Homemade Inside Skirt Steak Beef Jerky

Ingredients:

For the Jerky:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs of Inside Skirt Steak (Bio Farm)

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for sweetness)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for acidity)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional for an earthy flavor)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy kick)
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional for extra smoky flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Skirt Steak

1. Trim the Steak: Remove any visible fat or silver skin from the inside skirt steak. This ensures a leaner jerky with better texture.
2. Slice the Steak: Cut the steak into thin strips against the grain. Aim for strips that are around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If you want chewier jerky, slice with the grain.
3. Freeze the Meat (optional): For easier slicing, you can place the steak in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This firms it up, making it easier to slice thinly.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

1. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Marinate the Steak: Place the sliced steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure each piece is well-coated.
3. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6-12 hours (overnight works best). The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the jerky will be.

Step 3: Dehydrate (Oven or Dehydrator)

Option 1: Using a Dehydrator

1. Preheat the Dehydrator: Set your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C), which is the ideal temperature for making jerky.
2. Arrange the Meat: Place the marinated beef strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure there is space between each strip for proper airflow.
3. Dry the Jerky: Dehydrate the meat for 4-6 hours, checking periodically for the desired level of dryness. The jerky should be firm but still slightly bendable (not brittle). The exact time will depend on the thickness of your slices and your dehydrator's efficiency.

Option 2: Using an Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 170°F (77°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, set it to the lowest temperature possible, and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
2. Prepare the Rack: Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the marinated beef strips on the rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
3. Dry the Jerky: Place the tray in the oven, and bake for 4-6 hours, depending on the thickness of your strips. Flip the beef halfway through the cooking time. Check for the desired texture — it should be firm and slightly flexible, not soft or wet.
4. Monitor the Process: Check periodically for any signs of burning or uneven drying. You may need to adjust the temperature slightly if your oven is too hot or too cold.

Step 4: Cool and Store

1. Cool the Jerky: Once the jerky is done, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Store the Jerky: Store your homemade beef jerky in an airtight container, vacuum-sealed bags, or ziplock bags. It should stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature or up to 3 months if refrigerated. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Tips for Perfect Beef Jerky:

• Thickness: Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness so they dry evenly.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the marinade to suit your taste. For a sweeter jerky, add more brown sugar or honey. For a more savory flavor, increase the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
• Texture Check: Jerky should not be brittle or snap easily. It should bend without breaking. If it snaps, you’ve over-dried it.

Enjoy your homemade inside skirt steak beef jerky made with Bio Farm beef! Whether you're snacking on the go or packing it for a camping trip, it’s sure to be a tasty and satisfying treat.