How Jerky Is Made
From fresh beef to your favorite snack
Beef jerky is made by trimming lean beef, slicing it into strips, marinating it in seasoning, then drying it low and slow until it turns into jerky. Some styles are smoked too. Every step changes the flavor and chew, which is why one jerky can be soft and tender and another old-fashioned and tough.
- The classic: All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original (from $8.99)
- Smoked for hours: Old Fashioned Style Beef Jerky - Hickory (from $10.99)
- Soft and tender: Soft and Tender Style Beef Jerky - Original (from $8.99)
- Taste five styles: Beef Jerky Sampler Pack ($22.99)
What are the steps to make beef jerky?
- Trim: start with a lean cut and trim off the fat.
- Slice: cut the meat into strips.
- Marinate: soak the strips in a seasoning blend.
- Dry: dry them low and slow. Some styles are smoked as well.
- Pack: cool and bag it, ready to grab and go.
What meat is used for jerky?
Jerky needs lean meat, because fat doesn't dry well. That's why lean whole-muscle cuts are the standard. Our buffalo jerky, for example, is hand-sliced from top-round buffalo. The same process works for turkey, pork and exotic meats. See What Is Turkey Jerky?, Pork Jerky and Bacon Jerky and What Is Exotic Jerky?.
What does the marinade do?
The marinade is where the flavor comes from. A simple one keeps the beef front and center. Our All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original highlights the natural flavor of the beef, and All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper is the same idea, heavier on the peppercorn. Bolder marinades bring sweet, smoky or hot flavors.
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original
From $8.99
Our best-selling jerky. The more you chew, the more flavor you unlock.
Shop now“Loved it had a good favor will be getting more ty”
— Carolyn W., Judge.me review
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper
From $8.99
Simple recipe, heavier on the peppercorn.
Shop now“Once you have this jerky you wont order anywhere else”
— Katie D., Judge.me review
How is jerky dried and smoked?
Jerky is dried slowly at low heat, which is what turns fresh meat into a chewy snack. Some styles get smoke along the way. Our Old Fashioned Style Beef Jerky - Hickory is smoked for hours and hours for an old-fashioned chew.
Old Fashioned Style Beef Jerky - Hickory
From $10.99
Made the old-fashioned way and smoked for hours.
Shop now“i make my own jerky at home and this is done right! it is worth the price excellent product cared for clean packaging. Good job company for taking care of your product and caring to put out an excellent food item. thank you”
— Kristina M., Judge.me review
Why are some jerkies soft and others tough?
The slice, the marinade and the drying all change the chew. Our Soft and Tender line is designed to be moist and easy to chew, while our Old Fashioned line is made for people who like a tougher chew. Read the full breakdown in Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky.
Soft and Tender Style Beef Jerky - Original
From $8.99
Moist and easier to chew, in classic Original flavor.
Shop now“Soft easy to chew”
— John C.R., Judge.me review
Can I make jerky at home?
You can. Our Jerky on a Budget blog has guides like the most common ways to make jerky at home. Or skip the work and grab a sampler.
How does the process change the taste?
Every step leaves its mark. A lean cut gives a clean, beefy flavor. The marinade decides whether a bag tastes savory, sweet, peppery or hot. Smoke adds depth, which is why a hickory-smoked old-fashioned jerky tastes so different from a classic Original even when both start with beef.
Drying matters too. Jerky that's dried to stay moist eats soft and tender. Jerky that's dried longer, or smoked for hours, eats tougher and chewier. Neither is better. It just depends on what you like.
That's why the easiest way to learn about jerky is to taste a few styles. Try a classic, a soft and tender flavor and an old-fashioned flavor. You'll quickly see how the same simple steps can make three very different snacks.
Then try a different meat. Turkey, pork and exotic meats like elk and buffalo follow the same basic process, and each brings its own flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How is beef jerky made?
Lean beef is trimmed, sliced into strips, marinated in seasoning, then dried low and slow until it becomes jerky. Some styles are smoked as well.
What cut of beef is used for jerky?
Jerky is made from lean cuts, because fat doesn't dry well. Our buffalo jerky, for example, is made from top-round.
Why is jerky marinated?
The marinade is where the flavor comes from, whether that's savory Original, peppery Black Pepper or Carolina Reaper heat.
Is jerky cooked or dried?
Jerky is dried, slowly, at low heat. That's what turns fresh meat into a chewy, savory snack.
Why are some jerkies chewier than others?
Slicing, drying time and style all change the chew. Soft and Tender jerky is moist and easy to chew, while Old Fashioned jerky is smoked for hours for a tougher chew.
Is all jerky smoked?
No. Some styles are smoked, like Old Fashioned Style Beef Jerky - Hickory, which is smoked for hours.
Is Jerky.com jerky all-natural?
Many of our jerkies are all-natural with no added preservatives or MSG, such as All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper.
Can I make jerky at home?
Yes. Our Jerky on a Budget blog covers home jerky making, from slicing to racking methods.
What jerky should I try first?
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original, our best-seller, is the classic. Or Take the Quiz, Get a Free Bag.
Find your jerky
Not sure where to start? Our What Jerky Is Right for You? guide breaks down meats, flavors, heat and texture.
Keep reading: Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky · Jerky vs. Meat Sticks · How to Choose Low-Sugar Jerky