Beef jerky is a beloved snack enjoyed by many for its portable, protein-packed punch. However, sometimes even the best beef jerky can turn out tougher than desired Don’t despair! With the right techniques, you can transform any tough beef jerky into a tender, mouthwatering treat.
In this comprehensive 1889 word guide, we will explore the secrets of making beef jerky soft and chewy. Whether you are perfecting your homemade jerky or reviving a store-bought bag gone stale, these tips and tricks will help you achieve jerky bliss in no time
Why Beef Jerky Gets Tough
Before diving into softening methods, let’s first understand what makes jerky tough in the first place.
The main culprit is moisture loss during the drying or dehydrating process. As moisture evaporates from the meat, it causes the muscle fibers to stiffen and contract. This results in a rigid, chewy texture.
Additionally, factors like using very lean cuts of beef, slicing against the grain, or over-dehydrating can exacerbate toughness.
Now let’s look at some simple, foolproof ways to reverse this effect for tender beef jerky.
Helpful Tips for Softer Jerky
Keep these useful tips in mind before and during the softening process:
- Use fresh, high-quality jerky – old or stale jerky will be harder to rehydrate
- Avoid over-softening – jerky can become mushy if soaked too long
- Let jerky air dry after softening to help retain texture
- Store rehydrated jerky in an airtight container in the fridge
- Experiment with methods to find what works best for your jerky
10 Simple Ways to Soften Beef Jerky
1. Use a steamer
Placing jerky in a steamer basket for 5-10 minutes introduces moisture evenly for quick and effective softening. Blot dry before eating.
2. Microwave with a damp paper towel
Microwave jerky on a plate with a moist paper towel covered loosely with another paper towel for 30 seconds at a time until softened.
3. Rehydrate in the oven
Bake jerky loosely covered with foil at 200°F for 10-15 minutes until softened.
4. Soak in a flavorful marinade
Soaking tough jerky in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or other marinades overnight in the fridge infuses moisture.
5. Simmer in broth
Simmering jerky for 10-15 minutes in beef or vegetable broth boosts moisture.
6. Use a water bath
Submerging jerky in room temperature water for 1 hour reconstitutes dried meat.
7. Pound with a meat mallet
Placing jerky between plastic wrap and gently pounding helps break down fiber.
8. Sous vide
Cooking jerky in a precisely temperature controlled water bath makes it tender.
9. Add moisture while dehydrating
If making jerky at home, add juicy fruits like pineapple or papaya which contain enzymes that tenderize meat.
10. Use jerky in cooked dishes
Chopped jerky blends into cooked recipes like casseroles, soups, and chilis easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my homemade beef jerky turn out tough?
Using very lean cuts like eye of round, improper slicing, inadequate marinating time, and over-dehydrating can cause homemade jerky to be tough.
How long should I soak tough beef jerky to soften it?
For best results, soak beef jerky in water or marinade for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I reuse a liquid marinade after softening beef jerky in it?
It’s best not to reuse marinade after soaking beef jerky to avoid any bacteria growth. Make a fresh batch next time.
Is it safe to eat beef jerky after reconstituting it?
Properly rehydrated beef jerky stored in the refrigerator is safe to enjoy for up to one week. Discard any jerky that smells off or feels slimy.
Why does my softened beef jerky get tough again after drying?
Moisture evaporates after reconstituting jerky, causing it to stiffen again. Store softened jerky in an airtight container in the fridge.
Get Chewy, Tender Beef Jerky
We hope these tips help you revive even the toughest beef jerky and enjoy it in all its glory. Don’t let jerky dryness get you down. With a simple spin in the microwave, soak in a marinade, or low oven bake, you can restore softness and savor the full flavor of jerky once again.
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Seal the Jerky with White Bread, Moist Vegetable, or Wet Towel
If you have some patience, an alternative method to try is to seal the beef jerky in an air-tight container with a piece of bread, moist vegetable (carrot, celery, or potato), or a wet towel. Over the course of 24 hours, the jerky will slowly pick-up the moisture in the container. This method can be hit or miss depending on the dryness level of the jerky, but it’s a good option to test as a first step.
Microwave Beef Jerky (Fast Method)
The microwave is a do-it-all kitchen appliance that can help soften jerky quickly. Because rehydration happens quickly, it’s best to enjoy the jerky immediately from the microwave, otherwise, it loses moisture and turns hard again pretty quickly.
The goal with the microwave method is to introduce water in a sealed environment to steam the jerky.
- Place your jerky in a container that has a lid such as microwavable tupperware or a glass bowl.
- Add a small bowl or cup of water inside the container with the jerky. As an alternative, you can add a moist towel to the container. Make sure the towel is completely moist as a dry towel can burn.
- Place the lid on the container but do not create an air-tight seal as steam will need to escape the container.
- Microwave the jerky at one minute intervals, checking the texture of the beef jerky at each stage.
- Once the jerky reaches your desired texture, feel free to enjoy.
Do not microwave the jerky without any water as this will further dry the jerky and risk burning it.