Let's talk Jerky

[Garbs]

Originally Posted by Wormius

It’s pretty easy with a food dehydrator. Basspro / Cabelas has all of stuff you’d ever need, but all of the cuts of lean beef that used to be cheap are now expensive and t’s kind of makes you question if it’s the best use of it.

Pork loin makes good jerky and is a fraction of the cost of beef as well. If you are making your own a great option. Usually can fill my smoker + get 6 good size pork chops out of one for around $30

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by photon

Making your own seems more cost effective but I'm way too lazy for that. The Costco Kirkland Signature Extra Thick Steak Strips are usually what I get to have some on the go protein. Not great jerky but also not expensive and better than a lot of options, and they aren't super high in sugar like some.

I mean... I guess it depends on what types of jerky you're making.

From raw ingredients, it certainly takes more time than something like jerky from spam/corned beef/sandwich meats etc. My dehydrator had a recipe that was basically ground meats with spices piped into a shape.

I think the fat content in some of that stuff is higher than proper lean meat jerky though, so if you DIY this stuff, you may want to store it in a fridge when you're done to avoid the fats going rancid within days.


TBH, I've never made the spam/sandwich meat jerky. Every time I sorta get close in considering it, I end up making musubi or panini instead. I really do want to try biltong some day though.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

“Biltong.”

Also a fun word.

Biltong is massive in South Africa. Just about every strip mall has a specialized biltong store. And the further outside of the big cities you get, the more exotic the animals it is made of. Very common to find biltong made from wild game, like Sprinbok, Kudi, Ostrich, Wildebeest, etc...

For jerky, I find the best jerky comes from butcher shops.

Tried making it myself, but I can't quite get the texture right. It's always too crispy on the outside.

[Geraldsh]

I use a dehydrator for my jerky and I like it a bit crispy, lets me chew for a while and enjoy the flavour.
I haven’t had a chance to try it yet but pemmican is becoming popular with saskatoon or strawberry flavour.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by terryclancy

Butchery Block in Cochrane has good “South African” jerky. Not cheap but a good chew.

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

“Biltong.”

Also a fun word.

Originally Posted by fotze2

There’s a South African place on Kensington road. I figured I’d love it so I bought too much. Actually didn’t like it at all. Something odd about it. Harrison Brunicke’s dad would make biltong and his was awesome.

Originally Posted by blankall

Biltong is massive in South Africa. Just about every strip mall has a specialized biltong store. And the further outside of the big cities you get, the more exotic the animals it is made of. Very common to find biltong made from wild game, like Sprinbok, Kudi, Ostrich, Wildebeest, etc...

For jerky, I find the best jerky comes from butcher shops.

Tried making it myself, but I can't quite get the texture right. It's always too crispy on the outside.

Droe Wors is way better

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Geraldsh

I use a dehydrator for my jerky and I like it a bit crispy, lets me chew for a while and enjoy the flavour.
I haven’t had a chance to try it yet but pemmican is becoming popular with saskatoon or strawberry flavour.

One thing I found out with our dehydrator was that it was not actually getting as hot as the temperature setting indicated. I never got sick, but now give it a few minutes in the oven. I prefer it on the super dry side too, which is why I am not crazy about most of the retail stuff.

[DownInFlames]

My aunt makes amazing jerky from the elk my cousin hunts. She could honestly sell it.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by DownInFlames

My aunt makes amazing jerky from the elk my cousin hunts. She could honestly sell it.

It's not exactly selling, but we do have a meat barter going on. Thanks, AuntieDiF!