How to Build Jerky With a Dehydrator
- 1). Clean your knife and work surfaces thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before you handle the raw meat.
- 2). Freeze your meat until it is stiff but still a little bendable as this will help you cut it in thin slices more easily .
- 3). Slice 1/4-inch thick pieces that are 6 inches long or shorter. Cut against the grain. And, as you work, trim off as much fat and membrane as possible.
- 4). Marinate your meat. Any liquid marinade can be used. Use 1/2 cup of liquid marinade for every pound of sliced meat. Mix the marinade according to the recipe's instructions. Dip each slice of meat into the marinade. Then lay them flat in the bottom of a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Cover the dish in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 12 hours.
- 5). Pour the marinade and meat into a large pot. Bring the liquid to a boil and boil the meat and marinade for 5 minutes. Stir frequently. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension website, heating the meat in this manner is the best way to eliminate food-borne bacteria in jerky.
- 6). Remove the slices from the marinade with tongs. Lay them flat on paper towels so that no slices are touching and pat them dry.
- 7). Season both sides of each slice. Sprinkle them with ground black pepper, salt or any other spices that you enjoy. The 3 Men website recommends garlic powder, chili powder or crushed red pepper.
- 8). Lay the seasoned meat on the dehydrator's tray. Do not allow any pieces to touch. Do not stack tray's of jerky. The meat will drip as it dries.
- 9). Set the dehydrator's temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Dehydrate the meat for 4 to 12 hours. After 4 hours have passed, check the meat every hour or so for dryness. When jerky is ready, the pieces will crack (but not snap) when bent.
- 10
Remove the jerky from the tray with tongs and lay it out on a plate or tray to cool down to room temperature. - 11
Store the jerky. Jerky will keep well for a week or so in a plastic bag at room temperature. Jerky will keep for a month or two when refrigerated in a plastic bag. Freeze jerky in a vacuum sealed freezer bag if you plan to store it for a year or more.
