Beef Or Moose Jerky

Jerky is a time-honored way of preserving meat, making it lightweight, nutrient-dense, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re using beef or moose, this recipe yields a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky jerky with a perfect chew. The key to great jerky is in the marinade, which infuses the meat with flavor while also tenderizing it. Ideal for outdoor adventures or as a high-protein snack, this jerky is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef or moose meat, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat: Start by slicing the meat against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. For easier slicing, you can partially freeze the meat beforehand.
2. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Add the meat strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. Dry the Meat: Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or set a dehydrator to the jerky setting. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated meat strips in a single layer on the rack, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Dehydrate: Place the tray in the oven or dehydrate the meat for 4-6 hours, depending on the thickness of the strips and your preferred level of dryness. The jerky should be dry to the touch but still slightly pliable when done.
5. Cool and Store: Remove the jerky from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Enjoy your homemade jerky as a protein-packed snack anytime!