Dried beef is an extraordinary way to appreciate all the deep nuances and unparalleled flavor that Angus beef offers. However, its preparation does not follow the traditional processing methods we are normally accustomed to.
To properly enjoy this type of dish, it’s essential to follow certain guidelines. This technique, which may seem novel, was actually used long ago to preserve the product when refrigeration methods were unavailable. If you don’t know how to prepare dried meat at home, take note of the following.
What is dehydrated meat?
Dehydrated meat is dried meat that has undergone a process of liquid and fat extraction. While that might not sound appetizing, it’s actually quite delicious: dehydrating meat allows you to appreciate all the nuances of our Angus beef more intensely.
Whether you want to try our beef jerky (and appreciate those unmistakable smoky notes) or you want to make it yourself, you should keep in mind that not all cuts of meat are suitable for preparing it this way.
What is the best cut of meat for making beef jerky?
Dehydrated beef is best for this purpose, but it must be a premium quality cut like the ones we offer at Grupo Miguel Vergara. Ideally, lean cuts from the loin of the animal are used for making beef jerky.
If you haven’t tried dried meat and prefer to get into this world gradually, we recommend buying Miguel Vergara Angus beef round: a dried and cured piece of meat that offers you all the nuances and the best flavor of this breed of cattle.
If you want to prepare it at home, you can try using cuts that don’t have too much fat, such as the loin or the tenderloin.
- Loin: whether it’s the short loin or the rib loin, it’s a cut you can’t go wrong with because of its quality and large amount of lean meat.
- Sirloin steak: buying Angus beef sirloin means making the right choice. Renowned and valued for its versatility in the kitchen, its low fat content makes it another ideal and exceptionally high-quality option.
As you can see, just like with smoked meat, it’s not only important to have the best raw materials, but also the type of cut we use to obtain the best possible result.
How to make dried meat?
To learn how to dehydrate meat, you must follow a few simple steps that we will detail below. However, remember the fundamental premise: use lean meat, and above all, make sure it’s high quality.
Ingredients
If you want to know how to prepare dried meat, you won’t need too many ingredients, but you will need to be careful with the subsequent procedure.
- 1 kg of lean Angus beef (sirloin, tenderloin, or flank are excellent examples)
- Salt
- Pepper
Preparation
Once you have selected the piece, this is the basic process to conveniently obtain dehydrated meat at home.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- Then, put it in the freezer for 30 minutes until it hardens.
- Remove the piece and cut it into thin strips: the thinner they are, the easier the drying process will be later.
- Once you have the sheets ready, preheat the oven to 65ºC and place the strips on the tray lined with absorbent paper.
- Leave it for approximately 6 hours, although you should check when it is dry and firm to the touch.
- Once finished, remember to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Don’t worry about the expiration date, as this ancient process allowed the meat to be preserved for months.
Frequently Asked Question
How long does it take for beef jerky to dry?
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a slow process: the entire procedure will likely take around 7 hours: half an hour in the freezer, 6 hours in the oven, and another half hour of preparation. Remember to be careful when slicing the meat and not to overlap the slices on the tray.
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Dehydrator?
Slice beef thinly, marinate it, then dehydrate at 145°F (63°C) until dry and chewy.
How to Make Beef Jerky in an Air Fryer?
Marinate thin beef strips and air fry at 160°F (71°C) until dry and firm.
How to Make Beef Jerky in a Smoker?
Season thin beef strips and smoke them at 160°F (71°C) until dried to your preferred texture.
How to Make Beef Jerky Sticks?
Mix ground beef with seasonings, shape into thin sticks, and dehydrate or smoke until fully dried.
How to Make Beef Jerky From Ground Beef?
Season ground beef, press it into thin strips, then dehydrate or bake until dry and firm.
How to Make Beef Jerky for Dogs?
Use lean beef without salt, spices, garlic, or onion, slice it thinly, and dehydrate until completely dry.
Conclusion
Although we’ve given you all the steps to prepare dried beef, if you prefer a simpler approach, you can opt for Angus beef jerky. It’s a true delicacy with a unique and intense flavor, which we offer ready-made, so you won’t have to complicate things, just like with our roast beef.
Either way, rest assured that at Miguel Vergara you will be able to savor the best dehydrated meat in any of its forms.