Beef jerky is a protein-packed snack that’s both delicious and convenient, perfect for on-the-go or a savory treat at home.
Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Beef Jerky
Description
The Ultimate Beef Jerky Recipe for Flavorful Snacking
Discover how to create the most flavorful and tender beef jerky with this detailed, step-by-step guide. Whether you’re new to jerky-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe ensures your beef jerky is the best it can be. Here’s everything you need to know to create the perfect beef jerky, along with some quick tips to ensure success every time.
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Quick Tips for Perfect Beef Jerky
- Choose Lean Meat: Opt for lean cuts like top round or sirloin to minimize fat, which can spoil.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the beef soak in the marinade for at least 12 hours to absorb all the flavors.
- Slice Consistently: Cut beef into uniform slices for even drying.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the jerky is completely dry to extend its shelf life.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef
- Trim any visible fat from the beef to prevent spoilage.
- Place the beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours to firm it up, making it easier to slice.
- Once firm, slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
-
Marinate the Beef
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
-
Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Line baking sheets with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the beef strips for even drying.
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Dry the Beef
- Lay the marinated beef strips in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry the beef for 4 hours, turning the strips halfway through, until the jerky is dry but still pliable.
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Cool and Store
- Remove the jerky from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 116kcal
- Calories from Fat 30kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.5g6%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 240mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 16g32%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.2 IU
- Vitamin K 0.3 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 2 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.2 mcg
- Biotin 0.1 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 140 mg
- Iodine 2 g
- Magnesium 15 mmol
- Zinc 3 mcg
- Selenium 10 mg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.02 mg
- Chromium 0.1 mcg
- Molybdenum 0.01 mg
- Chloride 0.03 mmol
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
To achieve the most tender and flavorful beef jerky, it’s recommended to use a meat tenderizer before marinating. This additional step helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a softer texture that enhances the overall eating experience. If you prefer a spicier jerky, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. For those who enjoy a deeper smoky flavor, consider using more liquid smoke or even smoking the jerky briefly on a grill before drying. Remember, the thickness of the beef slices can also affect the final product—thinner slices will dry faster and maybe a bit more brittle, while thicker slices will take longer but offer a chewier bite. Adjust the recipe to suit your personal taste and texture preferences. Finally, ensure that the jerky is stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place. For extended shelf life, refrigeration or freezing is recommended. This not only helps maintain the jerky’s quality but also ensures that it remains safe to eat for a longer period.