What Meats Can Be Used To Make Jerky?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Jerky can be made from almost any lean meat,

including beef, pork, venison or smoked turkey breast

. (Raw poultry is generally not recommended for use in making jerky because of the texture and flavor of the finished product.)

Is Chuck Roast good for beef jerky?

While chuck steaks and

roasts are suitable for making jerky

, it can be time-consuming to trim all of the excess fat from the meat beforehand. Additionally, the high-fat content means that the jerky won’t stay fresh for as long.

What kind of meat can you use to make jerky?

The best cuts of meat for beef jerky are

Top Round, Bottom Round

Can jerky be made from cooked meat?

Jerky can be made from

just about any meat, poultry or game

. Meat selections should contain less than 10 percent fat.

What animal makes the best jerky?


Venison (Deer)

Venison (or deer meat) is by far one of the most popular and best cuts of meat for jerky. It’s because venison is typically that perfect blend of tender and lean with minimal to no interior marbling, which is ideal for making jerky.

How long does homemade jerky last?

If you follow the steps below, you can expect your homemade jerky to last

1-2 months after initial airtight

packaging. When stored in ziplock type bags in a dark pantry, jerky will last about 1 week; In a refrigerator, jerky will last 1-2 weeks.

What is cowboy jerky?

A story about beef jerky – Real tradition cowboy type beef jerky was

the meat pulled from the side of a cow and meat scraps leftover from butchering

(hence the toughness), thick meaty cuts were cured in a salty brine with whatever herbs or spices they had on hand, often it was twisted and tied into knots and then hung …

How thick should I cut beef for jerky?

When you’re actually cutting meat for beef jerky, it’s important to cut it

one-fourth-of-an-inch thick

, and a meat slicer will help with this. If the jerky is too thick it will be too chewy, and it if it’s too thin, it’ll become too tough.

Can you use a food dehydrator to make jerky?

If you’re making the jerky in a dehydrator, lay the strips out in a single layer on the trays of your dehydrator. Then follow the dehydrator’s instructions to cook the beef jerky until it is dry and firm, yet still a little bit pliable. (With my dehydrator, that meant cooking the jerky on medium heat for about 8 hours.

Do you need curing salt for jerky?

I also recommend using curing salt when making turkey or chicken jerky due to salmonella. Better to be safe than sorry! …

No jerky

recipe NEEDS cure as long as beef is heated to 160°F and fowl to 165°F. But it is another line of defense to kill bacteria and allows your jerky to last longer.

Can you put cooked meat in dehydrator?

Spread cooked ground meat on dehydrator trays, covered with non-stick sheets or parchment paper. Dehydrate at 145F/63C for

4 to 6 hours

until completely dry and brittle. Blot off any fat with paper towel once or twice while drying. Put into vacuum-sealed containers, glass jars or zip lock bags.

Is pork good for jerky?

Jerky can be made from beef, venison, pork or poultry. It’s important to

use only lean meat

, containing 10 percent fat or less. This is necessary because fat from meat becomes rancid quickly and excess fat may leak out of a dehydrator. … The same should be done with pork.

Is Chicken Jerky healthier than beef jerky?

Similar to turkey jerky, chicken jerky is high in protein, but

naturally lower in fat than beef

, which makes it a healthier alternative. Chicken jerky is also a popular dog treat as long as they are made safely with clean ingredients.

Can you get botulism from jerky?

The most serious additive is

sodium nitrite

, which is added to jerky to inhibit the growth of bacterial spores that cause botulism, a potentially deadly food borne illness. Nitrites are added to many processed meat products (think ham, bacon, and hot dogs), and also help to preserve the color of the meat.

What is the white stuff on beef jerky?

White spots on beef jerky can be

mold, fat, or salt

. Proper identification is key. Fat and salt particles on the outside of beef jerky are perfectly safe to eat, but jerky that shows any signs of mold should be discarded.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.