Western Style Beef Jerky Recipes

BEEF JERKY, COWBOY STYLE BEEF JERKY

Steps:

• In a very large bowl mix up all ingredients except the meat and set aside.
• If using a whole brisket separate the flat half and the point half, put the point half away for another use (like smoking it). Trim all the fat from the flat half, it needs to be very lean (You butcher may do this for you, along with slicing it).
• You can partially freeze this for easier slicing, slice into 1/8 or slightly thicker. If you need to, cut in lengths to fit your dehydrator. Or use a gas oven set on 145°F.
• Add slices to bowl with the marinade, with clean hands make sure all the meat is coated without any "dry spots". Press down the meat to remove air and bring marinade to the top.
• Allow to marinade for about 4 hours, stirring the meat a few times during this period to keep the meat coated. I use my hands, washed of course, then press the meat down again.
• If you need more marinade just scale down the recipe and make a little more.
• Place slices in the dehydrator and dehydrate according to manufacturers directions.
• If using a gas oven (I didn't like the results from an electric oven), place several sheets of foil across the bottom of oven, do not cover the heat vents, heat to 145 F, place slices directly on oven rack and close door.
• Allow to dry for 6 to 8 hours. The jerky needs to be dry but still pliable, NOT crunchy. It will bend but not break.
• Store in an airtight container after it has cooled completely.
• When you are eating this pretend your a cowboy on horseback in a cattle drive, all you have to eat everyday is beans, hard bread and beef jerky, tear off a piece with your teeth, jam in down between your cheek and gum, suck on it for a minute or 2, then slowly start chewing the edge until it is gone. LOL, or just enjoy it however you like.
• I call this jerky "Cowboy Style" because it is very tough and chewy, if you do not like tough jerky then use whatever meat you prefer. Round roast works well, just make sure the cut you use is very lean and trimmed of all fat. Fat can turn rancid.

GROUND BEEF JERKY

Steps:

• Stir salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a large bowl; add ground beef and mix well.
• Pass beef mixture through a meat grinder set with the finest blade.
• Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place wire-racks onto baking sheets.
• Place 1/2 ground beef mixture between two sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly roll beef mixture to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Remove the top layer of plastic wrap, invert beef mixture onto prepared baking sheet, and remove the bottom layer of plastic wrap. Repeat for remaining beef mixture.
• Bake beef mixture in the preheated oven with the oven door slightly ajar for 2 1/2 hours. Rotate the baking sheet. Bake until jerky is cooked through, another 3 hours. Remove jerky from oven and cut into strips while warm.

DOC'S BEST BEEF JERKY

Steps:

• Place beef strips in the bottom of a large bowl. Pour soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over beef. Mix to assure all the meat is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
• Remove meat from bowl and place between two pieces of plastic wrap; pound to 1/8-inch thickness.
• Arrange the meat strips on the tray of a dehydrator and dry at your dehydrator's highest setting until done to your liking, at least 4 hours. Store in an airtight container or resealable bags.

HOMEMADE BEEF JERKY

Steps:

• Whisk Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a bowl. Add beef to bowl and turn to coat beef completely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator, 3 hours to overnight.
• Preheat oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over the foil.
• Transfer beef to paper towels to dry. Discard marinade. Arrange beef slices in a single layer on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet.
• Bake beef in the preheated oven until dry and leathery, 3 to 4 hours. Cut with scissors into bite-size pieces.