Beef jerky happens to be an all-time low carb and high protein snack that everyone prefers. It is an excellent snack to munch on, especially if you are planning on losing weight. After all, it is only spices and lean meat!
But, the real truth is that the packaged ones that you get in the market are full of sugar and preservatives and not suitable for health. This is precisely why you should be making it at home.
You can make fantastic bulk beef jerky by yourself at home, believe it or not! All you need to do is choose the right ingredients, give it a flavourful journey, and voila! You will have made yourself the yummiest of jerky of all times!
Here’s how to make beef jerky!
Always be selective about the right beef cut
People still consider flank steak to be the best choice when it comes to beef jerky, but the truth is, it is costly. If you want to save some money, you can do so by choosing a cheaper beef cut. You can then slice it into thin pieces.
Always opt for a lean cut with extra fat. You may wonder that marbled fats might give your jerky a fantastic flavor, but the truth is, it will cause it to be stale quicker.
Always choose a rump roast, London broil, or top roast piece.
Flash freeze your meat
It isn’t easy to slice beef into thin pieces. The best way to do it is by freezing the meat for a short period of approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
Look for the beef grain and then slice it into 1/8th inch against the grain. This will give your jerky a tough texture that is tender at the same time. There’s no need to stress over the uniformity.
Marinate the slices
This is the step where you will have to ensure that there are no sneaky preservatives in your ingredients. You may start doing it with Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos as an alternative.
You may then add your preferred spices and herbs. Please leave it to soak in for a good forty-five minutes. For a better flavour, leave the meat marinating for an entire24 hours.
Traying up your jerky
If you want lip-smacking results, you may place the rack on top of the baking sheet. You may then lay your strips all over the wire rack. This will help your jerky to remain dry as its juices drizzle down the tray.
Bake it slow on low
Put the temperature of your oven or dehydrator at 60 degrees Celcius and leave for 7 hours. In case you have a convection oven, you may can reduce the drying time of your jerky to 5 to 6 hours.
Keep checking
It is essential to acknowledge that although the drier your jerky is, the more shelf life it will have, but at the same time, if you leave it in the oven for too long, it will transform into sturdy beef crackers.
Once your dish reaches the 6-hour mark while it is in the oven, take it out and give it time to cool down. Then you may taste it and remember to chew it well. In case you feel that it is still soft, put it back in the oven.
Store your jerky
You can store your jerky in an airtight container and leave it at room temperature for anywhere up to 2 weeks. A good quality beef jerky might even sustain a little longer.
In case you get worried that your jerky is under-baked, you may then store it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
There is no limit to getting creative when it comes to making beef jerky. The real deal is to get experimental with your marinade recipe. Never stop yourself from playing with mixtures of different kinds while attempting to make beef jerky.
In case you happen to be a newbie on the lookout for the process, you have most certainly come to the right place. This article is everything you need to get started with your jerky.
Happy cooking!
References:
- Here’s How: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beef-Jerky