How to Make Beef Jerky at Home

Introduction

• Beef jerky is a favorite snack, perfect for:
  • Between meals
  • Road trips
  • Anytime snack
• Store-bought jerky can be expensive
• Objective: Learn a simple method for making delicious beef jerky at home

Choosing Your Beef

• Preferred cut: Beef eye of round
  • Characteristics: Nice and lean
  • Cost: $6.99 per pound, under 2 pounds costs about $12
• Other suitable cuts:
  • Flank steak
  • Larger cuts of beef

Preparation

1. Trimming

   • Remove excess fat and silver skin
   • A lean cut results in leaner jerky

2. Slicing

   • Tender Jerky: Slice across the grain
     • Result: Easier to pull apart, tender
   • Chewy Jerky: Slice with the grain
     • Result: Chewy texture
   • Slices should be about a quarter-inch thick
   • Tip: Freeze beef for 30 minutes before slicing for easier handling

Marinade Preparation

• Teriyaki-based marinade:
  • Ingredients: Teriyaki sauce, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced onions, crushed red peppers, honey
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly
• Importance of a flavorful marinade:
  • Enhances taste during long cooking/dehydrating process

Marinating the Beef

• Place beef slices in a Ziploc bag with marinade
• Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag
• Massage to coat all pieces evenly
• Marinate for at least a couple of hours, ideally 24 hours for maximum flavor

Cooking the Jerky

• Cooking method: Big Green Egg at low indirect heat
• Alternative: Oven or dehydrator
• Set up:
  • Charcoal cubes, platesetter for indirect heat, and a grate
• Temperature: Maintain between 180-200°F

Cooking Process

1. Place beef on a wire rack for better airflow and ease of handling
2. Cook at low temperature for about four hours
3. Check texture - still pliable but cooked

Final Step

• Steam jerky in a sealed Ziploc bag for 15-20 minutes for added tenderness

Results and Taste Test

• Against the Grain:
  • Tender, easily breaks apart
  • Flavorful with a kick from red pepper, sweetness from teriyaki
• With the Grain:
  • Chewy texture
  • Similar flavor, different mouthfeel

Conclusion

• Two texture options based on slicing technique
• Good balance of flavor
• Personal preference for tenderness or chewiness
• Encouragement to try the recipe and explore different marinades

Call to Action

• Subscribe, comment, and like if you enjoyed the video