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beef jerky

Homemade Beef Jerky

AuthorBronwyn Case
Beef jerky is one of the best snacks you can make at home—delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly affordable.
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Ingredients  

  • 2 lbs sliced steak
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cracked pepper or ground pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions 

  1. Slice the Meat: Slice the steaks 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Against the grain will yield a more tender jerky and with the grain will be chewier. Place strips in a large Ziplock bag or glass container with a lid.
  2. Season the Strips: Either with salt or a liquid marinade.
  3. Marinate or Rest: Let the seasoned strips sit in fridge for 4+ hours or overnight
  4. Dehydrate: Lay the strips of steak on the sheets of your dehydrator. Set to 65F or medium heat and dehydrate for 6-8 hours depending on thickness.
  5. Cool and Store: Your beef jerky is done when it is visibly dry, cracks, and has dry fibres. Store in a plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to a month.

Notes

*Salt Only: Add one teaspoon per pound of meat.
If the steaks are very soft and difficult to slice, try freezing them for 30-60 minutes before slicing. This will firm them up and make them easier to slice.
Properly dried beef jerky doesn't need to be stored in the fridge but I like to be on the safe side.