10 Astronaut-Inspired Recipes: Exploring the Delectable World of Space Meals

Ever wondered what astronauts eat while they’re in space? The food that astronauts consume during their missions is a result of extensive research and development. It needs to be lightweight, long-lasting, easy to eat in a zero-gravity environment, and of course, nutritious. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious! Here are ten astronaut-inspired recipes that you can prepare at home to experience the typical daily meals of an astronaut.

1. Thermostabilized Cheddar Cheese Spread

Thermostabilized foods are heat-treated to kill bacteria and enzymes, which helps the food last longer. This cheddar cheese spread is a popular choice among astronauts. You can make your own version at home by heating cheddar cheese with a little milk until it’s smooth and creamy. Spread it on crackers for a simple, astronaut-approved snack.

2. Dehydrated Beef Stroganoff

Dehydrated foods are a staple in space. They’re lightweight and easy to store, and they can be rehydrated with water available on the spacecraft. Beef stroganoff is a hearty, comforting dish that translates well to this format. You can make your own by cooking beef stroganoff as usual, then dehydrating it in an oven or dehydrator.

3. Vacuum-Sealed Fruit Salad

Fruits are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they don’t last long in space. That’s why astronauts often eat vacuum-sealed fruit salads. You can make your own by chopping up your favorite fruits, sealing them in a vacuum bag, and chilling them in the fridge.

4. Space Tacos

Yes, even astronauts enjoy a good taco! They use tortillas instead of bread (which can crumble and float around in zero gravity) and fill them with rehydrated meat, cheese, and salsa. Try making your own space tacos at home with these ingredients.

5. Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

Freeze-dried ice cream is a classic space food that’s also a hit on Earth. It’s made by freezing ice cream, then removing the water through a process called sublimation. You can buy freeze-dried ice cream online to try this astronaut favorite at home.

6. Tang

Tang is a powdered drink that was famously used by NASA during the Gemini missions. It’s packed with vitamins, and you can make it at home by simply adding water.

7. Shrimp Cocktail

Surprisingly, shrimp cocktail is one of the most requested meals by astronauts. The shrimp are freeze-dried and the cocktail sauce is spicy, which helps combat the dulling of taste buds in space. You can recreate this dish at home with freeze-dried shrimp and your favorite cocktail sauce.

8. Space Ramen

Ramen is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for space. Astronauts simply add hot water to the noodles and seasoning. Try making your own space ramen at home with instant ramen packets.

9. Thermostabilized Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is another thermostabilized dish that’s popular in space. You can make your own by cooking chicken teriyaki as usual, then heating it in a canning jar to kill bacteria and enzymes.

10. Dehydrated Spinach

Spinach is packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for astronauts. It’s dehydrated for space travel, and can be rehydrated with water on the spacecraft. Try dehydrating spinach at home for a healthy, astronaut-inspired snack.

These recipes offer a taste of what astronauts eat while they’re in space. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. So why not give them a try and experience the delectable world of space meals?