Homemade Beef Jerky FAQ
Here are some common questions when it comes to making and storing beef jerky. Feel free to contact us with any other questions!
What is homemade beef jerky?
Homemade beef jerky is a type of dried meat snack that is made by marinating strips of beef in a mixture of spices and then drying them until they are tough and chewy.
Is our homemade beef jerky gluten-free?
Yes! All of the seasonings and spice blends that we use are gluten-free.
Why is homemade beef jerky better than store-bought jerky?
Homemade beef jerky is often healthier and more flavorful than store-bought jerky, as it contains no preservatives or added chemicals. Additionally, homemade beef jerky can be customized to your taste preferences, allowing you to experiment with different spices and flavors.
How is homemade beef jerky made?
To make homemade beef jerky, start by selecting a lean cut of beef, such as flank steak. We use sirloin tip roast for a little extra flavor. Trim the fat off the beef and slice it into thin strips. Then, mix together a marinade of your choice using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a premade mix too if you want an easy start! Add the beef strips to the marinade and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Once marinated, remove the beef strips from the marinade and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Use a dehydrator set to 160°F for two hours, then flip and continue at 140°F. If you don't have a dehydrator, don't worry! Bake the beef strips in the oven on low heat (around 175°F) for several hours instead. Continue cooking the jerky strips until they are dry and tough.
Is homemade beef jerky healthy?
Homemade beef jerky can be a healthy snack option, as it is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. However, it's important to watch your portion sizes and avoid overeating, as homemade beef jerky can also be high in sodium.
What are some creative ways to use homemade beef jerky?
Homemade beef jerky can be used in a variety of recipes, such as salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or used as a topping for soups and stews.
How long does beef jerky last?
Beef jerky will last about a week if left open and out. Our jerky comes vacuum sealed with an oxygen absorber to maximize its shelf life.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
Freezing beef jerky can greatly extend the time before it spoils, but it it should only be done if it is vacuum sealed. This will keep your jerky for as long as possible as an emergency food source.
How do you store beef jerky?
If your bag of jerky is still sealed it can be kept in a cool, dry place for the best freshness. If the bag is already open and you want to save it a little longer seal it in a zip-close bag and store it in the fridge. This will help prevent the jerky from spoiling.
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
No, our vacuum-sealed bags of made-to-order beef jerky are able to last for months without refrigeration!
How long does beef jerky last in the fridge...
Opened?
About one month.
Unopened?
About one year!
Is homemade beef jerky healthy?
As our beef jerky is homemade and made-to-order, we know exactly what goes into the process. That means no extra preservatives, unwanted ingredients, or excess fat! It is also a great source of protein and an energy-dense snack.
How do you make jerky last for years?
If you want to prepare long-term food storage, then keep the beef jerky in its vacuum-sealed mylar bag. As long as the bag doesn't get punctured the mylar bag is sealed and prevents oxygen, which allows for spoilage, from entering. The oxygen absorber inside eliminates any bit of oxygen leftover after the bag has been vacuum sealed.
What ingredients do you use to make the jerky?
I use sirloin tip roast for the meat and Nesco jerky seasonings for the flavors. Their full ingredients may be found here.
The custom flavor for Tajin includes Tajin with its full ingredients listed here.
How long will it take to deliver my order?
Once shipped with UPS, delivery time varies based on distance. A rough delivery time estimate map is below.
