Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is simply beef that is cut into long, thin strips and dried (traditionally by the sun). Drying has been a method of food preservation throughout the history of mankind.

Dried meat strips are known to just about every culture on earth. And in many cases, they represent the original prepared foods, even predating cooking itself.

Jerky is quite tough and salty but is very flavorful and high in protein.

Jerky was a popular staple with America's early trappers, just as it is with today's backpackers because it keeps almost indefinitely and is light and easy to transport.

Today's Beef Jerky

It's certainly not necessary in our time to preserve beef by drying it. So why is jerky in every gas station and convenience store?

The low carb food craze probably hasn't hurt any either.

Today's jerky is not simply dried beef. By using rubs and marinades the manufacturers make it available in every flavoring they can conceive.

The "salted meat snack" industry generated more than $300 million in sales in the last year.

Artisan Beef Jerky

If you would like to sample what jerky really should taste like you won't find it in a gas station.

That jerky was manufactured in the giant food factories and has all kinds of foreign stuff in it and on it. Including nitrates, nitrites, MSG and no telling what other chemicals and preservatives.

To get great jerky you have two choices. Choice number one is to make it yourself. Choice number two is to buy from the artisan jerky makers.

If you would like to give making your own a try then visit How To Make Beef Jerky. It's not difficult.

I highly suggest you order some from the artisans just once so you can at least have a benchmark for your own homemade jerky.

These people are craftsmen that take pride in their work. They don't keep a large inventory so you know your jerky hasn't been sitting on a shelf for months.

There are also no chemical preservatives in it or on it. Just high quality all natural stuff!

If you're lucky enough to have a shop near you then make a trip. If you don't you can still order some artisan jerky over the Internet. (What did I do before the Internet?)

Enter jerky in the search box and you should find plenty of craftsmen that will be more than happy to take your order.

If you would like to try making some jerky on your own then try some of the following recipes:How to Make Beef Jerky

If you've ever wondered How To Make Beef Jerky here's the instructions in four easy steps. At the bottom are recipes that include ingredients for marinades and rubs to give your jerky super flavor.

South African Beef Biltong

South African Beef Biltong is the African version of beef jerky. The big difference between South African biltong and beef jerky is that the South African is flavored with vinegar and coriander.

Blue Ribbon Jerky

Blue Ribbon Jerky has an oriental slant to it. Dark soy sauce, powdered ginger and Chinese five-spice powder are the flavor kicks. If you like spicy jerky add some dried cayenne pepper.

Carne Seca

Translated from Spanish Carne Seca means "dry meat". Carne Seca is the Mexican version of jerky. If you're ready for something a little different in beef jerky then you should give this a try.

Chinese Jerky

If you're a fan of Chinese food then you'll love Chinese Beef Jerky. You can adjust the heat in this recipe by just adding more crushed red pepper. I like hot so I doubled the amount.

Gourmet Jerky

What does it take to make jerky into Gourmet Beef Jerky? Well it's the same thing that would make any food item gourmet. The finest quality ingredients prepared by skilled craftsmen.

Ground Beef Jerky Recipe

Working with a Ground Beef Jerky Recipe is a slightly different process than making whole muscle jerky. Instead of a marinade or a dry rub the spice mixture is mixed in with the ground beef.

Smoked Jerky

This Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe adds another dimension to homemade jerky. If you have a smoker, that is. I use my water smoker that I've named "Big Red". I just don't put any liquid in the pan.

Teriyaki Jerky

The very first batch of beef jerky I ever made was from a Teriyaki Beef Jerky recipe that someone had given me. Unfortunately this is when I discovered that I didn't like the taste of teriyaki.

Tofu Jerky

I love tofu and I love beef jerky. So, why not make Tofu Jerky? Before you send me that e-mail I know this is a beef site. But Tofu Jerky is such an interesting recipe I just had to include it.

Jerky Marinade

Making jerky at home is easy and fun. This Beef Jerky Marinade recipe is pretty basic and will get you started. A part of the fun in making jerky, however, is creating your own flavors.