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- Joey Skladany
- Krave Sea Salt Original Beef Jerky. Come at me, bro. I don’t know about you, but I prefer a jerky that doesn’t cause my molars to loosen or my tongue to feel like it took part in an Iron Man.
- Aplenty Hickory Beef Jerky. This was probably my favorite flavor of the bunch. I loved, loved, loved the hickory smoke, which imparted its way into every piece.
- People’s Choice Original Beef Jerky. The sleeper hit of the bunch was People’s Choice, which offered a jerky that was uniquely rich and decadent, almost as if it was sourced from an expensive cut of meat.
- Tillamook Old Fashioned Beef Jerky. While I actually actually prefer Tillamook’s zero-sugar option, this was a pretty stellar jerky. It was a bit on the sweet side and not as smoky as I typically prefer, but it boasted great texture throughout and felt the most snackable.
- What to Look For in Beef Jerky
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Texture
Depending on what drying methods are used to make jerky, the finished product will yield different results. Some jerky is made to have a tough and dry texture that'll give your jaw a workout, while others are softer. If you have a texture preference, buying the wrong kind can put a damper on your snacking experience. For dry jerky, look for products labeled "traditional" or "old-fashioned." For softer, chewier jerky, look for the words "soft" or "tender."
Flavor
There are jerkys to meet every flavor preference you can think of. In addition to traditional jerky recipes that let the flavor of the meat shine, you'll find flavors that take their cue from the grill, like smoked barbecue and pineapple teriyaki; sweet flavors, like honey pepper; savory flavors made with herbs, spices, and seasonings; and spicy flavors made with hot peppers, like Carolina Reaper—the hottest pepper on Earth. The best way to find your favorite is have a taste test or try a jer...
Ingredients
It's all in the name, but beef jerky should, of course, include beef in the ingredients. Other common inclusions are things like salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sugar for marinades and flavor. Loren Poncia, the owner of Stemple Creek Ranchoutside of San Francisco, California, suggests, though, that a jerky with simple ingredients and no preservatives or "junk" is the way to get the most delicious options.
How is beef jerky made?
Jerky is an ancient food that was originally used because it vastly improved the shelf life of meat by drying and salting it. Today, the jerky-making process is similar, but on a more industrial scale. After being cured and salted, the meat is dried. There are various ways of doing this, Poncia says, including smoking, or in a dehydrator or oven, and even by laying it outin the hot sun. After that, it can be seasoned and is ready to eat.
Which part of the cow is beef jerky made from?
Stemple Creek Ranch jerky is made from the "top round of beef and the eye round," Poncia says, but it all depends on the producer. Beef jerky is usually made from the shoulder or rump of the cow. These areas are flavorful, but tend to be tougher due to their lack of fat.
Can you freeze beef jerky?
If you’re not planning to eat your beef jerky right away, you can freeze it. Just make sure to put it in an airtight container first. Freezing properly will extend its shelf life by six to 12 months.
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best beef jerky on the market, evaluating their key features—like flavor, cut, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used our own knowledge and first-hand experiences to choose the items listed above.
Sharon Lehmanis a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of this beef jerky roundup. When it comes to lean and filling snacks, she’s a fan of reaching for an all-natural, grass-fed meat stick. Bonus: Chopped meat sticks add a charcuterie vibe to any cheese or snack plate. You can often find Chomps beef and turkey sticks in her pantry, but she...
Loren Poncia, the owner of Stemple Creek RanchBeef Jerky - Yahoo Recipe Search
YummlyBeef Heart Jerky With Beef Heart, Coconut Aminos, Maple Syrup, Ground Pepper, Apple Cider VinegarYummlyBeef Or Moose Jerky With Rump Roast, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Hickory-flavored Liquid SmokeYummlyHomemade Beef Jerky With Beef, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Onion Powder, Liquid Smoke, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Hot SauceYummlyBeef Jerky With Lean Meat, Soy Sauce, Apple Juice, Worcestershire Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Fresh Ginger, Coarsely Ground Black Pepper, Hot SauceYummlyBeef Jerky With Soy Sauce, Dr. Pepper, Honey, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Skirt SteakYummlyBeef Jerky With Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Smoked Paprika, Honey, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder, Beef Top Round, Garlic PowderYummlyBeef Jerky With Flank Steak, Garlic, Coconut Aminos, Black Pepper, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Chipotle PowderYummlyHomemade Beef Jerky With Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Smoked Paprika, Honey, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Top Round SteakYummlyTeriyaki Beef Jerky With Beef Flank Steak, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Honey, , Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Liquid SmokeOrder Beef Jerky nearby
Soussy Market1950 N 4th St · Open · Closes 11:30 PM · (614) 298-8579Gatorade, Starbucks, Slim Jim Stick, Pizza Rolls Box, Cliff Energy Bar, Skittles Original, Red Baron Frozen Pizza, Jack Link's Beef Jerky, Frito Lay Munchies Chips, Frito Lay Lay's Classic Chips- CHOMPS Jerky (Original Beef Stick) PER SERVING (1 Stick): 90 calories, 6 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 290 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 9 g protein.
- Country Archer Zero Sugar Classic Beef Jerky. PER SERVING (1oz.) : 70 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 260 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 12 g protein.
- Lorissa's Kitchen (Original Sticks) PER SERVING (1 stick): 130 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 310 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 6 g protein.
- Beyond Meat Jerky. PER SERVING (½ cup): 90 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 500 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 10 g protein. Yes, this jerky is higher than our recommended limit of 450 milligrams per serving, and it does contain a surprising amount of sugar (5 grams per serving).
Jul 30, 2020 · Credit: People's Choice. With only 3 grams of sugar and 10 grams of protein, People's Choice's Garlic Ginger flavor has a sophisticated natural taste that's not sweet, but is definitely moist. The ...
- Health Newsroom Director
Mar 9, 2022 · Best Tender Beef Jerky Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky. While everyone wants some chew in their beef jerky, some snackers want something a touch more tender. If that’s your style, snag yourself a bag of Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky. Tearing a strip apart in the Test Kitchen, Josh Rink notes Jack Link’s top-notch texture. “Each ...
- Lisa Kaminski
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Aug 10, 2023 · Simms Original Biltong. Aldi. Biltong is a South African type of jerky made with a variety of meats ranging from game like ostrich to America’s favorite, beef. It is sometimes cut into strips, but Simms (Aldi’s jerky brand) cuts their biltong into small, thin flats. We’re talking seriously thin.
Jan 20, 2021 · Toss the meat (or flip the bag) once or twice to be sure the meat marinates evenly. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Place a wire rack over each pan. Preheat the oven to 175°F and set two oven racks in the centermost positions. Arrange the marinated meat on the wire racks in a single layer.
