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Homemade Hamburger Beef Jerky
Making jerky from ground beef instead of whole cuts is one of the easiest ways to get started with home jerky making, since you skip the slicing step entirely and get a more consistent texture from batch to batch. Ground beef jerky also lets you mix in seasonings directly into the meat rather than relying on a marinade to soak in, which means every bite gets the same flavor instead of just the surface. It is a great option for anyone who wants homemade jerky without investing in a meat slicer or dealing with partially frozen cuts.
The key to good ground beef jerky is using lean meat, ideally 90 percent lean or higher, since excess fat does not dehydrate well and can turn rancid faster than the lean meat around it, shortening shelf life. Mixing the seasoning thoroughly into the raw meat before pressing it into strips or using a jerky gun ensures even flavor throughout, and letting the mixture rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before dehydrating gives the seasoning time to fully penetrate the meat. A dehydrator with an adjustable thermostat set around 160 degrees is ideal, though a low oven with the door slightly cracked can work in a pinch.
Properly dried jerky should bend and crack slightly without snapping cleanly in half, which indicates the right balance of moisture removed for safe storage without being brittle. Stored in an airtight container or vacuum sealed bag, homemade jerky keeps for one to two months at room temperature, or considerably longer in the refrigerator or freezer. Beyond snacking, ground beef jerky is a lightweight, high-protein option that holds up well for backpacking, road trips, and long-term food storage.
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| My Nesco dehydrator and jerky. |
I can say that the smaller dual strip adapter is what I will use from now on. It makes no difference in the taste of course, but I noticed a big difference in space management on the dehydrator racks. The dual adapter allows me to put more jerky per rack.
The fragrance wafting off this jerky was so wonderful that Wifey had a daughter blow out our fragrance candle so we could enjoy the jerky smell.
This is all part of the Nesco jerky kit found on Amazon. I highly recommend it if you haven't already figured out your own recipe.
~OJD
I wish I had Smell-o-vision for your post.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh yummy!!
ReplyDeleteThe Nesco jerky mixes are mega-loaded with nitrates (yes, your body requires and gets nitrates from plant, water and other sources naturally, but not in concentrated doses),as found in meat preservatives. As a healthier version for jerky, try adding teriyaki sauce or soy sauce, liquid smoke in very small drizzles, and any other spices you really like into the meat mixture, making your own concoction, and keep it wrapped in a ziplock in the fridge.
ReplyDelete