Thursday, August 19, 2010

Homemade Jerky

It really is critical to make use of lean cuts of meat. Fatty meat will go rancid and will not dry properly. Fat within the meat also affects how long the jerky stays fresh and safe to eat outside of the refrigerator.

Flank steak or round steak are the two cuts of meat which are most often utilized in making jerky because they're naturally lean. Various game meats for example buffalo, elk, venison, caribou, and numerous others can also be applied as lengthy as lean cuts are chosen. The easiest way to prepare the meat is by freezing it to the point of firmness but although it is not yet fully frozen.

Beef Jerky Maker

Be specific that your strips do not exceed a quarter of an inch in thickness and are 1 half to 3 quarters of an inch broad. Most individuals cut the strips between 6 and 8 inches extended. You need to slice the meat across the grain to get a far more uniform texture and even drying and carefully remove all in the visible fat and gristle prior to you season the meat. Seasonings are multiple and varied. Traditional beef jerky recipes known as for nothing but a easy application of salt and pepper and this made for just a item that was tasty.

Meat is more commonly marinated nowadays, nonetheless, but you'll find still many dry rubs and other techniques employed that can make excellent beef jerky.

Some folks engage in what's known as a 'quick cook' method to begin the process, whereby the meat strips are dropped in a pot of boiling water to get a minute or two, which may well kill any bacteria that might be about the meat and prepares the meat to get a dry rub.

While this is one technique, usually merely marinating the meat to get a period of time results in much more depth of flavor and is just as safe; nonetheless both choices generate tasty beef jerky.

Food Dehydrator - Creating Beef Jerky

You can follow the directions included with your dehydrating appliance to dry your jerky although the specifics may perhaps vary slightly in between machines. You'll find two standard designs which are applied for dehydrating machines. The most typical involves round trays which can be stacked on top of each other inside a drying appliance. This appliance is well-liked mainly because it requires up small room and is quick to utilize. You possibly can also purchase a beef jerky appliance that resembles an oven which contains up to 9 trays that slid out on tracks and also a door that swings open and shut. This model requires up relatively small room, though it isn't as space efficient as the stacked, round models; as well as the trays are somewhat less complicated to use.

Storing the Jerky

Allow your jerky to cool totally on the rack previous to removing it and storing it in zip lock bags or air tight jars. Be certain to roll any air out of the plastic bag just before storing. Jerky will stay fresh and edible within the refrigerator for weeks and keep for years in a freezer. Just grab a piece for an anytime snack, or put it in a pocket or bag for an on-the-go treats. Household made beef jerky is economical and makes a healthy snack or treat for your whole family to enjoy.