How To Dehydrate Beef Jerky With Denali Canning

Directions

1. Dehydrating beef jerky is a simple process that allows you to preserve the flavor and nutrients of beef while creating a snack that is portable, shelf-stable, and easy to store. Whether you're a seasoned jerky maker or a beginner, these steps will help you create delicious and high-quality beef jerky at home:

   Choose the right cut of beef: When making beef jerky, it's important to choose a lean cut of meat with minimal fat. This will help the jerky stay fresh and prevent it from going rancid. Some good options include top round, bottom round, and sirloin.

   

2. Trim the fat and slice the beef: Once you've chosen your cut of beef, trim off any visible fat and slice the meat into thin, uniform strips. The strips should be about 1/4 inch thick and no wider than 2 inches.

   

3. Marinate the beef: To add flavor and moisture to the jerky, it's important to marinate the beef strips before dehydrating them. You can use a store-bought marinade or create your own by mixing together ingredients such as salt, pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Place the beef strips in a sealable bag or container and add the marinade, making sure to coat all of the strips evenly. Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat the dehydrator: Before placing the beef in the dehydrator, make sure to preheat the machine to 160°F. This temperature will help to kill any bacteria and will also help the jerky to dry evenly.

   

5. Arrange the beef in the dehydrator: Once the dehydrator is preheated, arrange the beef strips on the drying racks in a single layer, making sure to leave enough space between each strip for air to circulate. If you are using a food dehydrator with multiple racks, you should rotate the racks or rearrange the beef strips during the drying process to ensure even drying.

6. Dehydrate the beef: Depending on the size and thickness of the beef strips, it will take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to fully dehydrate the jerky. You'll know the jerky is ready when it is dry and firm to the touch, but still pliable.

   

7. Cool and store the jerky: Once the jerky is fully dehydrated, remove it from the dehydrator and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or sealable bag at room temperature. It should keep for several weeks, but if you prefer a longer shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

   And there you have it! With these simple steps, you can easily make delicious and high-quality beef jerky at home. Enjoy your homemade jerky as a snack, on a hike, or as a protein-packed addition to your meals.