“Deliciously Smoky and Tender: Elevate Your Beef Jerky Game with the Irresistible Flavors of Pellet Grilling!”
Easy Beef Jerky Recipe
Making your own beef jerky is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed snack. With the help of a pellet grill, you can easily maintain the perfect temperature for 10 hours, resulting in incredibly tasty beef jerky.
To start, choose the right cut of meat for your jerky. Look for lean cuts with minimal fat or trim any excess fat before marinating. Flank steak is a great option, although it can be a bit expensive. Alternatively, opt for a lean eye of round which offers the same delicious results at a more affordable price.
Before slicing the meat, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes (or up to 60 minutes for larger cuts) to firm it up. This will make slicing much easier. Slice the flank steak with the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices.
In a gallon-size resealable bag, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the sliced flank steak to the bag and squeeze out any excess air before sealing it. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Light up your pellet grill and set it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, remove the flank steak from the marinade and arrange it in a single layer on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke the beef jerky for 8-10 hours.
After around 8 hours, check on your jerky to see if it has reached your desired level of dryness. If you prefer it drier, continue cooking until it reaches your liking.
Once done, remove from heat and allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Enjoy your homemade beef jerky as a tasty and nutritious snack anytime!
Ingredients
– Flank steak or eye of round
– Marinade ingredients (such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar)
– Gallon size resealable bag
Instructions
To prepare the beef for slicing, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes (or 60 minutes for a larger cut like eye of round). This will make it easier to slice.
Once the beef is partially frozen, slice the flank steak with the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices.
In a gallon size resealable bag, mix together the remaining ingredients to create the marinade. Add the sliced flank steak to the bag and squeeze out any air before sealing it.
Light your pellet grill and set the temperature to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the flank steak from the marinade and arrange it in a single layer on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke the beef jerky on the pellet grill for 8-10 hours.
Check on your beef jerky after 8 hours of cooking. If you prefer a drier texture, continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of dryness.
Nutrition
Beef jerky is a high-protein snack that provides essential nutrients for your body. It is a great source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues, support immune function, and maintain healthy skin and hair. A 1-ounce serving of beef jerky typically contains about 9 grams of protein.
In addition to protein, beef jerky also offers important vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport throughout the body. Beef jerky also contains zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing.
However, it’s important to note that beef jerky can be high in sodium. The marinade used in this recipe may contain additional salt, so it’s best to consume beef jerky in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake. Opting for low-sodium or homemade marinades can help reduce the overall sodium content.
In conclusion, beef jerky can be successfully prepared on a pellet grill, resulting in a delicious and flavorful snack. The combination of low and slow cooking with the smoky flavor from the wood pellets creates a unique taste that is sure to satisfy any jerky lover. So fire up your pellet grill and enjoy homemade beef jerky like never before!
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