🥩 Old-Fashioned Dried Beef (Jerky-Style)
Beef Jerky is a traditional method of preserving meat by drying it with salt and spices. This old-fashioned dried beef recipe creates a chewy, flavorful snack that can last for weeks when stored properly.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Round (top or bottom round)
- 2 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional for sweetness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the meat
Partially freeze the beef round for about 1 hour to make slicing easier.
Slice into thin strips about ¼ inch thick.
2️⃣ Season the beef
Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional soy sauce and brown sugar.
Rub the mixture evenly over the meat.
3️⃣ Marinate
Place the seasoned strips in a container and refrigerate for 8–24 hours to develop flavor.
4️⃣ Dry the beef
You can dry the meat using:
- Food Dehydrator – 6–8 hours at 160°F (70°C)
- Oven – place strips on racks and dry at the lowest setting for 4–6 hours
- Traditional air-drying in a cool, ventilated place (covered with mesh)
5️⃣ Check for doneness
The jerky should be dry but still flexible, not brittle.
🧊 Storage
Store finished beef jerky in:
- Airtight containers
- Refrigeration for longer shelf life
- Vacuum-sealed bags for months of storage
🍽️ Tips for Great Jerky
- Choose lean cuts to prevent spoilage.
- Slice against the grain for tender jerky.
- Add chili flakes or honey for different flavor styles.
💡 Fun fact:
Drying meat like this is one of the oldest food-preservation techniques, used long before refrigeration in cultures around the world.
If you want, I can also show you the 3 most popular jerky marinades (cowboy, smoky BBQ, and sweet-spicy) that make homemade jerky taste like store-bought premium brands.
