Do you know what jerky is? Jerky is meat that has been marinated in a marinade and then dried to help preserve it. This article will teach you everything you need to know about the process of making beef jerky.
If you have ever wanted to make your own beef jerky, but didn’t know where to start, read on. Keep reading to learn everything from the different types of jerky makers, how much space they take up in your home, operational costs and more.
What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is dried beef that is usually made from smaller cuts of beef, such as flank steak, round steaks and sirloin tips. This is a very easy recipe to make at home, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. You can even make beef jerky in your own kitchen.
You just need to find the right jerkjer, which is a beef jerky maker that’s right for you. Jerky is a type of meat that is dried. In many cultures, jerky is considered a form of food storage because it lasts for months in a dry environment. This makes jerky a great option for people who have short-term storage needs. It’s also a great option for people who prefer not to store food in a refrigerator.
Types of Jerky Makers
– Slow Cooker – A slow cooker makes jerky easier than with other methods because it removes the need for you to do any of the preparation work. You just need to place the meat in the slow cooker, add the marinade and let the machine do the work.
– Oven – Oven drying is a fast way to make jerky, although it takes more space than other methods. You need to dry it in an oven that’s set to 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Propane Stovetop – To make jerky on a propane stovetop, you need to cook the meat over high heat until it’s dry. The most common propane stovetop jerky maker is the jerky gun.
– Convection Oven – Making jerky in a convection oven is very similar to the oven method, just set it to 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to make Beef Jerky
The first step to making beef jerky is to choose the type of jerkjer you want to use. You can use a slow cooker, oven, propane stovetop, jerky gun, or a convection oven. Once you’ve decided on the type of jerky maker, find the right marinade recipe.
For best results, choose a recipe with a high concentration of ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and garlic. These ingredients will help to lock in the moisture in the meat, while also imparting a strong flavor.
Next, you need to slice the meat into thin strips. Once you’ve done this, place the meat in a bowl and add the marinade. Let the meat marinate for 30 minutes to two hours. After the time is up, line your jerky maker with the sheets of jerky.
If you’re using a slow cooker, you can also add the jerky to the crock pot. If you’re using an oven or stovetop, you can just spread the meat out on a baking sheet.
Operational Costs
– Slow Cooker – You can find small slow cookers for as little as $10. They often run on the same power as a 9-volt battery, so you can’t use it as a portable appliance.
– Oven – Ovens range in price from as little as $50 to as much as $500. They’re a good investment if you plan to make jerky frequently, because it’s a labor-intensive process.
– Propane Stovetop – A propane stovetop jerky maker costs around $40 to $150.
– Convection Oven – A convection oven costs around $200 to $600. This is more expensive than using an oven without a fan, but much less expensive than using a propane stovetop.
Pros of making jerky
– You can store jerky for many months without refrigeration.
– You don’t have to slice the meat as thinly as you would with other methods. In fact, you can just cut the meat into one-inch strips.
– It’s a great way to use up small pieces of meat that would otherwise be discarded.
– You don’t have to mess around with fat drippings or grease splatter.
– You can make homemade jerky in just a few hours.
Cons of making jerky
– It takes up a lot of space because you need to use a separate space for each type of food preparation.
– There is a risk of cross-contamination because each food preparation area needs its own ventilation system.
– It’s a messy process that requires a lot of clean-up.
– It’s a difficult skill to master and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Summary
Beef jerky is a dried meat product that is perfect for storing long term and is easy to make at home. There are many types of jerky makers, each with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to research the best jerky maker for your needs. Beef jerky can last for months without refrigeration, making it a great option for people who don’t have room in their fridge for long-term food storage. It’s also a great option for people who prefer not to store food in a refrigerator. Beef jerky is a great snack, and it’s also a great source of protein.
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