10 Creative Ways to Eat Beef Jerky Beyond Snacking

Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that has been around for centuries. While it’s easy to grab a bag of jerky and start munching, there are lots of creative ways to incorporate jerky into meals and snacks.

As a jerky lover myself I’ve experimented with different recipes and techniques to take this tasty snack food beyond just a between-meal filler. In this article I’ll share 10 of my favorite ways to eat beef jerky that go beyond snacking.

Make Beef Jerky Fried Rice

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftovers and stretch expensive ingredients like beef. For a protein boost try dicing 2-3 ounces of beef jerky and tossing it into your favorite fried rice recipe. The jerky adds wonderful smoky flavor and gives each bite great texture. Avoid overcooking it so the jerky retains a pleasant chew.

Crumble Jerky Over Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are an easy wholesome meal but they can use some sprucing up. For a quick protein topper, crumble 1-2 ounces of beef jerky over a hot baked potato in place of bacon bits. The crispy, salty jerky pairs wonderfully with the soft, starchy potato.

Make Hearty Jerky Chili

Ground beef chili gets a serious flavor upgrade when you swap in chopped beef jerky. Use scissors to cut 2-4 ounces of jerky into small pieces, then stir them into your favorite chili recipe in place of ground meat. The jerky infuses the chili with deep, concentrated meaty flavor.

Stuff Buns or Rolls with Jerky

Beef jerky Chicken salad gets an upgrade when you stir in 1-2 ounces of finely chopped jerky. The jerky adds fantastic texture and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. Spoon the jerky chicken salad into buns or lettuce wraps for a satisfying handheld meal.

Bake Jerky into Bread or Muffins

Adding jerky to bread or muffin batter is an easy way to sneak extra protein into baked goods. Fold 1-2 ounces of chopped or crumbled jerky into doughs and batters before baking. The jerky adds delightful texture and a subtle meaty flavor to the final product.

Make Jerky Croutons for Salads

Instead of plain croutons, make crunchy jerky croutons for your salads. Simply cut beef jerky into small cubes and bake at 400°F until crispy, about 5-10 minutes. Tossed over a fresh salad, the jerky croutons add fantastic texture, flavor, and protein.

Cook Rice or Quinoa with Jerky Stock

Don’t throw away the jerky packaging – use it to make flavorful stock. Simmer the empty bag in water for 30 minutes to infuse savory flavor, then strain. Cook your grains like rice or quinoa in the jerky stock for extra meaty flavor.

Make Jerky & Fruit Energy Bites

Energy bites are a great on-the-go snack, and jerky adds tasty protein. Pulse 1-2 ounces jerky in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix into an energy bite recipe along with peanut butter, oats, honey, and dried fruit. Roll into balls and you have protein-packed energy snacks.

Add Jerky to Steamed Vegetables

Steamed veggies can use some jazzing up. Chop 1-2 ounces jerky and toss it into the steamer basket over your veggies during the last 5 minutes of steaming. The jerky infuses the veggies with smoky flavor and gives them a nice crunch.

Garnish Soups or Salads with Jerky

An easy way to use jerky is as a garnish for soups, salads, and grain bowls. Tear off a few thin strips of jerky and use them as a crunchy, protein-packed topper in place of croutons or nuts. Get creative with fun garnishes!

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using beef jerky creatively in recipes. With its intense meaty flavor, chewy texture, and stellar nutrition profile, jerky can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Beyond snacking, incorporate jerky into your everyday cooking and see just how versatile this tasty preserved meat can be.