Guide to 3 simple ways on how to make dried beef in 2025

recipeJanuary 30, 2025February 6, 2025bykhobocali

Dried beef is a popular dish during the Lunar New Year, perfect not only for snacking but also for creating various other dishes. In the article below, Khô Bò CALI will guide you through 3 simple methods on how to make dried beef right at home. Let’s check it out!

Table of Contents

Guide on How to Make Dried Beef in Slices

Simple Yet Delicious Way to Make Dried Beef Slices

Making dried beef slices is a straightforward process, yet it yields incredibly flavorful and high-quality results. Let’s get started in the kitchen!

Ingredients for How to Make Dried Beef in Slices

Beef: 300g
Lemongrass: 4 stalks
Garlic: 6 cloves
Chili: 2
Sugar: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Dried chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
Turmeric powder: ¼ teaspoon
Five-spice powder: ⅓ teaspoon
Annatto oil: 1 tablespoon
Oyster sauce: ½ tablespoon
Honey: 1 tablespoon

Steps to Make Dried Beef

how to make dried beef

Step 1:
Clean the beef thoroughly, then cut it into large slices about 0.5 cm thick. Blend the garlic and lemongrass into a fine paste. Mix this paste with the spices listed above to create a marinade.

Step 2:
Marinate the beef with the prepared sauce, ensuring every slice is evenly coated. Wear disposable gloves for hygiene, then wrap the beef in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (about 12 hours).

Step 3:
For this how to make dried beef recipe, simmer the beef slices in a pot for 15 minutes over medium heat with the lid on. Flip the slices 1–2 times to ensure even cooking and drying. Once the liquid evaporates, remove the beef and let it cool.

Step 4:
After cooling, pound the beef lightly with a mortar and pestle to make it tender and thin. Proceed to simmer the slices a second time for 10 minutes. For the traditional method of making dried beef, sun-dry the slices by placing them on a rack under the sun for 3–4 days, depending on the intensity of the sunlight.

If you prefer to save time, you can try the “one-day sun-dry” method. Alternatively, use an air fryer to make dried beef slices. Once dried, you can shred the beef into smaller pieces and enjoy.

Dried beef can be used in various dishes, such as dried beef papaya salad or dried beef sandwiches.

Readmore: How to eat beef jerky in the most delicious way you should try!

How to Make Dried Beef Shreds

Making shredded dried beef with a pan is simple and doesn’t require an oven, air fryer, or complicated sun-drying methods.

Ingredients for How to Make Dried Beef Shreds

Beef: 500g
Minced garlic: 3 tablespoons
Ground pepper: 2 teaspoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Annatto oil: 2 tablespoons
Minced lemongrass: 5 tablespoons
Curry powder: 1 teaspoon
Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
Chili powder: 3 teaspoons

Steps to Make Shredded Dried Beef

Step 1:
Wash the beef and cut it into pieces about the thickness of a finger joint, slicing along the grain to ensure the fibers stay intact when shredded. Marinate the beef with the above ingredients, mix well, and let it rest for 2–4 hours, or leave it overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2:
Simmer the beef in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding 200ml of water, and stir until the liquid evaporates. Let the beef cool slightly, then shred it into thin pieces. Stir-fry the shredded beef again until completely dry.

To save time, you can use an air fryer instead of pan-frying the shredded beef. If you prefer the beef to retain some moisture, try making wet dried beef by reducing the frying time.

Storage and Usage Tips

Store shredded dried beef in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. With this how to make dried beef method, the meat will have a chewy texture, natural sweetness, and a spicy kick.

You can use shredded dried beef to prepare delicious dishes like dried beef salad or green papaya salad with dried beef—perfect for sharing with everyone!

>> Readmore: Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?

How to Make Dried Beef Using Pork

Making dried pork as a substitute for dried beef is not only simple but also more budget-friendly. This Lunar New Year, try your hand at this how to make dried beef alternative with pork!

Ingredients for How to Make Dried Beef Using Pork

Lean pork: 1kg, cut into long strips.
Complete seasoning mix: 80g.
Ginger: 1 root, Chili: 6 pieces, Shallots, and garlic: minced.
Lemongrass: 6 stalks, finely chop the base, and cut the rest into sections, then lightly crush.
Sugar: 6 tablespoons.
MSG: 2 tablespoons.
Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon.
Five-spice powder: 6 tablespoons.
Turmeric powder: 1 tablespoon.
Annatto oil: a small amount.

Steps to Make Dried Pork as a Dried Beef Substitute

Step 1:
Blanch the pork in boiling water, remove it, and transfer it to another pot. Boil the pork for 5 minutes, then take it out and let it cool.

Step 2:
Place the pork on a cutting board and use a mallet to pound it or shred it into thin strips. If you prefer, you can keep the pork in whole pieces to make dried pork slices instead.

Boil water in a pot and add the pork along with the complete seasoning mix. Simmer over low heat until all the liquid evaporates.

Step 3:
Roast the pork in an oven at 120°C (248°F) for 30 minutes until it dries out. You can follow the same steps as for how to make dried beef in the oven.

Alternatively, use an air fryer to make dried pork. This method is as easy and convenient as using an oven.

Notes for How to Make Dried Beef

To create delicious and flavorful dried beef to enjoy during Lunar New Year, knowing how to make dried beef is just the beginning. You should also keep these important tips in mind to ensure quality.

Choose High-Quality Ingredients

To make dried beef that is both tasty and safe, select high-quality beef that is free from harmful additives or chemicals. Always choose trusted suppliers and verify the source of the meat to ensure food safety.

For example, you can consider the beef tenderloin from Gofood.vn. Their tenderloin cuts are directly imported and feature a balanced ratio of lean meat and fat. With this premium ingredient, your dried beef will have a tender, naturally sweet texture without being too tough.

Proper Storage of Dried Beef

When making dried beef at home, to preserve its flavor and quality, store the dried beef in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers in a cool, dry place. This will protect the beef from exposure to air and moisture.

Can Frozen Beef Be Used for Making Dried Beef?

The answer is absolutely yes! Frozen beef does not affect the quality of dried beef. You can still achieve a delicious final product as long as it is properly prepared.

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