Ever wanted to make your own beef jerky?
When you’re on the road, a good snack can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. But be warned, not all snacks are created equal! Pat’s got a bunch of tips on how to eat healthy on the road, one of which is to pack healthy options.
Nothing says healthy off-road snack like sinking your teeth into some mouth-watering beef jerky. Jerky is an ideal treat for adventurers and road-trippers alike. It’s protein-packed, lightweight, and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. This is what makes it perfect for hikes, camping trips, or long drives.
Homemade jerky is not only cheaper than store-bought but also healthier as it is free from preservatives and other additives. In this guide, we’ll share all the secrets to making a finger-licking beef jerky to take with you on your travels.
First up, we have 3 things to keep in mind before making your jerky:
1. Choose lean beef cuts. Fat will rapidly go rancid and can influence drying times.
2. Leave room between slices to allow for airflow.
3. Partially-freeze beef to make thinly slicing it easier.
So, let’s get down to business. Here’s a recipe for the best beef jerky you’ll ever taste:
Ingredients:
- 1 kilo of beef
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended for some extra kick)
Method:
1. Cut the beef into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Add the beef slices to the bowl and toss until they’re fully coated in the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Preheat your oven to 80°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Lay the beef slices on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other.
7. Bake for 3-4 hours or until the jerky is dry and chewy.
8. Let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Storage:
If you’re going to go to the effort to make your own jerky, you better make sure you store it right.
Here are 4 important storage tips:
1. Store your jerky in airtight containers.
2. Although refrigeration isn’t necessary for beef jerky, it’s recommended you store it in a cool place and prevent it from becoming too warm to avoid spoilage.
3. To prevent the fats in beef jerky from turning rancid, avoid exposing it to UV rays by storing it away from sunlight.
4. Ensure that your beef jerky is kept dry.
So there you have it! Just another reason to prepare for the road ahead and avoid buying store-bought foods by cooking up some delicious and healthy beef jerky snacks. Plus, it’s all the more rewarding to make your own.
