How to make jerky

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Jerky is a great way to preserve food that can be eaten on the go or as a healthy snack. Stored and made correctly jerky can last for months. Jerky has little fat and provides protein based calories perfect for someone working out, hiking or just on a diet.  No matter if you are making beef, deer, elk or any other red meat jerky the process is about the same and pretty easy. This process can be done with an oven and I do provide instructions on how to do that but I highly recommend investing in a food dehydrator. Not only can make jerky but it makes preserving herbs splices and other food much easier.

What you need 

  • Meat 
    • A large lean rost works best, the less fat in your meat the longer the jerky will last
  • Seasoning or marinade
    • I make my own but any store bought jerky rub will work just fine
  • 1-gallon ziplock bag
  • Oven or Dehydrator 

Instructions 

  1. Start by slicing your meat into thin pieces going perpendicular to the grain of the meat
  2. Add meat and seasoning to your ziplock bag
    1. A secret ingredient I use in my own jerky is adding some beer, I use a lager and add just enough to be sure the meat is moist in the bag.
  3. With the bag closed work the seasoning into the meat be sure its all covered well 
  4. Place the bag into the refrigerator and let sit overnight. You can let this sit for up to 24 hours for better flavor 
This is where things will differ Depending if you are using an oven or dehydrator 

If using an oven 

  1. Place one of your oven racks on the lowest setting and place a baking sheet on it. This will catch any drippings while the meat dries. 
  2. Pre-heat to 150 f 
  3. Hang your meat from the top rack draping it over the rungs of the rack 
  4. Keep the oven door open just slightly to allow airflow 
  5. Dry for 3 to 8 hours until jerky is dry on the inside when broken in half 

If using a Dehydrator 

  1. Evenly place the meat on your tray for your dehydrator
  2. Set to 145 F to 150 F 
  3. Let dry for 4 to 8 hours until jerky is dry on the inside when broken in half 
Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it. Storing the jerky before it cools can create moister and make it spoil. If the jerky is stored in a cool dry place it should keep for a couple of months.