How Long Does It Take to Make Beef Jerky? A Complete Guide
Beef jerky is a tasty snack made by drying thin slices of beef. But how long does it actually take to make your own authentic, homemade beef jerky? The drying time can vary quite a bit depending on factors like the cut of meat, slice thickness, marinade time, and dehydrator settings. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the entire beef jerky making process and tips to achieve the perfect texture.
Choosing the Right Cut of BeefFor lean, flavorful jerky, you want a cut of beef with minimal fat and connective tissue Top round, eye of round, flank steak, and sirloin tip are excellent choices. Trim off any visible fat before slicing to prevent the jerky from spoiling quicker Marbling is okay, but avoid cuts like brisket or ribeye that have thick fat deposits.
Slicing and Marinating
Partially freeze the beef for 1-2 hours before slicing to make getting thin, uniform strips easier. Using a sharp knife, slice with the grain 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inches thick. Too thin and the jerky will crumble, while thick slices take much longer to dehydrate.
Next, soak the strips in a flavorful wet marinade. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, spices, and other ingredients to taste Marinate for at least 2 hours up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the better for intense flavor Blot off any excess marinade before dehydrating.
Dehydrating Time
The magic of making jerky happens when moisture slowly evaporates in a dehydrator or oven at low, even heat. Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
- 2 hours: Meat starts drying and heating up to 160°F.
- 4 hours: Check thin slices for doneness. Meat darkens and stiffens.
- 5+ hours: Thick slices may need additional time to fully dehydrate.
- 10 hours: Maximum time for very thick slices around 1⁄4 inch.
Keep dehydrating until the jerky cracks but doesn’t break when bent Properly dried jerky will be leathery with visible meat fibers when torn
Tips for Foolproof Jerky
Follow these tips for guaranteed jerky success:
- Rotate dehydrator racks halfway through for even drying.
- Don’t overlap slices so air reaches all surfaces.
- Use an instant read thermometer to confirm 160°F.
- Finish in a 275°F oven for 10 minutes to remove moisture.
- Let cool completely before storage to prevent spoilage.
With the right cut of meat, flavorful marinade, and adequate dehydrating time, you can whip up incredible homemade beef jerky. Adjust methods to your taste and enjoy this high-protein snack for weeks to come! Let us know in the comments your best jerky secrets.
The Complete Guide to Making Beef Jerky at Home
FAQ
How to tell if jerky is done in dehydrator?
Why does beef jerky say eat within 3 days?
After opening, the jerky may become stale or lose its desirable chewiness. Storage Conditions: If the jerky is not stored properly after opening (eg, kept in a cool, dry place and sealed tightly), it can spoil more quickly. The three-day guideline helps ensure that you consume it while it’s still at its best.
Is 6 hours long enough for jerky?
Jerky should be dried a minimum of 6 hours for safety. Remove jerky strips from the racks. Pat off any beads of oil with absorbent toweling. Cool.
How do you make beef jerky?
Beef jerky is a delicious snack made by drying lean, flavorful meat. You can use all sorts of meat for your jerky, including flank steak, sirloin, or filet mignon. To flavor your meat, add seasoning and marinade. To dry the jerky, use either a dehydrator or a conventional oven for an effective option.
How long does beef jerky take to dry?
When making beef jerky without a dehydrator and in an oven, make sure to prop the door open with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape and air to circulate during the drying process. 9 – It should take between 3-8 hours to dry in the oven depending on the thickness of the jerky. Check after 3 hours, and continue as needed.
How long does jerky take to cook?
After marinating, remove and pat dry the strips with paper towels. Either hang from toothpicks or lay the jerky on a cooling rack and place in a 170°F – 200°F preheated oven. Prop the door of the oven open with a wooden spoon and bake the jerky for 3-6 hours. Begin checking for doneness at 3 hours.
How long does homemade beef jerky last?
Properly dried jerky will keep at room temperature for about one week. To store, place it inside an airtight plastic container, Ziploc bag, or airtight glass jars. Make sure the jerky is dry to the touch, leather-like in appearance, and chewy but still somewhat tender.
How long do you smoke jerky?
Typically, you will only need to smoke your jerky for around 2 to 4 hours, but this can vary from smoker to smoker. The best way of testing is to make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the beef become firm with only a slight, springy bend when shaking.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
Fat will make meat spoil faster, so removing as much fat as possible now will extend the shelf life of your finished beef jerky. Step 3 – Place the beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours to partially freeze for easier uniform slices. Your meat should be hard to the touch but not fully frozen.