How To Make Delicious Beef Jerky At Home In 2023
Introduction
Making beef jerky at home has never been easier or tastier. With the right ingredients and supplies, you can easily craft your own batch of delicious, flavorful jerky. In this article, we’ll be sharing our step-by-step guide for the perfect beef jerky recipe in 2023. Read on to learn more!
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to beef jerky, the quality of your beef matters. When selecting a cut of beef for your jerky, you’ll want to choose a lean cut that’s free of fat. We recommend choosing a cut of beef with about 90-95% lean meat. You can also opt for ground beef, as long as it’s a lean cut. If you’re using ground beef, it’s best to choose a coarsely ground beef for the best texture.
Marinade the Beef
The marinade is one of the most important components of your beef jerky recipe. Not only does the marinade add flavor, but it also helps to tenderize the meat, making it easier to slice. When creating your marinade, be sure to use an acidic ingredient, like citrus juice or vinegar. This will help to break down the proteins in the beef, creating a more tender and flavorful jerky. Additionally, be sure to include some fat in your marinade, as this helps to keep the beef moist and tender.
Dry the Beef
Once the beef is marinated, it’s time to dry it. To dry the beef, you can either use a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven. If you’re using a dehydrator, you’ll want to set the temperature to 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using an oven, set the temperature to 200-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to keep an eye on the beef as it dries, as it can burn quickly.
Slice the Beef
Once the beef is dry, it’s time to slice it into strips. For the best texture and flavor, we recommend slicing the beef against the grain. This means that you’ll be slicing the beef in the opposite direction of the muscle fibers. You can either slice the beef with a knife or with a mandoline slicer. Be sure to slice the beef into thin, even strips for the best texture.
Season the Beef
Before you start drying the beef strips, you’ll want to season them. This is where you can get creative and customize your jerky to your own tastes. We recommend using a combination of salt, sugar, and spices, like garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. You can also add some liquid smoke to give your jerky a smoky flavor.
Dry the Beef Strips
Once the beef strips are seasoned, it’s time to dry them. Again, you can either use a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven for this step. If you’re using a dehydrator, set the temperature to 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using an oven, set the temperature to 200-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the beef strips periodically, as they can burn quickly.
Store the Jerky
Once the beef jerky is finished drying, it’s time to store it. You’ll want to store the jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The jerky should keep for several weeks. If you want to store the jerky for longer than a few weeks, you can freeze it for up to six months.
Enjoy Your Jerky!
Now that you’ve finished making your beef jerky, it’s time to enjoy it! Beef jerky is a great snack to take on camping trips, hikes, or any other outdoor adventures. You can also enjoy it as a snack at home or take it with you as a high-protein, on-the-go meal. Enjoy!