Top 5 Ways to Make Beef Jerky from Scratch

Despite the fact that beef jerky is one of the most popular snack foods in the world, many people have never even tried it. If you’re one of those people, or you’re just looking to switch things up, why not try making your own best beef jerky from scratch? It’s surprisingly easy, and the results are well worth it. In this post, we’ll show you how to make five different types of beef jerky.

• How to make beef jerky?

There are many ways to make beef jerky from scratch. The easiest way is to buy a lean cut of beef, remove any excess fat, and slice it into thin strips. Next, marinate the beef strips in a mixture of your favourite seasonings. Some folks like to add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and/or brown sugar to their jerky marinade. Marinate the beef strips for at least an hour, then dehydrate them in your oven or dehydrator.

• What type of meat you should use?

The best beef jerky starts with the best beef. You’ll want to choose a cut of beef that is relatively lean and has a bit of marbling (fat). Chuck, bottom round and flank steak are all great options. You can also use venison, elk or turkey if you prefer.

• To pre-treat or not to pre-treat

One of the main decisions you’ll need to make when preparing to make beef jerky is whether or not to pre-treat the meat. Pre-treating means adding salt and other seasonings to the meat before drying it. This step helps to season the beef and also helps to prevent bacteria from growing.

If you’re using high-quality, grass-fed beef, you may not need to pre-treat it, as the meat will be less likely to spoil. However, if you’re using a lower-quality cut of meat, pre-treating is definitely recommended.

• Add-ins for your beef jerky

There are endless possibilities when it comes to add-ins for your beef jerky. You can customize it to your taste and create something totally unique. Here are a few of our favourite ideas:

– Soy sauce, garlic and ginger for a classic Asian flavour

– Chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika for a spicy kick

– Maple syrup and bourbon for a sweet and smoky taste

– Teriyaki sauce, pineapple and green onions for a tropical twist

– BBQ sauce, brown sugar and smoked bacon for a classic American flavour

• Prepare your beef jerky for cooking

Before cooking your beef jerky, it’s important to prepare it properly. For the best results, slice your beef against the grain into thin strips. You can also cut off any excess fat or gristle. Marinade your beef in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and onion powder for about 2-6 hours, or overnight. This will help to keep it moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

Conclusion:

Homemade beef jerky is a snap to make and infinitely customizable, making it the perfect snack for anyone with a love of meat and a DIY streak. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of your own biltong Auckland that’s tailored to your exact specifications, whether you’re looking for something spicy, smoky, or sweet. So fire up the oven and get started – your taste buds are in for a treat!