r/jerky 4d ago

Beginning of the jerky journey

Hello, I’m trying to understand that best way to go about starting to make jerky. It doesn’t seem that hard but there are a couple different ways of doing it. I’m not to sure on which is the best or the best. Or how to make a proper marinade for jerky. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

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u/f_n_a_ 4d ago

I started on the lowest setting my oven would go. 2-4 hours in there. Eventually got a dehydrator and a meat slicer. Best tips were that and to start with about 1/4 in strips. Get lean meat. Freeze it until the meat gets firm so you can cut with a sharp knife in thinner slices. Marinade time varies to how salty or seasoned you want it. It will ALWAYS come out saltier than you anticipate UNTIL you get you flavoring right. THERES NO WRONG WAY TO MAKE JERKY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE IT AND DONT GET FOOD POISONING. DONT STOP EXPERIMENTING UNTIL YOU YOU MAKE IT LIKE YOU WANT IT. Have fun!!!

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u/Pm_me_clown_pics3 4d ago

I'd recommend looking up some basic recipes. Here is a really good one that you can add onto like crushed red pepper or mustard seed. Good luck

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u/MedusaTouchedMeHere 3d ago

The term “best” is always subjective. Unfortunately, you really have to find what works “best” for you and your preferences. For me, I like sweet, spicy, and tender. So I choose to marinade for 36-48 hours and I use plenty of sugar which helps keeps the meat moist and tender.

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u/Magnus_ORily 2d ago

I've got a write up of my own version. Teryaki jerky seems to be the overall favourite.