Best Steak for Beef Jerky

The best cuts of meat for beef jerky are Top Round, Bottom Round, Lifter and Pectoral (also known as brisket).

It’s important to choose the right cut of meat to ensure that your snack is not only delicious but also has the right texture. While any cut of meat can be used for jerky you should know that some are better suited than others.

The best steak for beef jerky is Top Round, Bottom Round, Lifter, and Pectoral. 

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One of the reasons these cuts are ideal for beef jerky is that they are all relatively lean. Being lean means that they won’t produce a greasy or fatty jerky.

Additionally, they have just the right amount of connective tissue. That is important because it helps to create a satisfying chew. When you slice them against the grain, they break down more easily, making it easier to eat.

Top Round, also known as Inside Round, is a popular choice for jerky because it is relatively affordable and widely available. It has moderate marbling and is quite lean. The marbling makes it easy to work with. Something unique about top round is that this cut is often used for roast beef. Roast beef itself also makes excellent jerky when sliced thinly against the grain.

Bottom Round is another great option for jerky. It is a little tougher than Top Round and it has a richer flavor and is more affordable. It has less marbling than Top Round, so it is even leaner and produces a less greasy jerky.

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Lifter is a cut that comes from the shoulder of the cow. It is a little tougher than Top Round and Bottom Round – however – it has a lot of flavor and produces a satisfyingly chewy jerky. This cut is often used by home cooks and chefs alike for pot roast.

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Pectoral, also known as Brisket, is a flavorful cut of meat that is often used for barbecue. And if you’ve been on this website much at all you know we write extensively about brisket! It has a lot of connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking, but it also makes a great jerky when sliced against the grain. It is a little more expensive than the other cuts on this list but is worth the money because it produces a very flavorful and tender jerky.