Making delicious homemade beef jerky requires selecting the right cut of meat. Choosing a lean, flavorful, and affordable cut will ensure your jerky turns out perfect every time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about picking the best meat for beef jerky.
Why Choosing the Right Meat Matters
Choosing the correct meat for beef jerky is one of the most critical steps The right cut will
- Be sufficiently lean and trim with minimal fat
- Offer great beefy flavor
- Provide the ideal moisture and texture
- Allow the jerky to dry properly for maximum shelf life
- Fit your budget
Selecting a poor cut can lead to greasy jerky that spoils quickly or eats too tough. Taking the time to understand the options will pay dividends in the end product.
Below we summarize the most popular cuts of beef for making jerky, key buying considerations, and tips for sourcing the perfect meat. Let’s dive in
The 5 Best Cuts of Meat for Beef Jerky
These five cuts of beef are the most recommended choices for DIY beef jerky.
1. Eye of Round
Eye of round is the best overall cut for homemade beef jerky. This roast comes from the rear leg of the cow. It offers:
- Very lean meat with minimal fat
- Mild beefy flavor
- Affordable price
- Large size for big batches
- Easy slicing against the grain
Eye of round hits all the boxes. It provides great taste and texture without costing a fortune.
2. Top Round
Also called London broil, top round is the most popular cut used by commercial beef jerky brands. It comes from the leg and ranks well on:
- Leanness
- Affordability
- Meaty flavor
- Ease of slicing against the grain
- Good moisture
Top round is easy to find and makes jerky with a nice chew.
3. Bottom Round
Bottom round comes from the upper rear leg. It offers:
- Very lean meat
- Inexpensive price
- Full beef flavor
It’s a bit less tender than eye of round but still makes great jerky.
4. Flank Steak
Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut from the belly. Benefits include:
- Big beef taste
- Nice texture when sliced properly
- Cost effective for large batches
Just be sure to always slice flank steak against the grain.
5. Sirloin Tip
Sirloin tip is a lesser known cut from the hip area. It provides:
- Lean meat
- Good tenderness
- Rich flavor
It can be harder to find than other cuts but worth seeking out.
Other Cuts Worth Trying
While the above cuts are the best place to start, you can experiment with other beef cuts:
- Brisket – Needs trimming but provides beefy taste
- Chuck Roast – Requires removing fat but offers nice texture
- Skirt Steak – Has big bold flavor when sliced against grain
- Tri-Tip – Excellent tenderness and marbling
Don’t be afraid to try new cuts of meat to find your favorite!
Buying Considerations for Beef Jerky
Keep these tips in mind when selecting meat:
- Pick fresh meat – Avoid anything graying or smelling odd
- Focus on leanness – Fatty cuts lead to soft, oily jerky
- Go affordable – Save prime cuts for steaks; jerky benefits tougher meat
- Buy in bulk – Plan for 3 lbs of meat per 1 lb finished jerky
- Develop a relationship with your butcher – Ask questions and request special cuts
Taking the time to choose the right cut of beef makes all the difference in your end result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cut of meat for tender jerky?
Sirloin tip, flank steak, or brisket offer more tenderness. Cutting against the grain is even more important.
Can you use ground beef?
Yes, 90% or higher lean ground beef can make jerky, but the texture will be different than whole cuts. Consider a jerky gun.
What about exotic meats like venison or elk?
Venison and elk make fantastic jerky options with lean, tender, and flavorful meat perfect for jerky.
Does meat selection impact shelf life?
Yes, fattier cuts lead to shorter shelf life. Well-trimmed lean cuts allow jerky to dry properly for maximum shelf life.
Ready for Delicious Homemade Jerky?
Choosing the right cut of meat is critical for beef jerky success. Focus on lean, fresh, quality beef. With the perfect meat, you’ll be well on your way to incredible homemade jerky. Dig in to your flavorful and tender jerky reward!
Can you make beef jerky out of tri tip?
Trip tip makes for a fantastic cut of meat for jerky. It’s on the more expensive side, but it has the leanness factor that you’re looking for when it comes to jerky.
Make sure to slice the tri tip against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Overview of the Best Cuts of Beef for Jerky
There are a few important things to keep in mind when sourcing meat for beef jerky.