Beef Jerky #1

Here’s a recipe that I originally posted in a fidonet food echo, In 1994, I think it was. I had just gotten a Ronco Food Dehydrator, and was testing different recipes. This one, I like better with no smoke, which is what the original version included. I never add liquid smoke to anything anymore. yuch. I haven’t made this in awhile, but now that the weather is cooler, I’ll watch to make with bottom round roast when it’s on sale. This is actually very frugal, compared to buying those little packages in the market.

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Recipe: Beef Jerky #1
Categories: Beef, Dehydrator, Snacks, Gift
Yield: 20 Servings

3 lb Rump roast (or similar cut)
1/2 c Light Japanese soy sauce; I
— use Kikkomon
1/4 c Worchestershire sauce
1/4 c White vinegar
1 c Water
1/2 ts Ground ginger
1/4 ts Ground red pepper
1/4 ts Ground black pepper
1 tb Onion powder
1 Clove garlic; smashed

have the butcher cut your roast in 1/8 inch slice against the grain. OR do it at home. if you don’t have good cutlery, have the butcher do it. it won’t be worth it!

Cut off the slice of fat on the bottom. separate the two distinct sinews. (you can tell, the grain goes one way on one, and the other way on the other). Trim out the “gristle” that is between them. slice the two sinews against the grain into 1/8 inch slices.

Mix the soya, and remaining ingredients to make the marinade. Marinade the meat slices for 6 or 8 hours in the fridge. (I usually place in a ziploc type bag, and place in a bowl–turning a couple of times to be sure all the slices get an equal chance at the marinade)

I prefer Japanese soya, cuz it’s lighter than the Chinese soya. And I get the Light Japanese soya, which has significantly less salt. You could add more red pepper if you like it spicey or use fresh ginger instead of bottled. If you like it sweeter, replace the water with a cup of Vermont maple syrup. Also when choosing your roast, the leaner, the better.

Charlotte Welch the cooking librarian