May
7
2012
Beef Jerky
Author: adminBeef Jerky
6 lbs. Top round steak
Soy sauce (low sodium if you want)
Light brown sugar
Chinese five spice
2 – 3 cloves garlic (optional)
1 – 2 Green onion (optional
My basic recipe uses just the top 4 ingredients. Sometimes I’ll mix things up a bit and add garlic and onions to the marinade, but lately, it’s been just the soy, brown sugar, and five spice. Use whatever marinade you like, but I do not recommend using store bought terriyaki bottles. They dry too salty.
In a large deep bowl, add about 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 cups water, 2 packed tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of five spice. Wisk to stir. Taste and adjust. Add more soy or more sugar according to what you want.
Slice the steak into 1/4-inch strips, against the grain. I use top round steak. I think it works better and comes out nice and “meaty.” I have tried other types of steak, but this one works best, I think.
Put the steak in the marinade. Make sure all of the pieces are coated and covered. Use some plastic wrap and cover the bowl. I usually put the wrap right on the surface of the meat and liquid to keep out any air. You could also put the meat and marinade in a plasic zip-lock bag. Put it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
Note that the amount of steak I buy completely fills my dehydrator. I have it down to a science — 6 steaks fills my 9 trays. Buy what will fit your tray set up.
In the morning, drain the steak and lay the strips on the trays with room between each piece so you don’t stifle the air flow.
I dry it at about 135 degrees, and it takes anywhere from 8 – 12 hours or more, depending on how thick you cut the pieces. Rotate the trays every 2 hours or so in order for the pieces to dry evenly. Dry until the moisture is gone and they are firm and a little brittle. If you keep a lot of moisture in the pieces, put them in the fridge, and eat them right away. You have to dry them completely for long storage — no moisture! Moisture will breed bacteria and mold.
I don’t have any pics of the finished product. I was charging my camera battery and forgot to take pics after. You know what good jerky looks like, though… LOL!