Making dried beef pieces is not as difficult as many people think. This snack is loved not only by young people but also by many adults. You can easily make dried beef pieces at home using an oven, an air fryer, or a simple pan with the detailed instructions below from Khô Bò CALI.
Ingredients for Making Dried Beef Pieces
- Fresh beef: 500g
- Shallots: 10 bulbs
- Garlic: 1 bulb
- Lemongrass: 8 stalks
- Ginger: 1/2 piece
- Seasonings: Five-spice powder, annatto powder, beef seasoning, chili powder, oyster sauce, cooking oil, salt, sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder.
Tips for Selecting Ingredients
- When choosing beef for dried beef pieces, opt for lean cuts with little to no tendons. Fresh beef should have a bright red color with visible marbling, a slightly sticky texture when pressed, and good elasticity. Avoid meat with an unusual color or a foul odor, as it may be spoiled or of poor quality.
- Beef seasoning is the secret to achieving the rich and authentic flavor of store-bought dried beef pieces. However, if you can’t find this seasoning, you can substitute it with curry powder.
- Annatto powder is an essential ingredient in making dried beef pieces at home, as it gives the dish a vibrant and appetizing color.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, besides chili powder, you can also add satay sauce or fresh chili during the marination process.
- Using molasses instead of sugar for marinating beef is another great option to enhance the flavor.
Detailed Steps to Prepare Dried Beef Pieces
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Beef has a distinct odor, so it’s important to clean and deodorize it properly. You can rub coarse salt, vinegar, or fresh lime over the meat, or rinse it with white wine to eliminate any unpleasant smell. Then, rinse the beef under clean running water and let it drain.
Use a sharp knife to slice the beef into large pieces, about 0.5 – 0.7 cm thick. When making dried beef pieces, be sure to cut along the grain to achieve a visually appealing final product that is easy to shred into fibers without breaking apart.
Step 2: Preparing Other Ingredients
Trim the ends of the lemongrass, wash thoroughly, and finely chop. Peel and mince the shallots and garlic. Scrape the skin off the ginger and mince it as well. To save time, you can use a food processor to blend all these ingredients into a fine paste.
Step 3: Marinating the Beef
Marinating is a crucial step in making dried beef pieces. Coat the beef with the following seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons of seasoning powder
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- The minced shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger
Next, add:
- 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon of annatto powder
- 1 tablespoon of beef seasoning
- Finely chopped fresh chili (optional for extra spiciness)
Mix everything thoroughly, wear gloves, and massage the beef pieces to ensure the seasoning penetrates evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the beef, letting it marinate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. Occasionally flipping the pieces will help the flavors absorb more evenly. Proper marination ensures that the dried beef pieces will be rich in flavor down to every fiber.
>>> Readmore: What is dried stingray? Delicious dishes from dried stingray that attract food lovers
3 Simple Ways to Dry Beef
Drying Beef Using an Oven
If you’re using an oven to make dried beef pieces, preheat the oven to 100°C for about 10 minutes. Arrange the beef slices evenly on a baking tray and dry them for 30 minutes at 100°C. During the drying process, flip the beef every 7–10 minutes to ensure even dehydration.
After 30 minutes, take the beef out and lightly pound or press it to flatten. Continue baking for another 30 minutes until the beef is fully dried. The drying time may vary depending on your oven’s power.
Drying Beef Using an Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer for about 3–5 minutes. Arrange the beef slices in the fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the temperature to 140°C and dry the beef for 40 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally to ensure even drying.
After 40 minutes, check the dryness of the beef. If it hasn’t reached the desired consistency, increase the temperature to 160°C and dry for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Drying Beef Using a Non-Stick Pan
If you don’t have an oven or an air fryer, you can still make dried beef pieces using a non-stick pan. Heat the pan over low heat and add the marinated beef. Flip the meat every 5–10 minutes to prevent burning.
Continue cooking until all the liquid evaporates and the beef becomes dry and firm. This method is quite simple but requires more time and effort since you need to monitor and flip the beef continuously.
Final Product
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made dried beef pieces at home with a super simple method. The result is delicious beef that’s slightly crispy on the outside, infused with the fragrant aroma of lemongrass, the spicy kick of chili, and a chewy yet flavorful texture on the inside.
You can enjoy the beef as whole pieces or shred it into thin fibers, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on top, and savor the rich taste. Dried beef pieces make a perfect snack, pair wonderfully with beer, or can be shredded and mixed into salads for a unique and delicious twist!
Proper Storage Guide for Dried Beef
After preparing dried beef pieces, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag, and store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. When stored properly at room temperature, dried beef can last for 2–3 weeks.
If you haven’t finished it within this time, you can sun-dry or reheat the beef for a few minutes to prevent moisture buildup and extend its shelf life.
For longer storage, keep the dried beef in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a layer of paper before placing it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent moisture buildup. Consume it as soon as possible for the best quality. It can last 1–2 months in the fridge or 3–6 months in the freezer.
The best way to store dried beef pieces is by using a vacuum sealer to remove air before refrigerating, ensuring optimal freshness and longevity.
Enjoy Authentic Dried Beef Pieces at Khô Bò CALI
If you’re looking for high-quality dried beef pieces with rich flavors and guaranteed food safety, Khô Bò CALI is the perfect choice. With meticulous processing, carefully selected ingredients, and an exclusive marination recipe, we bring you delicious dried beef that is spicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender.
Order dried beef pieces from Khô Bò CALI today to enjoy a tasty snack or give a meaningful gift to your loved ones. We are committed to delivering premium-quality products with an unforgettable taste!
KHÔ BÒ CALI
Address: 9511 Bolsa ave westminster CA 92683
Phone numbers: +1 (714) 452-7679 / +1 (714) 234-6899
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://khobocali.com/
