Trying to Make My Own Beef Jerky

[Jimbo_79]

Who doesn't love beef jerky eh? I tried to make my own once many years ago and it went so-so. Well, I'm trying it again! This time I'm using the same rub recipe I use for my brisket and since I've gotten better at cutting thin slices of meat this will hopefully go much better. Using the smoker/grill to do it complete with some mesquite wood chips. Will post a few pics and taste report when it's done

[Guest]

Gotta be good ole fresh Venison and a good YouTube channel lol

[Jimbo_79]

I'm using beef, lol! Wouldn't mind trying venison though!

[Guest]

I've only had it as real Catskill Mountain fresh bagged Deer, so I really can't compare with beef..except if we count Links or Teriyaki flavored A & P brand lol. I'm sure your beefyness will be mighty tasty.

[Jimbo_79]

Thanks 4ex! Well, it's finished and I'm rather proud of the results! Got a nice bite to it but not so much it kills you. I'm gonna need the wife to hide it or it'll be gone by tomorrow, lol!

Here's a pic as promised

20151010_190558.jpg

[usmcveteran]

Do you have step by step instructions for those who might want to give it a try? Never heard of doing it old fashion way in smoker

[thughes]

Beef jerky?

[Jimbo_79]

That's just wrong Thughes, LMFAO!!!!

[Jimbo_79]

One last photo for y'all. The first one didn't do the amount I made justice. The question is how long will it last?

20151010_220730.jpg

[Jimbo_79]

USMC, I'll post some instructions in a few days. Sorry I forgot to mention that in my last post.

[usmcveteran]

Thanks looking forward to giving it a try.

[Cgrutt]

I've never had beef jerky or venison either. Always reminded me of shoe leather and never had interest in trying it. Looks good in pic though!

[Guest]

Oh it damn well has the texture of old shoe leather lol. But it's a good hiking/day journey thing to nibble while walking without having to stop.

Jumb..are you gonna refrigerator it or freeze it?? You kinda should to halt bacteria growth. Freezing will give you close to a year, but obviously the best method would be to vacuum seal it. Now if it's just that one bag I'd say refrige would be fine..if you make trays of it then vacuum them. Even vacuum them into little bags and drop them off at local places for sample and sale..might never have to be in computer hell again...

[Jimbo_79]

Yeah, it's just the one bag and is in the fridge. Probably won't last too long because I love beef jerky!!

[dwa12479]

Looks good Jimbo!

What cut of meat did you use? I usually use sirloins. If you put them in the freezer for about an hour or so before you slice, the density of the meat makes it much easier to cut in uniform slices.

The last batch I did on the smoker I used a spicy Cajun marinade that I picked up at Field &Stream. It had some heat to it, but not a "holy hell, where's the bread and milk" type heat. I have to prop the door open slightly to try and keep the temp around 150 degrees for around 5 to 6 hours.

Oh, and by the way, spent .308 cases make perfect tray risers to double my smoker capacity. LOL.