Hey there! Have you ever wanted to make your own delicious homemade beef jerky? Well, you’re in luck because today I’m going to show you exactly how to do it. This beef jerky recipe, brought to you by HowToBasic, is incredibly easy to follow, so anyone can make it with ease. It’s the perfect snack that the whole family will enjoy. Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and believe me, you’ll end up with the most mouthwatering beef jerky you’ve ever tasted. So why wait? Let’s get started and make some amazing beef jerky together!
In this video, HowToBasic will guide you through the process of making your very own homemade beef jerky from scratch. You’ll learn the secret to crafting the best-tasting jerky, so get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. And if you know someone who loves beef jerky as much as you do, don’t forget to share this fantastic recipe with them. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it! So gather your ingredients and equipment, and let’s embark on this jerky-making adventure together. Get ready to enjoy the most delicious beef jerky you’ve ever had!
How To Make Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a popular snack enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a delicious and convenient way to get your protein fix, and can be a great option for on-the-go snacking. While there are many store-bought options available, making your own homemade beef jerky can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making your own beef jerky from scratch. So let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make beef jerky, you will need the following ingredients:
Beef
The first and most important ingredient for beef jerky is, of course, beef. It is recommended to use lean cuts of beef such as top round or eye of round, as they tend to work best for jerky making. The beef should be sliced into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, for optimal drying.
Marinade
The marinade is what gives the beef jerky its flavor. There are countless marinade recipes available, and you can experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. A basic marinade typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Seasonings
In addition to the marinade, you can also add various seasonings to enhance the flavor of your beef jerky. Some popular options include chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite seasonings to customize the taste to your liking.
Preparation
Before you can start making beef jerky, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare the beef and marinade.
Trim the Beef
Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef. Fat can make the jerky spoil faster, so it is important to remove as much as possible. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away any visible fat.
Slice the Beef
Once the beef is trimmed, slice it into thin strips. It is important to cut the beef against the grain, as this will make the jerky more tender. Aim for strips that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If you have a meat slicer, you can use it to make the process easier and more uniform.
Prepare the Marinade
Now it’s time to prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are fully mixed. This marinade will be used to flavor and tenderize the beef.
Marinating
Marinating is a crucial step in making beef jerky. It not only adds flavor to the meat but also helps to tenderize it. Follow these steps to marinate your beef properly.
Combine Beef and Marinade
Place the sliced beef strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure it is fully absorbed.
Cover and Refrigerate
Once the beef is coated in the marinade, seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This will give the flavors enough time to penetrate into the meat.
Marinate Overnight
Marinating the beef overnight is highly recommended, as it allows the flavors to develop fully. After a good night’s rest in the fridge, the beef will be ready for the next step.
Dehydrating
Now that the beef has marinated and absorbed all the delicious flavors, it’s time to start the dehydration process. This is where the beef will transform into tasty jerky strips.
Prepare the Dehydrator
If you have a food dehydrator, now is the time to set it up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble and preheat the dehydrator to the recommended temperature.
Arrange the Beef Strips
Take the marinated beef strips out of the refrigerator and arrange them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Make sure the strips are not touching each other to ensure proper air circulation, which is essential for even drying.
Set the Temperature
Depending on your dehydrator model, set the temperature to around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will help kill any bacteria that may be present in the meat while ensuring the jerky dries thoroughly.
Drying Process
The drying process is the most important step in making beef jerky. It requires patience and careful monitoring to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. Follow these steps for successful drying.
Dry the Beef
Place the loaded trays in the dehydrator and let the beef dry for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on the progress and rotate the trays if necessary. The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the specific dehydrator being used.
Rotate the Trays
To ensure even drying, rotate the trays every 1 to 2 hours. This will help all the beef strips dry evenly and prevent any from becoming over-dried or under-dried.
Monitor the Drying
Keep a close eye on the beef jerky as it dries. Check the texture and consistency regularly to prevent over-drying. The jerky should be firm and dry to the touch but still slightly pliable. It should bend without breaking.
Checking for Doneness
Once the beef jerky has dried to the desired texture, it’s time to check for doneness. This step will help ensure that the jerky is safe to consume and has reached the ideal level of dryness.
Test the Jerky
Take one or two pieces of jerky out of the dehydrator and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Bend the pieces to check for any signs of moisture or flexibility. If the jerky cracks or snaps, it is a good indication that it is sufficiently dry and ready to eat.
Check for Desired Texture
Taste a piece of jerky to determine if it has reached the desired texture and flavor. If it is too moist or lacks the desired level of chewiness, return it to the dehydrator for further drying. Keep in mind that the jerky will continue to dry slightly as it cools.
Storage
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own homemade beef jerky. Now it’s time to store it properly to ensure its freshness and longevity.
Cool the Jerky
Allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing it. This will help prevent condensation and moisture from forming inside the storage container.
Store in Airtight Containers
Once the jerky has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers such as resealable bags or glass jars. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before adding the jerky. Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Flavor Variations
While the basic beef jerky recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavor variations to spice things up. Here are a few popular options:
Spicy Jerky
To make spicy jerky, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Adjust the amount of spice according to your heat preference.
Teriyaki Jerky
For a sweet and tangy twist, substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the marinade recipe. You can also add a bit of ginger powder or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Peppered Jerky
If you enjoy a peppery kick, generously sprinkle coarsely ground black pepper on each strip of beef before placing them in the dehydrator.
Safety Tips
When making beef jerky at home, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines to ensure food safety and prevent any potential health risks.
Use High-Quality Beef
Always start with high-quality beef from a reputable source. It is important to choose fresh beef with no signs of spoilage to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Trim off any visible fat or connective tissue, as they can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Proper Hygiene
Maintain proper hygiene throughout the entire jerky-making process. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the beef and use clean utensils and surfaces. Avoid touching the jerky with bare hands to minimize the risk of contamination.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw beef and ready-to-eat foods separate. Make sure to clean and sanitize any utensils, cutting boards, or surfaces that come into contact with raw meat.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade beef jerky is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create delicious, flavorful jerky that the whole family will enjoy. Remember to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to customize the taste to your liking. With proper preparation, marinating, and drying, you’ll have a batch of homemade beef jerky that will rival any store-bought option. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!