What is the ideal thickness for beef jerky?

To make really good jerky, the jerky meat needs to be the same thickness throughout the meat, one-fourth of an inch thick is standard. It is impossible to cut the top round by hand consistently at one-fourth of an inch. Below is a photo of Beef Top Round sliced 1/4 inch thick.

What is the highest rated beef jerky?

10 Best Beef Jerky Brands

Jerky Score Ounce
Top Pick: People’s Choice Beef Jerky Old Fashioned Original 5/5 16g
Best Value: Oberto Thin Style Original Beef Jerky 4.5/5 15g
Best Turkey Jerky: Think Jerky Free Range Sriracha Honey Turkey Jerky 4/5 10.7g
Country Archer Original Beef Jerky 3.75/5 11g

Which is better for jerky top round or bottom round?

The top round is cut from the inside leg muscle, opposite of the bottom round. This cut is more tender than the bottom round and less tender than the eye of round.

What happens if you cut beef jerky too thick?

When you’re slicing meat for jerky, you’re walking a very fine line. “If it is too thick it will be chewy, and if it is too thin, it will become very tough,” Thomas explains.

Should jerky be cut against the grain?

It’s up to you to decide what type of beef jerky texture you want. But we recommend slicing against the grain because most beef jerky consumers prefer a more tender texture. If you’d like to experiment, you could also slice your meat with the grain and then tenderize it with a mallet.

Should beef jerky be chewy?

Dried jerky should not be crumbly but instead displays a leathery texture that tastes palatably chewy. The chewy quality of dried jerky should have a nice crunch that breaks easily whenever you bite off a strip. Plus, even if it has a dry surface feel, it should still be tender on the inside.

What is cowboy style jerky?

A story about beef jerky – Real tradition cowboy type beef jerky was the meat pulled from the side of a cow and meat scraps leftover from butchering (hence the toughness), thick meaty cuts were cured in a salty brine with whatever herbs or spices they had on hand, often it was twisted and tied into knots and then hung …

Is jerky healthy?

Beef jerky is a good source of protein and high in many vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and folate. It also has a long shelf life and is portable, making it a great on-the-go option.

How long should jerky marinade?

Place your strips of meat into a large, ziplock plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and give it a nice, thorough bath. Place the whole bag into the fridge to thoroughly marinate for up to 24 hours, but no fewer than 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the deeper your flavor and tenderizing action.