Jerky.com Beef Jerky Questions
Beef Jerky Questions, Answered
Beef jerky is lean beef that's sliced, marinated and dried low and slow into a high-protein snack in strips or slabs. Here are quick answers to the 20 questions people ask most, from what cut is used to why it's called jerky.
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Beef jerky basics
What is beef jerky?
Beef jerky is lean beef that's sliced, marinated and dried low and slow until it becomes a chewy, savory snack. Some styles are smoked too. It comes in strips or slabs and is ready to eat right from the bag. See How Is Beef Jerky Made?
What animals can jerky be made from?
Beef is the classic, but jerky can be made from almost any lean meat. We make turkey, pork, chicken and exotic jerky like venison (deer), elk, buffalo, wild boar and alligator, plus fish jerky. See our exotic jerky guide and What Is Turkey Jerky?
What cut of beef is used for jerky?
Jerky is made from lean, whole-muscle cuts, often from the round, because fat can turn rancid during storage. Round roasts and rump roasts are common picks for homemade jerky, and our buffalo jerky is made from top round.
Is beef jerky raw meat?
No. Commercial jerky is made in federally inspected plants, where the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service monitors the process. For homemade jerky, the USDA recommends heating meat to 160Ā°F before drying it.
Is beef jerky healthy?
Is beef jerky good for you?
The USDA describes jerky as a nutrient-dense meat. It's high in protein and usually made from lean cuts. Like any snack, it depends on the flavor: sweet marinades add sugar, and most jerky has a fair amount of salt. Read more in Is Beef Jerky Healthy? and How to Choose Low-Sugar Jerky
How much protein is in beef jerky?
It depends on the meat and flavor. Because drying removes most of the water, the protein in the meat is concentrated into a light, easy snack.
Is beef jerky keto-friendly?
Many savory, peppered and spicy jerkies are low in sugar and carbs, while sweet flavors like teriyaki or honey carry more sugar. Browse our Keto Friendly collection.
Why is beef jerky so high in sodium?
Salt is the most common jerky ingredient. It adds flavor, helps pull moisture out of the meat and helps jerky keep. Looking for less? Our Original Venison Jerky is described as low in sodium and sugar.
Can you eat beef jerky while losing weight?
Many people reach for jerky as a high-protein snack. If you're watching calories, pick a portion that fits your plan and lean toward savory flavors, which tend to have less sugar.
How do you make beef jerky at home?
How do you make beef jerky at home?
Slice lean beef into strips, marinate it in the fridge, heat it to 160Ā°F, then dry it until it bends and cracks without snapping. Follow our step-by-step guide, How to Make Beef Jerky at Home, or browse our beef jerky recipes for 100+ flavors, or read the most common ways to make jerky at home.
How long does it take to dehydrate beef jerky?
It depends on how thin the strips are and the dehydrator or oven you use. It usually takes several hours. One university extension oven method lists 9 to 24 hours of drying after the meat is precooked.
Should you cut jerky with or against the grain?
Cut against the grain for a more tender jerky. Cut with the grain for a longer, chewier bite.
What temperature should beef jerky be dried at?
The USDA recommends heating meat to 160Ā°F (poultry to 165Ā°F) first, then drying at a steady 130Ā°F to 140Ā°F. Many dehydrators can't reach 160Ā°F on their own, so a food thermometer helps.
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?
No. The USDA notes that because most of the moisture is removed, jerky is shelf stable and can be stored without refrigeration. That's why it's such an easy grab-and-go snack.
How long does beef jerky last once opened?
Most jerky has a best-by date of six months to a year after its production date. Jerky is made for snacking, though, so most bags don't stick around that long. Just close the bag between snacks.
Can beef jerky go bad or mold?
Like any food, jerky can spoil if it picks up moisture. If a piece smells off or shows mold, toss it.
What is the white packet in a jerky bag?
Most jerky bags have one. It's an oxygen absorber that pulls oxygen out of the sealed bag to keep the jerky fresh. It's marked "Do not eat," so just throw it away.
Why is beef jerky so expensive?
Why is beef jerky so expensive?
Meat loses about 55 to 80% of its weight as it dries, because most of that weight is water. That means it takes about 2 to 5 pounds of raw beef to make 1 pound of jerky, plus trimming and hours of drying.
Who invented beef jerky?
No single person did. People have dried meat since at least ancient Egypt, according to the USDA. The Quechua people of the Andes made a dried meat called ch'arki, and Native Americans made pemmican from dried meat mixed with fat or berries.
Why is it called jerky?
The word comes from the Quechua ch'arki, meaning dried meat. Spanish speakers called it charqui, and English speakers turned that into jerky. Read more in our History of Jerky.
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