How long does homemade jerky last?

The shelf life of jerky is dependent on 3 main components: 1 - Moisture content - if dried properly, the moisture content of jerky should be quite low 2 - Packaging - the more airtight the container, the longer the shelf life. 3 - Temperatures - cool and dry will extend the life of jerky. If all 3 of these conditions are met, then the average homemade jerky can last up to 6 months.

What is the ideal temperature for making jerky?

All raw meats must be dried at a temperature of 145 degrees and above. The internal temperature of the meat must remain at this temperature for at least 10 minutes.

How should you slice the meat for the jerky?

Here are some basic pointers when slicing the meat for jerky: cut the meat across the grain to make the jerky easier to chew, slice the meat into 1/8-1/4 inch slices and make each slice no more than 5-6 inches in length and lastly, use semi-frozen meat to make slicing the meat nice and thin much easier.

How To Make Homemade Jerky - Oven, Dehydrator, Air fryer

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 - 3lb eye of round or bottom round roast, trimmed of excess fat
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar substitute (such as Lakanto or Truvia)
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground pepper
OPTIONAL - 1-3 tsp chili powder (for added heat if you want!)
1 lb meat, cut into strips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Slice the meat between 1/8-1/4 inch thickness, across the grain.
In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients (except for the meat) until the sweetener has dissolved.
Add the meat strips to the bowl and toss until all pieces and sides of the meat have been coated in the marinade. Marinate for at least 12 hours or up to 2 days.
Remove the beef from the marinade and place beef strips on the dehydrator rack, baking rack set in a lined-rimmed baking sheet, or on racks made for an air fryer.
Dehydrate depending on the method (see post for details)
Allow the jerky to fully cool before placing the jerky in an airtight container.

Notes

always place meat in a single layer
make sure meat is lying flat
make sure meat does not overlap
rotate trays top to bottom and as well as turn the trays every few hours
when marinating meat, use glass, porcelain or stainless steel - do not use aluminum
use no more than 1/4 cup of vinegar for 1 lb of meat

Author: Cat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
12 hours: marinating
Cook Time: 3-6 hours
Category: Homemade, Snacks
Method: Dehyrdating
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 60
Sugar: 0.5
Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 1
Fiber: 0
Protein: 6