Ingredients
Method
Selecting and Preparing the Meat:
- Choose a lean cut of beef.
- Partially freeze the meat for easier slicing.
- Slice the beef between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness, either with the grain for chewy jerky or against the grain for more tender jerky.
Tenderizing the Meat:
- Use a meat tenderizer to pound the slices or a tenderizing marinade with enzymes like bromelain.
Crafting the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke.
- Thoroughly coat the beef slices in the marinade.
- Marinate the beef for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator.
Drying the Jerky:
- Using a Dehydrator: Place marinated meat strips in single layers on dehydrator racks. Set the dehydrator to 160°F and dehydrate for about 4 to 6 hours.
- Oven Drying Method: Preheat oven to the lowest setting (160°F to 200°F). Place aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch drips. Arrange the jerky strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Prop the oven door slightly open. Bake for about 3 to 8 hours, flipping occasionally.
- Smoking Technique: Preheat the smoker to around 160° to 180°F. Place the jerky strips on smoker racks with space between them. Smoke for 2 to 6 hours.
Storing and Preserving Jerky:
- Store in airtight containers or plastic bags with a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.
- Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, 1-2 months in the refrigerator, or up to 6 months in the freezer.