky instead of hamburger […] I just figured jerky would last and boxed stroganoff is essentially just a dust pouch, right?

Survival Cuisine in The Walking Dead: A True Test of Creativity

Elevating Basic Meals Through “Food Hacking”

Comic book art: The Walking Dead cast of characters poses together.

Kirkman believed Beef Jerky Stroganoff was an appropriate culinary choice for survivors, reflecting the harsh realities of a world overrun by zombies. The conditions depicted in both Kirkman and Charlie Adlard’s storytelling often parallel those of a war zone, with limited opportunities for agriculture, livestock management, and even basic food safety.

Survivors, akin to soldiers in combat, primarily depend on food that is easy to transport, store, and prepare. Their foraged rations consist of instant meals, canned goods, and dehydrated products. While these items satiate hunger, they are far from gourmet fare. However, much like resourceful soldiers, survivors frequently discover innovative ways to enhance their meals by combining various components—for instance, the blend of beef jerky with instant stroganoff.

Surprisingly Edible Dishes: The Case for Beef Jerky Stroganoff

Interestingly, despite the narrative relevance of the Beef Jerky Stroganoff, Kirkman expressed uncertainty about its palatability, wishing for someone to evaluate its edibility. Surprisingly, a segment of the fan base, including this writer, rose to the challenge. This recipe even made its way into The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide by Lauren Wilson and Yunhee Kim.

While the preparation methods for Stroganoff vary widely, it appears that Spencer opted for a basic boxed version. In this particular take, beef jerky is simmered with noodles in a sauce crafted from a powdered “cream of mushroom” packet, powdered milk, and water. The result is an unexpectedly tasty dish, although perhaps not one to be repeated every day.

The chewiness of the jerky can be alleviated by soaking it prior to cooking, as suggested in Wilson and Kim’s book. While the texture may pose challenges, the beefy flavor largely remains intact. If this indeed captures Kirkman’s vision for the meal, it may not grace the plates of high-end restaurants, but it certainly fits the survivalist needs presented in The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #103 is now available through Skybound Entertainment.

Sources: The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide

Source & Images