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Beef Jerky Recipe 🥩
Overview:
Beef jerky is a delectable snack that’s not only loved by kids but also perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe yields savory, tender jerky with a touch of sweetness and a hint of garlic. Plus, there’s an option to spice it up for those who crave a bit of heat!
- Preparation Time: 24 hours
- Cooking Time: 12 hours
- Total Time: 36 hours
- Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef (preferably lean cuts)
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- (Optional for “hot” version): 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef:
- Start by removing all fat from the beef to ensure a lean jerky.
- Wrap the meat in plastic wrap and freeze until it’s almost solid, which usually takes about 2 hours. This step is crucial as it makes it easier to cut thin, even slices later on.
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Slice the Beef Thinly:
- Once the meat is adequately frozen, take it out of the freezer and cut it with the grain into neat 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Precision in slicing ensures uniformity in drying and enhances the overall texture of the jerky.
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Marinate the Beef:
- Arrange the sliced beef in a shallow dish, ensuring they’re in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, combine the dry sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. For those who desire a spicier version, add crushed red chili flakes to the marinade.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the sliced meat.
- Cover the dish and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator, ensuring to stir the mixture once or twice during the marinating process to evenly coat the beef.
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Dry the Jerky:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line the bottom with foil to catch any drips.
- Pat the marinated meat dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
- Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on a roasting rack and place it in the preheated oven.
- Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 150°F (65°C) and allow the jerky to dry slowly for approximately 8 hours or until it reaches the desired consistency.
- The finished jerky should be stiff yet still bendable. It’s essential to check the jerky periodically during the drying process to prevent over-drying.
- Note that meats need to be dried at 145°F (63°C) or above to ensure the elimination of any harmful microorganisms.
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Storage:
- Once dried to perfection, store the beef jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
- Properly stored, homemade beef jerky can last for several weeks, providing a convenient and nutritious snack option for the entire family.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 636.9
- Fat Content: 64.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 26.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 90.1mg
- Sodium Content: 840.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 1.8g
- Protein Content: 9.2g