How To Make Beef Jerky

Making beef jerky is a straightforward yet flavorful process that yields a delicious, portable and nutritious snack. Whether you are an experienced chef or a newbie in the kitchen, beef jerky is a low-maintenance but rewarding culinary project. With the right ingredients, equipment, and knowledge, you can have your own delicious beef jerky in no time.

Types of Beef to Use

The first step to making delicious beef jerky is choosing the right cut of beef. Select lean cuts with low visible fat, such as flank steak, eye of round, round steak, and sirloin tip. Trim away any obvious fat before proceeding with the recipe. Do not use ground beef, as it contains too much fat and will spoil quickly once dehydrated.

Ingredients and Marinade

Once you have chosen the beef for by jerky, it’s time to add flavor with a marinade. Start by combining liquids such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce. Add in some acids like lemon juice or vinegar to help the marinade penetrate the beef. Include a sweet component such as honey or molasses and spices like garlic powder and chili powder. Salt and clack pepper should also be added.

The next step is to form the marinade. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix until dissolved. Now, take the beef and cut it into thin strips. place them in a gallon-sized bag and pour the marinade into the bag. Massage the marinade into the beef, making sure all sides of the strips are coated with flavor. Seal the bag and place it into the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours (but not more than 24 hours).

Dehydrating

When the beef is ready, its time to dehydrate. You can use a dehydrator, or even an oven with the door propped open. If you choose to use the oven method, preheat it to the highest temperature your oven can provide (the typical temperature range is between 145°F and 165°F; use the highest end possible). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the strips of beef on top. Leave some space in between each one for even dehydration.

Monitor the beef’s progress by checking in every half hour or so. Depending on the thickness of the beef strips, it can take up to 6 to 9 hours for the jerky to be fully dehydrated. When it reaches the desired texture and color, the beef jerky is done. For safety precautions, allow the beef to cool to room temperature before eating.

Enjoying Your Creation

When the beef jerky is completely cooled, you can enjoy this delicious snack. Pack it in a lunch, share with friends and family, or devour it all yourself. Beef jerky is a great on-the-go food that you can customize to your personal taste. Just remember to store leftover jerky in an airtight container in the fridge. Now that you know how to make delicious beef jerky at home, you can enjoy it any time your craving strikes.