How To Cut Beef Jerky From The Beginner’s Guide
Cutting beef jerky is a great way to ensure you get the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you want thin strips for a sandwich or more giant cubes for snacking, knowing how to cut beef jerky properly will ensure you get the most out of your meat. You’ll be ready to cut beef jerky like a pro with just a few simple steps! Here’s how:
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Directions
- Start by cutting the jerk along its grain or in the same direction as the muscle fibers. This will give you easier-to-chew strips full of flavor. Make sure you use a sharp knife for this step; otherwise, you might end up with an uneven cut.
- If you want cubes instead of strips, take each strip and slice them into small cubes. Make sure to use a cutting board, so your knife glides easily over the jerky and doesn’t tear it apart!
- Once you’ve got your desired shape for your beef jerky, you can season it how you like or enjoy it plain. And voila! You’ve now got perfectly cut beef jerky that everyone will love.
So there you have it – how to cut beef jerky like a pro! With these few simple steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy your favorite snack. Now get snacking.
Bonus Tip: If the meat is too challenging or hard to cut, put it in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you begin. This will make the meat easier to cut and ensure that it stays in shape when you’re done.
What You'll Need To Make Homemade Beef Jerky
2-3 lbs of lean beef (top round, flank steak, or London broil are all great options)
Marinade of choice
Baking sheet/tray
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Oven/dehydrator (optional)
Slice The Meat
Once your marinade and beef are ready, it’s time to start slicing. Use a sharp knife and cut the beef against its grain into thin, even strips for that classic jerky texture. Since you’re cutting with the grain, it should be easy to get thin strips without tearing the meat. Make sure each strip is about 1/8 inch thick or thinner for best results.
Once you’ve cut the strips, please place them in the marinade for at least two hours up to overnight. This will help to add flavor and ensure that the beef soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Make The Marinade
Making your marinade is easy and fun! Mix your favorite ingredients, like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper. You can also add some dried herbs or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Dry The Jerky
Once the beef has had time to marinate, it’s time to dry it. You can do this either in an oven or a dehydrator. Preheat your oven to about 170°F (75°C) and place the beef strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 4-6 hours, flipping the strips every 30 minutes.
If you’re using a dehydrator, place the beef strips on the trays and turn them on. You’ll need to wait about 6-8 hours for your jerky to be ready.
Finishing Up
Once the beef is dry and slightly firm to the touch, please remove it from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, you can enjoy your homemade beef jerky! If you’re not going to eat it right away, store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place (like the fridge) for up to two weeks.
And there you have it – how to make delicious homemade beef jerky! With just a few simple steps, you can have your batch of this tasty snack ready in no time.
However, if you’re making beef jerky for the first time, it’s always best to start with store-bought jerky before making your own. This will give you a better understanding of how the process works and how to make it just like the pros. After that, you can start experimenting with your marinades, drying times, and flavors to create something unique. Good luck!
Once your jerky is baking/dehydrating, let it cool completely before packaging. This will help ensure that the jerky stays fresh and flavorful for longer.
