Beef jerky makes a great snack that is nutritious, but it can be expensive if bought already prepared. However, the snack is cheaper if the beef jerky is made at home. Jerky makes a healthy food to use between meals to refuel the body. To get started, an individual will need a few items to make the beef jerky.

Meat or beef cut into strips

Marinade

Resealable plastic bags

Sharp knife to cut up the meat

Baking pan

Dehydrator or oven The meat will be easier to cut in strips if it is placed in the freezer for a little while. This will make the meat firmer to cut or slice for the strips. Once the beef has been removed from the freezer, it will need to be cut lengthwise, and then cut it crosswise. The slices will need to be cut thin for the best results.

The marinade can consist of many seasonings to give the jerky a special taste. The seasonings do not have to be expensive to taste good. Just experiment with different spices to achieve a desirable flavour. Some ingredients that can be used for marinades can include the following list. An individual can choose to use only one seasoning, or he or she can choose to mix several together to marinate the beef with to make the beef jerky.

Worcestershire sauce

Teriyaki sauce

Onion Powder

Garlic powder

Sugar

Chili powder

Mustard

Barbecue sauce

Lime juice The best method for marinating the beef is to place the strips of meat into a large bag that can be sealed closed, and then refrigerate the meat for several hours to a full day for the flavours to soak into the meat. To make the jerky, an individual can use a dehydrator, or he or she can use a cheaper alternative method. The alternative method involves using the oven that is already in most homes. The oven will be set at a low temperature to dry out the meat. The beef strips will be placed on the oven rack with a baking pan placed underneath to catch any drippings from the marinade. The meat will then be baked at a low setting of 200 degrees until it has a dry texture. The baking time varies according to the marinades and the meat. It could take less than an hour or a little over an hour to sufficiently dry out the meat.

Beef jerky is dry and seasoned beef that taste delicious. Homemade beef jerky has an excellent flavour and texture. With so many choices of seasonings, an individual will want to try them all. Make a batch or several to take camping or on a hike for a quick snack while on the go. It is easy to store and carry beef jerky on any trip. Beef jerky has been around for a long time, and it is still being used to make nutritious and healthy snacks for people everywhere.