How to Slice Meat for Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a popular snack that is loved for its savory flavor and chewy texture.

Whether you are a seasoned jerky maker or just starting out, slicing the beef correctly is an important step in achieving the perfect texture. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of slicing beef jerky and provide tips for getting the best results.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of Beef

The first step in slicing beef jerky is choosing the right cut of beef!

The best cuts for beef jerky are lean cuts with little fat and connective tissue: 

• top round
• bottom round
• pectoral
• skirt steak
• sirloin
• flank steak

These cuts will give you the right texture and flavor for the perfect and tasty beef jerky.

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have your favorite cut of beef, it’s time to prepare it for slicing.

You’ll want to start by trimming any visible fat from the meat. It’s important that you remove the fat because it can cause the jerky to spoil quickly.

Pro Tip: Freezing the meat for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to slice thinly and evenly. This is because the colder temperature causes the meat fibers to contract and that makes it firmer and easier to slice.

Step 4: Slicing the Meat

Now that your meat is prepped you can start slicing.

Pro Tip: To get the best results, it’s important to slice the right type of meat against the grain.

This means slicing perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. Slicing against the grain results in a tender and chewy texture. If you were to try slicing with the grain it can result in a tough and rubbery texture.

When slicing, aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick for beef jerky.

This is the ideal thickness for jerky because it provides the perfect balance between flavor and texture. If you’re having trouble slicing the meat evenly then you can use a meat slicer or a sharp knife to get the job done.

It should look like the picture below when you are done:

Step 5: Marinating the Slices

Once you’ve finished slicing the meat it’s time to marinate it.

Marinating the slices in your favorite jerky marinade is going to add a lot of flavor.

You need to make sure that each slice is fully coated. Let the meat marinate for at least 4 hours… or overnight for best results (we recommend overnight because it makes a HUGE difference).

More reading: The best steak for beef jerky

Step 6: Drying the Jerky

There are 3 main ways to dry jerky:

1. Using a dehydrator
2. Oven
3. Smoker

Whichever method you choose make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Place the slices of beef on a rack or tray so that air can circulate around each slice. This will help the jerky dry evenly and prevent any mold from forming.

Drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices, the drying method, and the humidity levels in your area. You can safely assume it typically takes between 4-12 hours.

Step 7: Storing the Jerky

To keep the beef jerky fresh store it in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Keep the jerky in a cool, dry place. An easy spot to use is a pantry or cupboard.

Jerky can last for several months when properly stored… as long as you use the right cut of meat.

.

Happy jerky making!