How to Make Jerky in Your Oven

If you’re looking for a tasty and convenient snack, you might consider making your own jerky in the oven. Jerky is a lean and protein-packed snack that’s perfect for on-the-go adventures or for satisfying those afternoon cravings. While it can be found at most gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores, homemade jerky is often fresher and can be customized to your liking.

Making jerky in the oven is a simple and straightforward process. All you need is some high-quality meat, a marinade of your choice, and an oven. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, chicken, or fish, the process for making jerky in the oven is similar. Follow these steps to make your own mouth-watering jerky in the comfort of your own home.

How to Make Homemade Jerky in the Oven

Making jerky in the oven is a great way to enjoy a protein-packed snack that is both healthy and delicious. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chef, making jerky in the oven is a simple process that anyone can master with a few basic steps. Here, we will show you how to make your own jerky in the oven, right in the comfort of your own home!

1. Choosing Your Meat

One of the most important steps in making jerky is choosing the right meat. Beef is the most commonly used meat for jerky, but you can also use other meats such as venison, turkey, or even fish. You want a lean cut of meat that is low in fat and high in protein. Look for cuts like round, flank, or sirloin, and avoid cuts with a lot of marbling.

2. Prepping Your Meat

Before you can turn your meat into jerky, you need to prep it. To start, slice your meat into thin, even strips, about ¼ inch thick. You can do this by hand, or use a meat slicer for more precise cuts. If you are using a marinade, now is the time to soak your meat in it for an hour or up to overnight.

3. Creating a Rub

If you prefer not to use a marinade, you can create a flavorful rub for your jerky. A simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can add just the right amount of flavor. Get creative and experiment with other spices, such as chili powder or paprika.

4. Drying Your Meat

Once your meat is prepped and flavored, it’s time to dry it. Preheat your oven to 160°F (or the lowest setting possible) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out your strips of meat in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Place the baking sheet in the oven, leaving the door slightly open to allow air flow.

5. Monitoring Your Jerky

After about 2-4 hours, check your jerky to see if it is drying properly. The meat should be firm and dry to the touch, but still pliable. If your meat is not completely dry, leave it in the oven for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, checking it periodically.

6. Storing Your Jerky

Once your jerky is finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Store your jerky in an airtight container or plastic bag, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, freeze your jerky for up to six months.

7. Safety Tips

When making jerky, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent the growth of bacteria. Always handle your meat with clean hands and clean utensils, and make sure your jerky is thoroughly dried to prevent the growth of bacteria.

8. Using a Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, you can use it to make jerky as well. Follow the same process for prepping your meat and drying it, but set your dehydrator to 160°F and dry your jerky for 6-8 hours.

9. Adding Flavor

If you want to add even more flavor to your jerky, try experimenting with different marinades or rubs. You can also add liquid smoke, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or other flavorings to your meat for a unique taste.

10. Serving Your Jerky

Homemade jerky is a great on-the-go snack that is perfect for hiking, camping, or any time you need a quick protein boost. It’s also a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a protein-packed snack throughout the day. Try different flavor combinations and share your creations with family and friends. Enjoy!

What Type of Meat Should You Use?

When making jerky in the oven, the type of meat you use is crucial. Although traditional jerky is made from beef, you can make jerky from a wide variety of meats such as chicken, turkey, pork, and even fish. Here are some of the most popular choices of meat to make jerky:

Beef

Beef is the most popular meat used to make jerky due to its toughness and flavor. You can use any part of the beef, but the best parts are flank steak, sirloin tip, and round steak. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the meat to make the jerky less greasy.

Chicken and Turkey

Chicken and turkey make great alternatives for people who don’t eat red meat. They are lean meats and have a mild flavor that absorbs seasoning well. Try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey fillets for the best results.

Pork

Pork is a flavorful meat that makes great jerky. The best parts to use are pork loin or pork tenderloin. Similar to beef, make sure to trim off any excess fat.

Fish

Fish jerky might sound strange, but it’s actually a popular snack in many cultures. You can use any type of fish such as salmon, tuna, or even tilapia. Make sure to remove any skin before marinating.

No matter what type of meat you choose, make sure it’s fresh and of good quality. Avoid using meat that has been previously frozen or has been sitting in the fridge for too long. Fresh meat will give you the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jerky in the Oven

1. Prep the Meat

The first step in making jerky in the oven is to choose the right meat. Lean cuts such as beef and wild game work well for jerky. Trim any excess fat off the meat as this can cause the jerky to spoil quicker and make it chewy. You can also partially freeze the meat for a couple of hours before slicing it, as this will make it easier to cut into thin strips.

2. Make the Marinade

The marinade is what gives the jerky its flavor. It’s best to use a combination of salty, sweet, and acidic flavors. You can start with a basic marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and black pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl or a jar and add the meat strips. Make sure the meat is fully coated in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C). Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. The wire rack will allow air to circulate all around the jerky while it’s baking, ensuring that it dries evenly.

4. Arrange the Meat on the Rack

Take the meat strips out of the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Arrange the meat strips on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure that they don’t overlap or touch each other. This will allow the air to circulate all around the meat, drying it out more efficiently.

5. Bake the Jerky in the Oven

Put the baking sheet with the wire rack in the preheated oven and bake the jerky for 3-4 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat. The thicker the meat, the longer it will take to dry. Check the jerky after 3 hours and then every 30 minutes after that. When the jerky is done, it should be dry and leathery to the touch, but not crisp. Let the jerky cool completely on the wire rack before transferring it to an airtight container. Jerky made in the oven can last up to a month when stored properly.

Now that you know how to make jerky in the oven, you can experiment with different flavors and marinades to find your personal favorite. Making jerky at home is an enjoyable and cost-effective way to create a healthy snack that is perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, or just a quick protein boost during a long day.

Give Jerky a Try!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make jerky in your oven! Remember, it takes a little extra time and patience, but the end result is worth it – delicious, homemade jerky that you can enjoy at any time. Make sure to store your finished product in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should last for a few weeks. Thanks so much for reading, and we’ll see you again for more tasty tips and tricks! Happy jerky-making!