How to Make Smoked Jerky: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a meat lover, then you must love jerky. Jerky is a snack made from meat that has been dried to prevent spoilage. Making jerky at home is quite simple using a smoker; and it is a great way to preserve your meat and control the ingredients. The best part of making your jerky smoker is that you can customize it as per your taste and preference, and it is also affordable. In this article, we will guide you on how to make a jerky smoker at home using simple tools.

To make a jerky smoker, you will need a few things like a metal container, charcoal, wood chips, and a few other tools. It is a budget-friendly way of creating a smoker, and you don’t need to have prior knowledge of smoking meat. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily make your jerky smoker at home and enjoy fresh and delicious meat. It requires some patience, but the results will be worth the effort. So, let’s get started and create your own jerky smoker.

Ingredients Needed for Making Jerky in a Smoker

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll certainly relish the idea of making jerky in a smoker. While jerky is widely available in stores, it is much more special when made at home, especially when you get the taste and texture just right. You don’t necessarily require fancy equipment to make smoker jerky; however, you need to start with high-quality meat.

Here are the ingredients you need to make jerky smoker:

1. Quality Meat

Picking the right cut of meat is the first and essential step in making smoker jerky. Choose a meat that isn’t too fatty, such as flank steak, sirloin, or brisket. You can also use different kinds of poultry, including turkey or chicken.

2. Spices and Marinade

Using the right marinade is the key to getting the perfect flavor on your jerky. Marinade options for homemade jerky are limitless. A simple marinade can consist of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

3. Liquid Smoke

Liquid smoke is critical in providing that smoky flavor to your jerky.

4. Salt

Salt plays a vital role in the making of the perfect jerky. It acts as a preservative, preventing spoilage and also helps to draw moisture from the meat, making it dry properly.

5. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is invaluable in producing that sweet and smoky flavor in your jerky.

6. Honey

Honey helps to create a balance for the smoky and spicy flavor in the jerky.

7. Black Pepper

Adding black pepper kicks up the overall spiciness of your jerky.

8. Paprika

Paprika adds smokiness and lends a reddish color to the jerky.

9. Cayenne Pepper

For those who desire a little extra kick, cayenne pepper is an excellent addition to the mixture.

10. Optional Add-ons

You can also add beer, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and other spices of your choice to your marinade to customize the flavor of your jerky. Once you have all ingredients, you’re ready to start preparing the jerky.

How to Choose the Best Meat for Your Jerky

When making jerky in a smoker, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of meat that you use. Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing the best meat for your jerky:

1. Look for lean cuts: When making jerky, it’s important to use lean cuts of meat to avoid excess fat and grease. The best choices include beef round, flank steak, or sirloin tip.

2. Consider the level of marbling: While you want to choose lean cuts of meat, you also want to make sure there is some marbling to add flavor and moisture. Look for cuts with visible veins of fat running through the meat.

3. Choose quality over quantity: When it comes to making jerky, it’s better to invest in quality meat rather than trying to save money with cheaper cuts. You’ll get a better end result and a more enjoyable eating experience.

4. Avoid pre-packaged meats: It’s always best to buy meat from a reputable butcher or meat counter. Pre-packaged meats may contain additives or preservatives that can affect the taste and texture of your jerky.

5. Experiment with different meats: While beef is the most commonly used meat for jerky, don’t be afraid to experiment with other options. Venison, elk, and bison all make great jerky, as do turkey and chicken.

6. Avoid meats that are too tough: While jerky is meant to be chewy, you don’t want it to be so tough that it’s hard to eat. Avoid using meats that are overly tough, such as beef brisket or pork shoulder.

7. Think about the flavor profile: When choosing your meat, think about the flavors you want to achieve. Certain meats pair better with certain seasonings, so consider this when making your choice.

8. Use fresh meat: Always use fresh, uncooked meat when making jerky. Don’t use meat that has been previously frozen or has been sitting in the fridge for too long.

9. Remove excess fat: Before slicing your meat into jerky strips, make sure to trim any excess fat. This will help prevent spoilage and ensure that your jerky stays fresh for longer.

10. Cut meat against the grain: When slicing your meat into jerky strips, make sure to cut against the grain. This will make your jerky easier to chew and give it a more tender texture.

How to Make Jerky with a Smoker

If you want to create delicious jerky in a smoker, there are some steps you can follow to ensure a great result. In this section, we will outline the steps you need to take to make a perfect jerky with your smoker.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create delicious jerky, you need to gather the right ingredients. The main ingredient you will need is lean meat, such as beef, turkey, or deer. You will also need marinade ingredients, such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, as well as seasonings of your choice, such as black pepper or cayenne pepper.

Prepare the Meat and Marinade

The next step is to prepare the meat and marinade. Begin by slicing the meat into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add the meat strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate the meat for at least four hours, or overnight if possible.

Prepare Your Smoker

Before you start smoking the jerky, you need to prepare your smoker. Start by filling the smoker box with your preferred type of wood chips, such as hickory or applewood. Preheat the smoker to about 180 degrees F, and then set the meat strips on the smoker racks.

Smoke the Meat

When the smoker has reached the desired temperature, start smoking the meat. The length of time it takes to smoke the jerky will depend on the thickness of the meat and how dry you like your jerky. On average, it takes about four to six hours to smoke jerky completely. However, periodically check the jerky and add more wood chips as needed.

Store the Jerky

Once the jerky is smoked to your liking, remove it from the smoker and allow it to cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Jerky can last up to several months when stored properly, making it a great snack to take with you on hiking or camping trips.

Additional Tip: Make a Spicy Jerky

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add some heat to your jerky by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade. You can also experiment with different types of wood chips to give your jerky a unique flavor. Here’s a table of some popular wood types and the flavors they impart:

Now that you know how to make delicious jerky with a smoker, give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

Happy Smokin’!

Now that you have learned how to make your very own jerky smoker, it’s time to put your skills to the test and start smoking some delicious meats. We hope that this article was helpful in guiding you on how to create the perfect jerky smoker. Be sure to check back for more tips and tricks on all things smoking and BBQ. Thanks for reading, and happy smokin’!