Jerky available at stores also have some unknown ingredients. One of them that most would not like to have is additives. Some examples are vegetable oil, liquid smoke, synthetic hormones, and MSG.
People can make paleo beef jerky at home with vinegar, salt, and spices, including garlic powder, onion, and cayenne.
How to cut beef for jerky
A paleo beef jerky recipe has various possible beef cuts. What is a very popular cut? It’s London broil. The reason is its low-fat content. It ensures that the jerky doesn’t get spoilt easily.
London broil is indeed amongst the most expensive meats. However, it’s amongst the leanest cuts for a paleo beef jerky recipe.
A vital factor for this beef cut is the width. People must make the cut broad enough for the dehydration process. However, the thickness should not be so much that people have difficulty chewing through.
It may take trial and error to get the right thickness. A piece of general advice is to make strips between 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 inches thick.
People who make jerky at home can choose:
- The sort of meat to use
- The right ingredients for the flavor profile
- The time of cooking
It’s important to trim the meat of excess fat before cutting the meat. Too much fat will impact the time that the jerky will last. The good news for people is that London broil isn’t fatty.
People should press down the meat with their free hand before slicing it. They should put pressure on it, as a steady grip is required to guarantee an even, straight slice.
They can start slicing from any edge. By holding the blade over the meat, they should cut straight through the meat.
How thick they want the slices to be is their preference. However, the strips should be uniform in thickness. This ensures that every strip dries evenly when making the jerky. A point to note is that the meat shrinks much when it is dehydrated. People should choose the thickness of their strips in view of this.
The time for which to marinate Beef Jerky at home
Marinating beef jerky at home decides the amount of flavor it takes. Thus, people should not rush this process. The general advice is marinating beef strips for approximately 48 hours.
People should
- Submerge the beef strips fully in the marinade
- Leave the strips long enough for the meat to absorb the marinade’s flavors
Time is vital for a paleo beef jerky recipe at home. Thus, people should plan ahead before making jerky at home.
Equipment needed for paleo beef jerky recipe
- A measuring cup
- A beater
- An oven or a dehydrator
- Airtight container
- A dehydrator tray
Ingredients needed
- London broil – about 3 pounds
- Coconut amino – 6 ounces – Coconut amino is a great alternative to soy sauce. People will get the same flavor sans soy and gluten
- Pineapple juice – 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
- Lemon juice – 2 ounces
- Smoked salt – 2 tablespoons
- Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Ginger – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Preparing the marinade
Preparing the marinade for making paleo beef jerky involves some steps.
Adding pineapple juice, lemon juice, coconut amino acids, and all the spices to Taking a measuring cup.
Whisking the ingredients well – It’s important to ensure that the beef jerky soaks up the most flavors it can.
Next is adding the marinade to the beef strips. People should arrange the strips such that they fully submerge in the marinade. They should empty the marinade over the meat strips and cover and refrigerate it anywhere between 1 and 3 days. They should leave it for a minimum of 24 hours.
Preparing the jerky
Preparing the jerky also involves some steps.
Post marinating the meat for at least 24 hours is dehydrating the beef strips. For this, people should take the meat out of the marinade and make one layer on a dehydrator tray or a baking rack in the oven.
After placing the baking tray inside the dehydrator is to set to the jerky setting. The strips must be dehydrated for a maximum of 8 hours.
What about households without a dehydrator? They can put the meat on a rack inside an oven preheated to 175 degrees to 200 degrees for a maximum of 6 hours.
What after dehydrating the jerky for some hours? People should take the baking sheet out of the oven.
Next is placing the jerky inside an airtight container. On being stored right, the jerky will remain eatable for a maximum of a couple of weeks.
After the paleo beef jerky is made, people can keep it in an airtight container for a week or so. A good thing to do is to place a paper towel inside the container. The paper towel absorbs any surplus moisture. This measure will make certain that the jerky stays delicious for longer.
People can make the jerky at home last more by refrigerating the container. The jerky will stay palatable for a maximum of two weeks.
People on a paleo diet need not deprive themselves of yummy snacks. Most people will love the paleo beef jerky recipe that we have discussed.
Also read:
Paleo Diet Mistakes- What Are Some Facts to Know
ts. Another equally good alternative is the top round or bottom round. These cuts are also lean and cost-effective. The flank steak, while flavorful, may not make the best jerky due to its high-fat content. However, if you crave a bit of fat in your jerky, flank steak might be the way to go.
Now, how do you cut the beef for jerky? The orientation of your cut can determine the texture of your jerky. For a chewier jerky, cut with the grain. On the other hand, if you prefer a less tough texture, cut against the grain. Ensure your cuts are consistently thin, about 1/4 inch thick, for even drying.
Preparing Your Beef Strips
Before we dive into the actual preparation of the beef jerky recipe, let’s first address meat safety. It’s always a good idea to freeze your beef strips for about an hour before you start preparing them. This step helps kill off any bacteria that may be present and also makes the beef easier to slice.
Marinating Your Beef Strips
One of the key steps in making jerky is marinating the beef strips. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps in the preservation process. A basic paleo-friendly marinade could include apple cider vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for some heat. Feel free to experiment with other spices and flavors such as smoked paprika, chipotle, or even a dash of honey for a touch of sweetness. Remember, the goal is to create a marinade that suits your palate.
After you’ve prepared your marinade, place your beef strips in a ziplock bag, pour in the marinade, and ensure all the beef strips are well-coated. Seal the bag and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least six hours, although marinating for 24 hours will yield more flavorful results.
Dehydrating Your Beef Strips
Now comes the fun part, dehydrating the beef strips. If you have a dehydrator, this step will be a breeze. Set your dehydrator to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange your beef strips on the trays. Be sure not to overlap the strips as this can lead to uneven drying. Dehydrate the beef strips for about 4 to 6 hours, but remember to check them periodically. The jerky is done when it bends and cracks but does not break.
If you don’t have a dehydrator, don’t worry. You can still make jerky in your oven. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, ideally 170 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Place an aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch any drippings. Arrange your beef strips on a baking rack and place it in the oven. Prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. This process will take longer, about 6 to 8 hours, but the result is just as delicious.
Storing Your Homemade Paleo Beef Jerky
Once your jerky is done, let it cool before storing. You can store your homemade paleo beef jerky in an airtight container or ziplock bag. If stored properly, the jerky can last up to two weeks at room temperature. However, for longer storage, you can refrigerate the jerky where it can last for several months.
Benefits of Homemade Paleo Beef Jerky
There are many benefits to making your own paleo beef jerky at home. First, you control the ingredients, which means you can avoid all the artificial additives and preservatives found in store-bought jerky. You can also customize the flavors to suit your taste. Moreover, homemade jerky is a cost-effective and convenient snack, especially for those on a paleo diet. It’s rich in protein, low in fat and carbs, and incredibly satisfying.
So, the next time you’re looking for a paleo-friendly snack, why not try making your own beef jerky? With this simple, easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy delicious, homemade jerky anytime you want.
