Beef jerky is a beloved snack for many people. With its signature salty-sweet flavor and addictively chewy texture, it’s no wonder jerky has been popular for centuries. But have you ever wondered – what exactly is beef jerky made of?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the ingredients cuts of meat and process used to make beef jerky. Whether you’re a jerky fanatic or just jerky-curious, read on to learn all about how this tasty snack is created!
The Meat Behind the Jerky
Obviously, beef is the star ingredient in beef jerky. But what cuts of beef work best to make jerky? Here are some of the most commonly used:
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Round – Lean cuts like top round or bottom round are commonly used for jerky, The rear leg area provides meat that is low in fat
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Sirloin – Cuts from the sirloin region like tri-tip also make great jerky cuts. This area between the rump and short loin is lean and flavorful.
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Chuck – Chuck can be used if well-trimmed to remove excess fat. Chuck eye or chuck tender are good options.
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Flank – The abdominal flank area makes a chewy, tasty jerky.
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Brisket – Brisket makes an affordable jerky if trimmed of fat. The meat has good flavor.
In general, lean beef with minimal connective tissue produces the best texture and chewiness in jerky. Beef round or sirloin are most commonly used.
The Jerky Making Process
Turning raw beef into tasty jerky involves multiple steps:
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Slicing – The beef is trimmed of fat and sliced very thinly, usually about 1/4 inch thick. Partially freezing meat makes slicing easier.
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Marinating – The meat strips are seasoned by soaking in a liquid marinade or using dry seasoning. This adds flavor and tenderizes.
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Cooking – The USDA recommends heating meat strips to 160°F before drying to kill bacteria. This can be done in an oven or dehydrator.
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Drying – The meat is dried at low temps (140-150°F) for several hours to remove moisture and preserve the jerky.
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Packaging – Once dried, the jerky is cooled, then vacuum sealed in bags or jars to prevent spoilage.
Jerky Ingredients and Flavorings
A jerky marinade is key to infusing flavor. A simple marinade may contain:
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Many other ingredients can be added to make unique flavors like teriyaki, barbecue, Cajun, or salsa jerky. Liquid smoke enhances flavor in jerky that is not smoked.
Dry seasoning containing spices and salts can also be used instead of a wet marinade. But marinating more thoroughly penetrates and tenderizes the meat.
The Nitrate Controversy
Many types of cured meats like jerky contain sodium nitrate or nitrite. These are added for color preservation and extending shelf life. However, there are health concerns related to nitrosamines that form from nitrites interacting with proteins during high heat cooking.
Nitrosamines are considered carcinogenic compounds. Studies have linked nitrates to increased risk of certain cancers. There is debate around the health impacts of nitrates in jerky and other cured meats.
Nutrition Facts for Beef Jerky
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Protein – Beef jerky packs about 15g of protein per ounce. The dehydration process concentrates the protein.
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Fat – Most jerky contains less than 5g of fat per ounce since lean beef is used. A mix of saturated and unsaturated fat.
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Sodium – Jerky can be high in sodium with 200-500mg per ounce. Comes from added salt.
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Calories – Around 100 calories in a typical 1 ounce serving of jerky.
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Other – Small amounts of iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12.
Overall, jerky can be a tasty source of protein, but is high in sodium. Moderation is key for enjoying its benefits while limiting health risks.
Making Jerky at Home
With some simple steps, it’s easy to make tasty jerky at home:
- Start with a lean beef cut like eye of round, top round, or flank steak
- Trim all fat and slice very thinly across the grain
- Use a dehydrator or 170°F oven to cook and dry the meat
- Fully cook meat to 160°F internally before drying
- Dry at 140-150°F for 6-8 hours until desired texture is reached
- For easy marinade, use 50/50 soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce
- Store in airtight bags or jars for 1-2 months shelf life
Making your own jerky allows you to control ingredients and flavors. It can be very rewarding!
The Takeaway on Beef Jerky
While the ingredients are simple, high quality beef jerky requires careful preparation. The right cut of meat, thorough marinating, and slow drying process all combine to create those characteristic salty-sweet jerky flavors and that satisfying chewy yet brittle texture we love. Jerky makes a protein-packed snack, but should be enjoyed in moderation. Armed with the facts, you can savor jerky even more on your next road trip or hike!
