How is Beef Jerky made?
The Process Behind Beef Jerky: From Beef Strip to Snack
Beef jerky is a traditional snack with a rich history. What once started as a practical way to preserve meat has now grown into a beloved, protein-rich treat with countless flavor variations. Below you will discover how beef jerky is prepared and which techniques are used for this.
📦 What is beef jerky?
Beef jerky is beef that has been dried at a low temperature and seasoned in advance with marinades based on spices, herbs and sauces. The result is a compact, savoury snack with an intense meaty flavour and a long shelf life, without the use of artificial preservatives.
🔪 The Preparation Process Step by Step
- Selecting the meat: Lean beef, such as topside or loin, is usually chosen for jerky. Less fat means a longer shelf life and a better structure.
- Cutting: The meat is cut into thin strips. The direction of the cut (with or against the grain) determines the final bite.
- Marinating: The strips are marinated for several hours to a whole day. Commonly used ingredients are soy sauce, garlic, pepper, vinegar, honey and chili pepper.
- Drying or smoking: The marinated strips are slowly dried or smoked, depending on the chosen method, until almost all the moisture has been removed.
- Packaging: After drying, the jerky is packed in an airtight container, often with an oxygen absorber to maintain freshness.
🔥 Preparation Methods
1. Food Dehydrator
A professional method in which the meat dries evenly at approximately 60 °C. Ensures consistent quality. Duration: 6–12 hours.
2. Oven
Ideal for home use. The oven is set to a low temperature (70–80 °C) with the door slightly ajar for ventilation. Duration: 4–8 hours.
3. Smoking
Traditional and tasty. The meat is smoked at low temperature with wood such as apple or hickory. Duration: 6–10 hours, depending on thickness and taste preference.
4. Air drying
A natural method where meat is hung in a well-ventilated space. Mainly used for products such as biltong. Duration: several days.
✅Benefits of Beef Jerky
- Long shelf life without artificial additives
- Rich in high-quality proteins
- Low in carbohydrates
- Easy to carry and store
- Intense, natural flavour
