Are you a fan of beef jerky but tired of the same old flavors?
Why not try making your own beef jerky nuggets at home?
Not only is it a fun and satisfying DIY project, but you can also customize the flavors to your liking.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making delicious beef jerky nuggets using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Make Beef Jerky Nuggets?
Step 1: Choose Your Meat
The first step in making beef jerky nuggets is to choose the right cut of meat. You’ll want to select a lean cut, such as flank steak or sirloin, and slice it against the grain into thin strips.
Step 2: Prepare Your Marinade
Next, it’s time to prepare your marinade. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add a splash of red wine.
Step 3: Marinate Your Meat
Place your sliced meat into a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Dry Your Meat
After marinating, remove the meat from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meat on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure that the pieces don’t touch.
Step 5: Bake Your Jerky Nuggets
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is dried out and chewy. Check on the jerky nuggets every hour or so to make sure that they’re not burning.
Step 6: Store Your Jerky Nuggets
Once your jerky nuggets are done baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer if stored in the fridge.
Gathering The Ingredients And Equipment
Before you start making beef jerky nuggets, it’s important to gather all of the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Lean cut of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin
– Soy sauce
– Worcestershire sauce
– Brown sugar
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Paprika
– Black pepper
– Cayenne pepper (optional)
– Red wine (optional)
Equipment:
– Large resealable bag
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Paper towels
– Airtight container for storage
Make sure to have all of these ingredients and equipment on hand before you begin making your beef jerky nuggets. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you have everything you need to create delicious and flavorful jerky nuggets.
Preparing The Meat For Jerky
The key to making delicious beef jerky nuggets is to start with the right cut of meat. You’ll want to choose a lean cut, such as flank steak or sirloin, and slice it against the grain into thin strips. This will make it easier for the marinade to penetrate the meat and for it to dry evenly.
Before slicing your meat, it’s recommended to put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This will make it easier to cut into thin, even slices. Once you’ve sliced your meat, it’s important to trim any visible fat from the meat. Fat does not dry out and can accelerate spoilage, so it’s best to remove as much as you can.
Once your meat is trimmed and sliced, it’s time to prepare your marinade. A typical marinade for beef jerky contains soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra flavor.
Place your sliced meat into a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
After marinating, remove the meat from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meat on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure that the pieces don’t touch.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is dried out and chewy. Check on the jerky nuggets every hour or so to make sure that they’re not burning.
Once your jerky nuggets are done baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer if stored in the fridge. With these simple steps, you can easily make delicious beef jerky nuggets at home!
Marinating The Meat
Marinating your meat is an important step in making beef jerky nuggets. It’s crucial to ensure that the meat is properly infused with flavor before drying it out. To start, it’s important to clean all equipment, utensils, and surfaces with water and bleach to prevent any bacteria growth.
Thaw your meat in the refrigerator instead of at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth. Marinate the meat at a temperature between 36-40°F (2°C-4°C) and keep it in the fridge while you mix your marinade together. After marinating, do not save and re-use the marinade as bacteria can grow fast on raw meat left out at room temperature.
When preparing the marinade, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add a splash of red wine. Place your sliced meat into a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Properly marinating your meat will ensure that your beef jerky nuggets are packed with flavor and ready for drying. Remember to always follow safety precautions when handling raw meat to prevent any contamination or bacteria growth.
Testing For Doneness And Storing The Jerky
Testing for doneness is a crucial step in making beef jerky nuggets. While the meat may appear dry on the outside, it’s important to ensure that it’s fully dried on the inside to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The USDA recommends heating the meat to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
To test for doneness, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest piece of meat. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat without touching any bone or fat. If the temperature is below 160°F (71°C), continue baking the jerky nuggets until they reach this temperature.
Once your jerky nuggets are fully dried and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), it’s time to store them. Store your jerky in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent moisture from getting in. If stored properly, your jerky nuggets can last up to two weeks at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
It’s important to note that homemade beef jerky may not last as long as store-bought jerky because it doesn’t contain any preservatives. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, off-odor, or sliminess before consuming your homemade jerky. If you’re unsure about the safety of your jerky, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Experimenting With Flavor Variations
One of the great things about making beef jerky nuggets is that you can experiment with a variety of flavor combinations to create a unique taste that suits your preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Sweet and Spicy: Add honey or maple syrup to your marinade for a touch of sweetness, and increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
2. Teriyaki: Swap out the Worcestershire sauce for teriyaki sauce, and add some grated ginger and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor.
3. Smoky BBQ: Mix in some liquid smoke or smoked paprika to give your jerky nuggets a smoky, BBQ flavor.
4. Garlic Lover’s: Increase the amount of garlic powder in your marinade, and add some minced fresh garlic for an extra garlicky taste.
5. Curry: Mix in some curry powder or garam masala for an Indian-inspired flavor.
6. Jerk Style: Add some allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your marinade for a Jamaican jerk flavor.
Remember to keep track of the ingredients you use so you can recreate your favorite flavors in the future. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations until you find the perfect flavor for your beef jerky nuggets.
