Do you have a new food dehydrator and you’re looking for a delicious recipe for beef jerky? Then keep on reading for all our tips and tricks, along with our favourite beef jerky recipe!
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Food Dehydrator
Beef Jerky is one of the healthiest snacks you can stock at home for a long time. You can store it in an airtight container for months and even years as the beef slices are dried for longer-term preservation. Beef Jerky is undoubtedly good for your health. It is a high-energy food treat that fuels you up and gets you ready for a very vigorous activity.
Perfect for a Snack on the Go
Are you on an intense workout or exercise? Then, the Beef Jerky is a perfect must-eat. Take out your food dehydrator that has long been waiting to be used and let us teach you how to make beef jerky in a food dehydrator.
A Few Quick Tips
Before we give you the easy to follow beef jerky recipe, we’d like you to consider some tips. First, your beef jerky should contain just a small amount of saturated fat. For this to happen, make your own version of this dried meat recipe at home.
This lets you manage your beef slices and the amount of sodium you use for drying the meat. This is why your food dehydrator is very essential. Now, we’re all set and ready to show you how to make beef jerky in a food dehydrator. Read on!
Learn More about Making Beef Jerky
Let’s Get to the Beef Jerky Recipe
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Food Dehydrator
Some materials you need:
- A plastic wrap
- Re-sealable food bags
- Paper towels
- Marinade
- Food dehydrator
To prepare for dehydration:
Cut off all the connective tissues and fats from your meat’s surface. Using a plastic wrap, tightly wrap the individually and put them on a plate.
Freeze the wrapped meat until it becomes completely firm. Freezing may take about two hours or depending on how thick the meat is.
Get a piece of your meat from the freezer and simply unwrap it.
Slice each piece into ¼-inch thick and put it in a re-sealable food bag.
Leaving the bag open, add marinade or flavoring ingredients to your meat. Usually, flavoring includes one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of water.
Seal the bag and press it out.
Marinate for up to six hours or depending on the style you prefer. Some prefer their jerky a little bit chewier (less time) while others like it drier (more time).
To Dehydrate the Beef Jerky:
- Get your meat out of the bag.
- Strain the meat using a colander. Spread the sliced meat in just one layer on top of your food dehydrator tray. Before doing this, dry the slices using some paper towels.
- Line up the sliced meat on the drying racks of the dehydrator. Leave a ¼ inch for the space. Insert the drying racks into your dehydrator and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for turning it on and using the timer.
- Set your food dehydrator at 160°F. Dehydrate the meat for about four or five hours. Keep checking on the beef jerky to see when it’s done. You want a little bit of moisture so make sure you don’t dry it out too much or it’ll be very difficult to chew.
- Transfer them to your airtight container. You can preserve it for up to two months at room temperature.
Which Food Dehydrator do you Recommend?
If you don’t have a food dehydrator yet, now is the time to buy one.
At such a reasonable price, it is already full of features and it is very functional. With a food dehydrator, meat slices are not the only ones you can dry and preserve. Fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs are also perfect to dry and turn into chips with this high quality kitchen gadget.
Or, you can also check out handy comparison chart below for all the top picks for food dehydrators. You’re sure to find one that suits your needs and is in your price range.
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Food Dehydrator
Check out this short video for even more tips and tricks for making this popular camping and road trip treat.
Have your Say about Making this Popular Treat
Do you have tips or tricks for making jerky in a dehydrator? Or, a secret family recipe that you’d be willing to share with us?Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
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