Sweet & Sour Dehydrated Beef Jerky – A Nostalgic Family Recipe
| | 6 min read
Introduction
Growing up, weekends at Grandma's house were a sensory delight. The aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen, the laughter echoing through the halls, and the anticipation of her famous sweet and sour beef jerky made those days unforgettable. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished moments, bringing the same warmth and flavor to your home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean beef (top round or eye of round), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Dehydrator: Set your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C). If your model requires preheating, do so according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Arrange the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Dehydrate: Insert the trays into the dehydrator and dry the beef for 4-6 hours. Check periodically; the jerky is done when it is firm, dry, and bends without breaking.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jerky to cool completely. Store in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze.
Cooking Tips
- Slice Consistently: For even drying, ensure all beef slices are of uniform thickness, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
- Freeze Before Slicing: Partially freezing the beef for 1-2 hours makes slicing easier and more precise.
- Safety First: To ensure safety, you can preheat the beef strips in an oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10 minutes before dehydrating, as recommended by food safety guidelines.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 6g
Conclusion
This sweet and sour beef jerky recipe is more than just a snack; it's a journey back to the comforting memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. Whether you're a jerky enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises a delightful experience.
Looking to elevate your jerky-making game? Check out the range of Magic Mill dehydrators on Amazon. They're a fantastic investment for any home cook!
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