Beef jerky is one of my favourite snacks. It's really filling, full of good fats and protein and easy to store. That is if you make your own. The shop bought stuff can have some nasty added ingredients.
These ingredients are from a packet of Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky:
Beef, water, Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soy Beans, Salt), Salt, Corn syrup Solids, Flavourings, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Dextrose, Flavour Enhancer: (Monosodium Glutamate), Antioxidant:(Sodium Erythorbate), Preservative: (Sodium Nitrite), Smoke Flavour.
Yeah, that's not even remotely paleo. So make your own! Whilst it's a lot easier to make in a dehydrator (this is mine), you can also give it a try in your oven.
Recipe: Quick & easy beef jerky
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Dehydrator or Oven
- Ziplock bag
Ingredients
- Grass-fed beef try sirloin or flank steak
- Coconut aminos
- Sea Salt
- Olive Oil
- Cinnamon
- Chilli
- Paprika
- Ground Pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: First, slice the meat really thin for the best results. To achieve this, wrap the beef and put it in the freezer for a couple of hours until it is not quite solid.
- Slice the Beef: Once the meat is partially frozen, remove it from the freezer. Using a sharp knife (and a lot of care!), slice the beef into thin, consistent slices so they will all require the same drying time.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the meat slices in a ziplock bag. Add coconut aminos, sea salt, and olive oil to the bag. Seal the bag and ensure the mixture coats all of the meat. Put the bag in the fridge and allow the meat to marinate overnight.
- Season the Beef: Remove the strips from the bag and dust them with cinnamon, chilli, paprika, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dehydrate the Beef:Using a Dehydrator: Space the strips out evenly on the shelves in your dehydrator. Keep checking, but your jerky should be dry in 2 to 4 hours.Using an Oven: Preheat your oven to 70°C (165°F). Place the strips on a wire rack with an oven tray underneath to catch the drips. Expect oven dehydration to take two to three hours.
- Check for Doneness: Whichever method you choose, make sure the meat is cooked all the way through and fully dry before removing it.
- Store the Jerky: Store the jerky in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade, healthy snack!
Homemade beef jerky is a game-changer for those following a paleo diet. Not only do you avoid all the unhealthy additives, but you also get a delicious, protein-packed snack that's perfect for any time of the day. Have you tried making your own beef jerky? Share your tips and favourite flavour combinations in the comments below!
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Made this quick and easy beef jerky and it turned out great! So much better than store-bought, and I love knowing exactly what's in it. Perfect for a healthy snack. Thanks for the recipe!