How Beef Jerky Is Made
While the process of making beef jerky is time consuming (when done properly), the general steps involved are fairly simple.
What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is a meat snack made of dried beef that is usually flavored with sugar, salt, and other seasonings. Beef jerky is made from dried strips of beef, or from ground beef that is shaped into jerky and dried. It can include a variety of seasonings to create different flavors, including popular flavors like teriyaki and peppered beef jerky.
Here at Top Notch Jerky, all our beef jerky is Ranch Cut, or “natural style” beef jerky, meaning that each piece of beef jerky is cut directly from solid strips of beef and dried. We take the best quality beef, season it with our carefully-crafted recipes, and dry it to turn it into the best beef jerky youll ever have.
How It’s Made : Beef Jerky
FAQ
What part of the animal is beef jerky?
Typically, cuts like top round, bottom round, and flank steak are preferred due to their lower fat content and fibrous texture. These cuts not only ensure a longer shelf life but also provide the ideal chewiness associated with jerky.
Is beef jerky actually healthy?
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Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.comIs Beef Jerky Good for You? – HealthlineMar 13, 2020 — That also makes it unsuitable for certain diets that restrict sodium intake ( 7 ). Furthermore, beef jerky is highly processed. Numerous studies hav…
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Verywell Healthhttps://www.verywellhealth.comWhat Happens to Your Body When You Eat Beef Jerky RegularlyJan 31, 2025 — Beef jerky is a savory, protein-rich, and low-carb snack full of other essential minerals and is nutritious in moderation. But because it’s processe…
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TODAY.comhttps://www.today.comThis is the healthiest type of beef jerky, according to dietitiansApr 30, 2025 — The main downside of beef jerky is the sodium, the experts note. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mill…
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Jeff’s Famous Jerkyhttps://jeffsfinestbeefjerky.comIs Beef Jerky a Healthy for You?First off, beef jerky is extremely high in protein. However, unlike other meat-based foods, you don’t have to put it in the fridge. This makes it super convenie…
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Old Trapperhttps://oldtrapper.comIs Beef Jerky a Good Source of Protein? – Old TrapperNov 11, 2022 — Not only is beef jerky a good source of protein, but it’s also packed full of vitamins, minerals, and delicious flavor. … When you take a bite of …
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Mountain America Jerkyhttps://mountainamericajerky.comIs Beef Jerky Healthy? The Answer Depends on These ThingsBeef Jerky Nutrition Facts All beef jerky isn’t created equally, and some brands can be quite high in sodium and sugar as well as contain unnecessary additives.
What is beef jerky made out of?
Its name comes from the Quechua word “ch’arki,” which means dried, salted meat. Beef jerky is made from lean cuts of beef that are marinated with various sauces, spices, and other additives. It then undergoes various processing methods, such as curing, smoking, and drying, before its packaged for sale ( 1 ).
Is beef jerky just dehydrated meat?
Well yes, jerky is made from raw meat. Here’s the basic formula: Cut long, thin strips of raw muscle, salt it to help in the following dehydration process. Basically you want remove as much moisture as possible in order to prevent bacterial decay.
How to make beef jerky?
Ingredients 1. Make sure beef is trimmed of any excess fat 2. Slice beef into 5mm thick slices. For a chewy jerky cut strips along the grain, for a more tender jerky cut against the grain 3. Place sliced beef into bowl and add soy sauce, garlic and chilli. Mix together thoroughly.
What is beef jerky made of?
Made with sweet strawberry jam, this beef jerky comes in big, thick pieces. Soft and tender, it’s a pleasure to eat. Product packaging, specifications and price are subject to change without notice. All information about the products on our website is provided for information purposes only.
How long does it take to make beef jerky?
On average, it takes about 4-6 hours to make beef jerky, but you may need more or less time. Your drying time depends on your particular dehydrator, oven, marinade, and cut of meat. Check the meat every 1.5-2 hours or so to avoid over-drying the jerky. To test the jerky, remove a piece, let it cool, and take a bite.