Traditional beef jerky is a beloved snack because of its chewy texture and rich flavor. It is a popular dish that can also be creatively combined with various other foods, such as beef jerky salad, mixed fruits with beef jerky, and beef jerky sandwiches. If you’re wondering how to make traditional beef jerky, it’s easier than you think!
How to make traditional beef jerky with an authentic and delicious flavor
Ingredients needed to make delicious and flavorful beef jerky
If you’re looking for how to make traditional beef jerky with authentic taste and rich flavor, make sure to gather the following ingredients:
- 1kg of beef (choose tenderloin or rump for the best texture and taste)
- 5 stalks of lemongrass (adds a distinctive aroma to the dish)
- 1 piece of ginger (enhances flavor and helps remove any beef odor)
- 1 garlic bulb (intensifies the rich taste)
- 2 chili peppers (adjust based on your preferred level of spiciness)
- Shrimp satay (adds a deliciously spicy kick)
- Annatto oil (gives the beef jerky a vibrant color)
- Chili powder (boosts the heat and enhances visual appeal)
- 1/2 packet of five-spice powder (creates a signature fragrance)
- 1/2 packet of beef stew seasoning (adds depth and richness to the flavor)
- Oyster sauce (adds richness and helps tenderize the beef)
- Fish sauce (an essential ingredient for enhancing taste)
- Cane molasses (balances the natural sweetness of the beef jerky)
- Vinegar (helps eliminate odor and tenderize the meat)
- Salt (ensures the flavors are well absorbed)
By preparing these essential ingredients, you’ll be able to easily create traditional beef jerky that is flavorful, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious right at home!
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Detailed guide on how to make traditional beef jerky
To make delicious and authentic beef jerky, follow these steps:
Preparing the Beef
First, to remove any unpleasant odor from the beef, rub it with a little vinegar and coarse salt for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel or let it air dry.
Next, slice the beef into large, flat pieces, about 0.5 – 0.7 cm thick.
🔸 Important Tip: To ensure that the dried beef can be easily shredded into long, beautiful fibers, always slice it along the grain rather than across it.
Preparing Other Ingredients
- Lemongrass: Remove the base, discard the tough outer layers, rinse, then finely chop after crushing.
- Ginger: Peel, rinse, and mince.
- Garlic: Peel, rinse, and finely chop.
- Chili: Rinse and mince.
Marinating the Beef
Place all the sliced beef into a large bowl, then add the following ingredients:
✅ Marinade Ingredients:
- Minced ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and chili
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder (for a rich color and mild spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (to tenderize the beef)
- 6 tablespoons of molasses (for natural sweetness)
- 1/2 packet of five-spice powder (for a signature aroma)
- 1/2 packet of beef jerky seasoning (for an authentic taste)
- 2 tablespoons of annatto oil (for a vibrant red color)
- 2 tablespoons of shrimp satay (for a spicy, aromatic kick)
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce (to balance the flavors)
Mix everything well to ensure the beef absorbs the flavors evenly. Cover and let it marinate for 8 – 12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
🔸 Marination Tips:
- If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with brown sugar.
- If you don’t want to use fresh garlic, you can replace it with garlic powder.
- Adjust the chili amount based on your spice preference.
Cooking the Beef Jerky
👉 Step 1: Cooking the Beef
- Place the marinated beef in a large pan and cook over medium heat.
- Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer, allowing the beef to release its juices. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
- When most of the liquid has evaporated, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue cooking until the beef has completely absorbed the marinade, then turn off the heat.
👉 Step 2: Tenderizing the Meat
- Remove the beef from the pan and let it cool slightly.
- Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece of beef to make it more tender.
- Roll in the direction of the grain to ensure long, beautiful fibers when shredded.
👉 Step 3: Drying the Beef
- Preheat the oven to 100 – 120°C (212 – 248°F).
- Arrange the beef evenly on a baking tray, ensuring the pieces do not overlap so they dry properly.
- Dry the beef for about 40 minutes, flipping the pieces every 10 minutes for even drying.
- If you prefer softer beef jerky, reduce the drying time to about 30 minutes.
Enjoying Your Homemade Beef Jerky
After finishing, you’ll have delicious homemade traditional beef jerky with an irresistible aroma, a beautiful color, and a perfectly chewy texture packed with rich flavors.
You can shred it into small pieces and enjoy it as is, or pair it with green papaya salad, sandwiches, or spicy mango salad for an extra burst of flavor.
🔥 What are you waiting for? Follow this detailed guide on how to make traditional beef jerky and impress your family and friends today!
👉 Good luck with your homemade beef jerky!
