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Well, let me tell you, making beef jerky at home ain’t as hard as folks think. You don’t even need one of them fancy dehydrators! You can whip up a tasty batch right in your oven. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have yourself some delicious jerky to munch on.
First off, you gotta start with some good beef. A nice cut like flank steak or top round works real well. You want something lean, ‘cause the fat ain’t gonna dry out right and could spoil your jerky. Make sure to get a piece that’s nice and fresh.
Now, before you start cutting, pop that meat in the freezer for about half an hour. This makes it easier to slice thin. You want those slices to be about a quarter-inch thick. Not too thick, or they won’t dry out properly, and not too thin, or they’ll crumble into bits.
Once you’ve got your meat all sliced up, it’s time to flavor it. You can make a simple marinade with stuff you probably already have at home. Just mix together:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: some red pepper flakes for a kick
Now, take your sliced meat and put it in a big bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour that marinade over it, making sure every piece gets covered. Seal it up and let it sit in the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight is even better if you can wait!
When you’re ready to make the jerky, preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually around 150°F to 170°F. If your oven don’t go that low, just keep the door cracked open a bit to let some heat escape. Spread the marinated meat out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t let ‘em touch; they need space to breathe!
Put that tray on the lowest rack in the oven and let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours. You’ll want to flip the pieces halfway through so they dry evenly. You know it’s done when the jerky is firm and bends without breaking. Don’t rush it, ‘cause you want that good chew!
Once it’s ready, let the jerky cool down. Then, if you have any left (which is unlikely), you can store it in an airtight container. It should last a good while, but I doubt it’ll hang around too long with how good it tastes!
There you go! Homemade beef jerky without any fuss. Perfect for road trips or just snacking at home. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t regret it!
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Tags：[beef jerky, homemade jerky, easy recipe, snacks, cooking tips]
