When you bite into just the right piece of beef jerky, there are a few things that you can tell about how it was made almost right away. You want to be able to pick up on the seasonings that were used when making the jerky as those give it the smoky flavors. Here are a few tips for making your own jerky and what to look for when getting beef jerky in Columbus GA stores.
Lean Meats
In order to get the best flavors and the best thickness when making beef jerky, the leanest meats are often used. Consider the top or the bottom of the piece of beef that you have. If you’re unable to use these areas of the meat, then try to slice the beef that you use so that it’s as thin as possible.
More Than Beef
You can use any kind of meat that you want when making jerky. Some of the common types that are used include bison, rabbit, and venison. If other meats are used, you need to ensure that they are cut into thin slices just as you would if you were using beef. You also want to use seasonings that blend well with the meat, such as salt on venison.
Drying
When you get beef jerky in Columbus GA stores, you’ll usually notice that it’s dry but that there is just a hint of moisture so that it’s easy to chew. Jerky shouldn’t be too tough because it will be difficult to eat and will often lose a lot of its flavor. A smoker is a good item to have on hand when making jerky so that some of the moisture is retained while also drying out the meat at the same time. Once jerky is put inside a bag, it will usually retain some of its soft qualities from the condensation that builds.