Easy Oven Jerky Recipe: How to Make Homemade Jerky in the Oven

Have you ever been on a road trip or out hiking and wished you had a protein-packed snack that could hold you over until your next full meal? When you think of a snack like this, beef jerky likely comes to mind. While store-bought options are readily available, the homemade version can be much more satisfying, not to mention healthier. And the best part? It’s easy to make your own jerky using just your oven!

Here’s how it works: you marinate thin strips of beef in a mixture of your favorite seasoning and then slowly dehydrate them in the oven. Once you’ve got the technique down, you can experiment with different flavors and meats like chicken or turkey. Not only is making jerky in the oven a great way to control the ingredients in your snacks and save money in the long run, but it’s also a fun and rewarding activity to take on in your kitchen.

Section: Making Jerky in the Oven

Choosing the Right Meat

The key to making delicious jerky is selecting the right meat. People typically use beef, but you can also use bison, chicken, turkey, and venison. A lean cut like top round, sirloin, or flank steak is great for jerky. Ensure the meat is fresh and free of any visible fat.

Preparing the Meat

Cut the meat into thin slices with a sharp knife or ask your local butcher to do it for you. The slices should be roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick. To make it easier to slice, partially freeze the meat in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Trim off any excess fat as it can cause the jerky to spoil and become rancid.

Marinating the Meat

The next step is to soak the meat slices in a marinade. You can make a marinade by combining soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and liquid smoke. You can also experiment with other ingredients, like honey, teriyaki sauce, or chili flakes to give your jerky new flavors. Allow the meat to marinate for 6-12 hours.

Drying the Jerky

Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or the lowest temperature setting available. Lay the marinated meat slices on a baking sheet or wire rack. It’s important to ensure that the slices are not touching. You can use paper towels to pat the meat dry to remove any excess marinade to avoid cooking it in a pool of marinade.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Cook the jerky in the preheated oven for 4-6 hours. Make sure to flip the meat slices every hour to ensure even cooking and dryness. The actual cooking time may vary depending on the oven and thickness of the slices. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking for Doneness

To check the doneness of the jerky, remove a slice and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, gently bend the slice, seeking for a flexible but dry texture. A properly dried jerky will snap in two pieces when bent but won’t break apart. If the jerky is still soft and chewy, it is not completely dried yet.

Cooling and Storing

When done, let the jerky cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Store the jerky in an airtight container or plastic zipper bags. Label and date the jerky packages to ensure its freshness. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 months or at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Safety Precautions

When making jerky, it’s essential to follow proper food safety guidelines to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. Always cook jerky at the appropriate temperature and wash your hands and surfaces frequently during the preparation process.

Additional Tips

You can experiment with different drying times to get the texture you like. Use a dehydrator instead of the oven for quicker and more consistent drying. You can also add spices to the marinade or sprinkle them on the jerky before cooking for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Making jerky in the oven is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic snack. With the right tools and ingredients, you can make jerky that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking on the go. Customize the recipe to your liking and share it with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Preparing Your Meat

When it comes to making jerky in the oven, the first step is choosing the right cut of meat. Many options will work, including beef, chicken, or even fish. However, leaner cuts of meat tend to work better, as they will dry out more easily and result in a more flavorful, chewy end product. Some of the best cuts for homemade jerky include flank steak, sirloin, or top round.

Once you have your meat, it’s time to slice it up. The key here is to cut it against the grain, which will help to make it less tough and more tender when cooked. Aim for thin slices, around 1/8 – 1/4 inch thick, and try to keep them as even as possible to ensure they all dry out evenly in the oven. A sharp knife and a bit of practice will go a long way in mastering this step.

After your meat is sliced, it’s time to season it. There are countless seasoning options out there, from smoky BBQ to spicy jalapeno to sweet and tangy teriyaki. A popular approach is to marinate the meat in the seasoning for several hours or overnight, but if you’re in a rush, simply sprinkling the seasoning on both sides of the meat will suffice.

Before placing your meat in the oven, be sure to pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help it to dry out more effectively and prevent any unwanted sogginess. It’s also a good idea to line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make for easy cleanup later on.

Once your meat is layered on the baking sheet, it’s time to pop it in the oven. Preheat to 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the meat to dry out for several hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your slices and the desired level of chewiness, but plan for at least 2-4 hours.

Be sure to rotate your baking sheet every hour or so to ensure that the meat dries out evenly. You can also open the oven door every hour to allow for additional air circulation, which will help the meat to dry out faster.

As your jerky dries out, you’ll notice it becoming increasingly firm and chewy. Once it reaches your desired level of dryness, it’s time to remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or plastic bag and enjoy for weeks to come!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Jerky in the Oven

1. Choosing the Right Meat

When it comes to making jerky in the oven, not all meats are created equal. You want to choose a lean meat with as little fat as possible. This is because fat will cause the jerky to spoil faster. Beef is one of the most popular meats for making jerky, but you can also use venison, elk, or even turkey.

2. Preparing the Meat

Before you can start making jerky in the oven, you need to prepare the meat. This includes slicing it into thin, uniform strips. You can do this by hand or use a meat slicer. The strips should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Once you’ve sliced the meat, you’ll want to marinate it for at least a few hours, or overnight. This will infuse the meat with flavor and make it tender.

3. Oven Setup

Once you have marinated the meat, it’s time to set up your oven. Preheat the oven to 175°F. If your oven doesn’t go that low, you can set it to the lowest temperature possible. Next, you’ll want to line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make it easier to clean up later. Then, place the meat strips on the baking sheet, leaving some space in between each piece.

4. Cooking the Jerky

Now comes the fun part: cooking the jerky in the oven. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it cook for about 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your meat strips are. You’ll want to check on the jerky every hour or so to make sure it’s not getting too dry or burning. When the jerky is done, it should be dry and slightly chewy.

5. Storing the Jerky

Once the jerky is done, you’ll want to let it cool completely before storing it. This will ensure that it doesn’t sweat and spoil. Once it’s cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge or freezer.

In conclusion, making jerky in the oven is a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this popular snack. Just make sure you choose the right meat, prepare it properly, and cook it at a low temperature for several hours. With a little patience, you’ll have a tasty and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Happy Snacking!

That’s it – you now know how to make delicious jerky in your own oven. So go ahead and treat yourself to some homemade goodness. Don’t forget to share with your friends and family, too! Thanks for reading this article – we hope you found it helpful. Keep checking back for more cooking tips and tricks here at [website name]. See you soon!