Paleo eaters are the modern-day cavemen. They put high-protein snacks on the rage for promoting weight loss. Finding a snack is one of the most challenging jobs when following a paleo diet plan. Beef jerky is a good option to try for this. The high protein percentage in beef jerky makes it a perfect hunger suppressant. Moreover, it does not influence the insulin level in the body and helps to regulate the storage of fat in the body. Beef jerky is also a pretty rugged savory snack. The paleo beef jerky recipes give the taste of spiced meat without a fuss and are also perfect for taking on the go.
The paleo beef jerky recipes can satisfy one’s meaty munchies. Although plenty of beef jerky varieties are available in the market, not all of them are paleo. Those contain tons of preservatives and other chemicals, and, it is why making beef jerky at home is the best option for paleo eaters. Here, one knows everything that goes into it and gets a perfect paleo snack.
Choosing the best meat
Lean meat is the best for paleo beef jerky recipes. The top & bottom round, lifter, pectoral, and flank happen to be the best cuts for beef jerky. These are all lean meats full of flavor. One should buy USDA-certified beef for that. Dehydration is the most critical step of making beef jerky and has to be done properly. The meat reduces by almost two-thirds during the process. So, one must buy three pounds of beef for making one pound of jerky.
Paleo beef jerky recipes
Paleo beef jerky recipe no.1
It is a delicious and flavorful paleo beef jerky that does not contain added sugar or artificial ingredients. You require a smoker or an oven for this.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3lbs grass-fed top round cuts
- 1/4cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4cup of maple syrup
- 1/4cup of coconut aminos
- 1/4cup of brown mustard
- 2Tablespoons fish sauce
- 1Tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2Tablespoons onion powder
- 1Tablespoon pepper
- 1Tablespoon chili powder
- 1Tablespoon salt
Preparation
Put the beef in the freezer for about one and a half hours. Then slice into 1/4 inch strips going against the grain.
Now prepare the marinade by mixing the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Add the beef strips into the bowl and mix well. Also, ensure to cover the meat completely with the marinade and again place in the freezer for 12-24 hours with occasional stirring so that every strip has the marinade coating
Next, heat the smoker or oven to 150 degrees. Use aluminum foil lining at the bottom for cooking in an oven. Now, lay the beef stripes on the oven rack or on the smoker grill. Also, spread them flat for even drying. Mind to keep the door of the oven slightly open for air circulation.
The cooking time depends on the thickness and size of the strips. Usually, it takes around 7 to 8 hours to dry out. Check from time to time. When you can rip off a strip easily and that does not snap on bending, your jerky is ready.
Paleo beef jerky recipe No. 2
This paleo beef jerky recipe also makes tasty snacks.
Ingredients
- 3 lbsLean flank steak
- 3 minced or pressed garlic clovesGarlic,
- 1 cupof Coconut Aminos
- 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle Powder
Preparation
Freeze meat for 2 to 4 hours until solid and slice it into strips of around 1/10th inch thickness. Now mix the strips with coconut aminos, minced garlic, and others in a bowl. Ensure that the strips have an even coating of the marinade. Place in the freeze to marinate for 24 hours. Take out and cook at 170 degrees for 3 to 4 hours. Monitor the strips to avoid too much drying.
Paleo beef jerky recipe No. 3
Ingredients
- 5 lbs of top round, flank or skirt steak, or any other lean beef cut. Use grass-fed beef for best results.
- 2/3 cup of tamari sauce, or coconut aminos
- 1/3 cup of hot water
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon of Liquid smoke
- 1 Tablespoon of Garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon of Onion powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon of Cayenne pepper
- 2 Tablespoons of Red pepper flakes
Preparation
Place the meat in the freezer for an hour and a half to make it firm. Now cut the meat into thin slices using a sharp knife. Set it aside in a container. Mix all other ingredients except the red pepper flakes and heat them in the microwave for about a minute. Now pour the popped mixture over the meat slices to cover them all with the mixture. Place it in the freezer overnight to marinate. Take out the meat from the freeze, rinse the meat with hot water, and lay the strips on the dehydrator tray. Set the dehydrator at 160 degrees Fahrenheit and fry for about four hours. Check from time to time for proper drying. When cooking is complete, let it dry to room temperature. Store the beef jerky into a zip lock bag. Also, wrap them with a paper towel to absorb the excess manager and store them in the freeze.
The bottom line
Beef jerky is also rich in minerals besides protein. Making beef jerky is quite challenging, but it is rewarding as well. The best thing about making these at home, following the paleo beef jerky recipes, is you have control over everything. Now that you know everything in detail, start experimenting with different cuts to see which one you like best.
