Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe
Crafting Delicious Beef Jerky with a Fruity Aroma, No Artificial Color Enhancers Used
Enjoy this wonderfully healthy homemade beef jerky, lightly salted and perfect as a snack for children! It’s also an exquisite gift for esteemed guests. Infused with the subtle sweetness and delightful fragrance of fruits, this jerky is a treat for all ages. Made with care and without any artificial additives, share the joy of this special jerky with your loved ones.
Main Ingredients
- 3kg Beef Round (lean cut suitable for jerky)
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 medium apple
- 1 medium pear
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
- 1 medium apple
- 1 medium pear
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 3kg of beef round, the ideal cut for making jerky. Its leanness and mild flavor are perfect for achieving the desired jerky texture.
Step 2
Carefully trim any excess fat and sinew from the beef. Then, slice it against the grain into pieces about 0.5cm thick. Slicing thinly ensures the marinade penetrates well and aids in drying.
Step 3
Place the sliced beef in cold water and soak for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to remove all blood. Thoroughly draining the blood is crucial to prevent any gamey odor and ensure a clean taste.
Step 4
During the soaking process, change the water 2-3 times to effectively draw out more blood.
Step 5
Once the blood is removed, drain the beef well in a colander. Marinate the beef with 3 tablespoons of mirin, massaging it in. Let it sit for 2 hours. Mirin helps to tenderize the meat and eliminate any unwanted odors.
Step 6
Prepare the key ingredients that will define the jerky’s flavor and aroma: apple, pear, onion, whole peppercorns, dried licorice root, bay leaves, and garlic. These fresh fruits and aromatics will add a rich depth to your jerky.
Step 7
In a pot, combine 1 and 1/3 cups of soy sauce and 1 cup of water. Add the chopped apple, pear, and onion. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors of the fruits to infuse into the soy sauce.
Step 8
As the fruits soften, their natural sweetness and fragrance will beautifully meld with the soy sauce, creating a wonderfully aromatic blend.
Step 9
Strain the cooked fruits and vegetables from the soy sauce mixture and let the liquid cool completely. Once cooled, stir in 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to create the final jerky marinade. You can also add the garlic powder at this stage.
Step 10
Drain the mirin-marinated beef thoroughly. Pat the surface of the meat completely dry with paper towels. Ensuring the meat is dry is essential to prevent mold during the drying process.
Step 11
Pour the prepared marinade over the dried beef. Massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly with your hands, ensuring every piece is well-coated. This step is crucial for deep flavor penetration.
Step 12
Transfer the marinated beef to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. Cold marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
Step 13
Arrange the marinated beef slices on the drying racks of your dehydrator (like a L’EQUIP). Ensure the pieces are spread out and not overlapping. Set the dehydrator temperature to 70°C (158°F) and the timer for 7 hours.
Step 14
This is the state of the jerky after 1 hour of drying. It’s still quite moist, and the meat is beginning to lose its water content.
Step 15
Every 2 hours during the drying process, rotate the shelves within the dehydrator (top to bottom, bottom to top). Before the jerky is fully dry, gently handle the pieces with your hands to shape them, flattening them as needed for an even texture and appearance. This ensures uniform drying.
Step 16
This is the final result after 7 hours of drying. The jerky is wonderfully chewy yet retains a slight moisture, creating a perfect texture.
Step 17
Once completely cooled, wrap the dried jerky in cheesecloth or a linen cloth and press it flat under a heavy object. This helps to shape it nicely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. To enjoy, simply take out a piece, lightly grill it, or brush it with a little sesame oil for an enhanced flavor.
Step 18
Homemade jerky, made with such care, is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making it an ideal gift for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a token of appreciation for your loved ones. Wrap it attractively and share your heartfelt gift.
Step 19
This recipe avoids artificial color enhancers like sodium nitrite, commonly found in store-bought jerky, ensuring it’s a healthy and safe choice. Enjoy this delicious, homemade beef jerky – perfect as a snack for kids or an accompaniment to drinks for adults!
