Made my first batch of jerky

[Dennis]

Ok,
looks like and tastes like jerky.. My question now is did i leave it in the deydrator to long? I took vension steaks cut into thin strips about 3/8 to 1/4 thick ..made up my marinate soaked for 4 hrs then i placed them in the dehydrator for here is the tricky part.. I pulled them out after 8 hrs..the instructions say 4-15 hrs.. how do you actually know? I'm going to make more here soon.. The batch i pulled out i put in the fridge to cool and i have tried a couple pieces..and it tastes pretty good ..It past my sons test , hes a jerky nut..I'm guessing its a trial and error thing..I used the highest heat setting as suggested in the instructions 155 degrees..
Its A Nessco american harvest deydrator...Next batch i try will be teriyaki
flavor..

[gds]

I take the deer meat trim all the fat and sinue off, slice it 1/8 inch thick or less.Dehydrate at 145-155 for 8 to 12 hours (depending on the thickness of the meat ) let cool in the dehydrator. Place in air tight container after it cools to room temp. The way I tell if the jerky is done: after it cools fold a strip end to end if it snaps and breaks like a potato chip it's too dry, the meat should bend and start to crack but not break all the way through. Moisture is the enemy of dried jerky keep it dry. Good luck. :)

[Dennis]

gds,
thanks for the reply i might have kept it to long in the dehydrator along with to high a temp..But theres always next time ;)

[AteUp]

Moisture is the enemy of dried jerky...

I am the enemy of dried jerky! Muhahahahaha!!!:D

[7mmx2]

Try using your ground beef for your jerky.
I now do that. It tastes awesome.
I've gotten compliments on how it's better than the stuff in the store.

[ElmerFudd]

Try using your ground beef for your jerky.
I now do that. It tastes awesome.
I've gotten compliments on how it's better than the stuff in the store.

hmmm...how do you slice the ground beef?

[7mmx2]

You don't slice it.
You buy a $30 jerky gun from Bass Pro Shop or wherever you shop.
Trust me it's much easier

Good Luck

[teacher]

Jerky guns are the way to go.. I always have part of my deer grounded up in burger to use for my jerky..

[michunter]

I just used the same dehydrator , I am making 40 pounds been going for 2 days , It is ground up and I am loving it . :D Did the first Batch for 6 hours , second for 8 , and third for 7 . Seven seemed to be the best . Made my own marinade , and I am suprised how yummy it is !! :D

[quackrstackr]

Jerky guns are the way to go.. I always have part of my deer grounded up in burger to use for my jerky..

I take it you guys are just having it ground "as is" and not using what you normally get back as burger. :confused:

My burger always has a percentage of beef fat added to it and would make for rancid jerky.

[teacher]

I take it you guys are just having it ground "as is" and not using what you normally get back as burger. :confused:

My burger always has a percentage of beef fat added to it and would make for rancid jerky.
LOL.. My first time was rancid also.. I found out the hard way to make sure and tell them not to add any beef fat when grounded up..

[michunter]

First year I tried jerky , But I never planned on putting beef or pork with it . I will only use it for stews and chili and such . Been eating the hell out of the jerky though !!:D