How to Make Beef Jerky with a DEHYDRATOR

beef

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: pork

Turkey is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: coconut aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while coconut aminos is lower in sodium.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

liquid smoke

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: smoked salt

Smoked paprika adds flavor without liquid.

Freeze the top round beef for about 30 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing.

Check the weight of the beef; this recipe uses about 1.5 pounds (760 grams).

Slice the beef thinly across the grain to shorten muscle fibers for tender jerky.

If available, use a deli slicer; otherwise, cut as evenly and thinly as possible.

To pound the meat, place it in a zip top bag, sprinkle with water, and pound until desired thinness is achieved.

Prepare the marinade by mixing together 0.5 cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon powdered ginger, 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons granulated onion, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or brown sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt.

Layer the meat in the marinade, mixing piece by piece for even coating.

Cover the marinade and place in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hours, ideally 24 to 40 hours.

After marination, remove the meat from the marinade and toss to ensure even absorption; pour off any excess marinade if necessary.

Prepare the dehydrator by lining trays with foil to catch drippings; lay the jerky pieces in an even manner with air gaps around each slice.

Set the dehydrator to 155°F (68°C) and timer for about 4.5 hours, checking periodically; it may take closer to 5.5 to 6 hours total.

If using an oven, set it to 200°F (93°C) with the convection fan on, and crack the door open; it will take around 6 hours in the oven.

Check the jerky for doneness; it should be dry but not brittle. If it's too juicy, return it to the dehydrator or oven for another 30 minutes.

For storage, place the jerky in a zip top bag; for longer storage, consider adding silica packets to absorb humidity.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens