Beef jerky has been a food staple for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts since pioneer days, because it's lightweight, easily transportable, and needs no refrigeration, special storage or cooking. It's easy to make your own beef jerky, and you can spice it up however you like it.
Instructions
Preparation
1. If you're using fresh meat, partially freeze it for about 1 to 2 hours. If your meat is frozen, partially thaw it out in the refrigerator. This makes slicing easier.
2. Slice the meat about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick using a very sharp serrated knife.
3. Mix together 1/2 to 2/3 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp. liquid smoke and a few drops of tabasco sauce, if desired, in a small bowl.
4. Place the sliced meat inside a covered casserole dish, and pour marinade on top. Cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Place meat strips on wire cake racks and sprinkle both sides with garlic powder or garlic salt and lemon pepper. Place them close together, but don't overlap them.
6. Preheat the oven on the lowest setting (100 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. Place the wire racks on cookie sheets or aluminum foil and place in the oven.
7. Bake the for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Check them after 3 to 4 hours and turn them, if desired.
8. Remove the jerky from the racks and carefully wipe off any excess oil, using paper towels.
9. Store the jerky in sealed glass jars or zippered plastic bags.
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