How to Make Jerky – Living in Borrego Springs sometimes means prepping for survival all year long.
Jerky is a traditional method of preserving meat that has been used for centuries. The process of making jerky involves cutting meat into thin strips, marinating it in a mixture of salt, spices, and other flavorings, and then drying it. The drying process removes the moisture from the meat, making it inhospitable for bacteria to grow and allowing it to last for months without refrigeration.
The preservation of meat through the process of jerky making is particularly useful in situations where refrigeration is not available, such as during camping, hiking, or in emergency situations. Jerky is lightweight, easy to transport, and doesn’t take up much space, making it an ideal food to carry while traveling or during outdoor activities.
Jerky is also a great source of protein, which is essential for survival. Protein is important for maintaining and repairing body tissues, as well as for supporting the immune system. Jerky is also relatively high in calories, which can provide energy during physical activities, making it a great food for survival situations.
In addition to its survival benefits, jerky is also a tasty and versatile snack. With a wide range of marinades and seasonings, you can make jerky in a variety of flavors and styles. From traditional beef jerky to spicy pork jerky and sweet and smoky venison jerky, there is a flavor for everyone.
In summary, jerky is not only a delicious snack but also a great way to preserve meat for long periods of time, making it perfect for survival situations, as well as for a tasty snack. Its lightweight and easy to transport, high in protein and calories makes it a great food to carry while traveling or during outdoor activities. And with a wide range of marinades and seasonings, you can make jerky in a variety of flavors and styles, satisfying everyone’s taste buds.
Here’s how to get started:
Steps to Making Jerky
- Choose your meat: You can use any type of meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, or venison.
- Cut the meat: Cut the meat against the grain into strips that are 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick.
- Marinate the meat: Mix together the ingredients for your marinade, such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Place the meat in the marinade and let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Dry the meat: Place the marinated meat on a dehydrator tray or oven rack and dry it at a low temperature (around 160-170°F) for several hours.
- Store the jerky: Once the jerky is dry and cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Jerky Recipes
- Classic Beef Jerky: Mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices to make a marinade. Marinate beef strips for 4 hours or overnight, and then dry in a dehydrator or oven.
- Teriyaki Turkey Jerky: Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to make a marinade. Marinate turkey strips for 4 hours or overnight, and then dry in a dehydrator or oven.
- Spicy Pork Jerky: Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cumin to make a marinade. Marinate pork strips for 4 hours or overnight, and then dry in a dehydrator or oven.
- Sweet and Smoky Venison Jerky: Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and spices to make a marinade. Marinate venison strips for 4 hours or overnight, and then dry in a dehydrator or oven.
Survival benefits of Jerky
Jerky is a great survival food as it is lightweight, nutritious, and easy to transport. Jerky can last for months if stored properly and it doesn’t need refrigeration. It’s also a great source of protein, which is essential for survival. Jerky is also easy to make in the wild if you have access to a dehydrator or an oven.
List of items needed for making Jerky
- Meat (beef, pork, turkey, or venison)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinate ingredients (soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices)
- Dehydrator or oven
- Food thermometer
- Parchment paper
- Airtight container
