Recipe for dried meat that anyone can make at home
Dried meat, or jerky, is a delicacy that is becoming increasingly popular. And it’s no wonder! This traditional method of preserving meat offers numerous advantages – great taste, long shelf life, and high nutritional value. In today's article, we will show you how to prepare dried meat at home and why you should include it in your diet.
What is dried meat?
Drying meat is a method that has been used for centuries to preserve this food. The meat is usually sliced into thin pieces, seasoned, and then slowly dried until it loses most of its moisture. The result is a concentrated flavor and high nutritional value, making jerky an ideal snack for travel, work, or sports activities.
Do you enjoy tasty and healthy snacks that provide energy and keep you full for a long time? Dried meat might be the right choice. It contains a high amount of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, while being low in fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
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Recipe for homemade dried meat
For easy preparation of dried meat, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg of lean beef, which you can substitute with chicken or turkey, according to your preference,
- 100 ml of soy sauce,
- 100 ml of Worcestershire sauce,
- 1 tablespoon of honey,
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar,
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper,
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder,
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder,
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and chili, to taste, if you like spicy food.
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Steps to prepare dried meat
The first step is to prepare the meat. Place the meat in the freezer for 1-2 hours to make it easier to handle. When the meat is firm enough, slice it into thin pieces about 5 mm thick. Try to cut against the grain to make the dried meat more tender and easy to chew.
The next step is marinating. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. If you like a spicy flavor, add chili to taste. Place the meat slices in the prepared marinade and mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the meat to absorb all the flavors and become as aromatic as possible.
Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature, about 60-70 °C. Arrange the meat slices on a rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Dry the meat in the oven for 4-6 hours until it is dry but still slightly flexible. If you have a food dehydrator, you can use it instead of the oven, which simplifies the whole process.
Once drying is complete, allow the meat to cool. Store the dried meat in an airtight container or bag. At room temperature, it will last for several weeks; in the refrigerator, it can last for several months. This homemade snack is perfect for travel, work, or as a healthy snack after a workout. Also, try different variations of marinades and spices to discover new and interesting flavors. Dried meat can be sweet, spicy, smoky, or even exotic – it all depends on your preferences. Experiment with different ingredients and discover new combinations that excite you and enrich your diet.
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Advantages and disadvantages of dried meat
Dried meat is not only tasty but also very nutritious. It contains a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and it is low in fats and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. All of this makes it a great choice for those who want to eat healthily and maintain a balanced diet.
Dried meat has its drawbacks, particularly the high sodium content, which can be a problem for people with high blood pressure or other health issues. Some commercially available varieties may also contain preservatives and artificial additives that are not good for your health. However, making dried meat at home means you have full control over what you eat, and you can be sure that your snack is as healthy as possible.
Preparing your own dried meat is a great way to enjoy a tasty and healthy treat that you can have on hand at all times. This recipe will show you that it is not complicated at all, and the final product is definitely worth the time and effort spent. So why not try it right now? Your taste buds will thank you!
How to further use dried meat?
Dried meat is a great snack on its own, but you can also use it in other ways. Add it to salads, pasta, or use it as an ingredient in sandwiches and wraps. Dried meat will add a rich and spicy flavor to your favorite dishes that you will appreciate with every bite. For instance, you can chop it into small pieces and add it to a salad with fresh vegetables and cheese, creating a delicious and balanced lunch or dinner.
In pasta, you can use dried meat as a substitute for classic meat sauces; just mix it with your favorite sauce and pasta. The result will be a quick and tasty meal that will keep you full for a long time. Dried meat is also great in sandwiches and wraps, where it can replace regular cold cuts. Add it along with vegetables, cheese, and dressing to a tortilla or whole-grain bread to create a healthy and nutritious snack that you can take to work or on the go.
Dried meat is also ideal for hiking and camping. With its long shelf life and compact packaging, it is a great source of energy on long trips when you need a light and nutritious diet. While hiking, you can consume dried meat directly from the package or add it to cooked meals, such as instant soups or rice mixes, thus enhancing their nutritional value and flavor.
Dried meat is full of energy
Another great advantage of dried meat is its ability to quickly provide energy before or after a workout. With its high protein content and low fats and carbohydrates, dried meat is a perfect choice for athletes and anyone who cares about a healthy lifestyle. Before a workout, dried meat will give you the energy you need, and after a workout, it will help with muscle recovery.
Dried meat can also be a great addition when preparing various appetizers and finger foods for parties and celebrations. Slice it thin and serve it with various dips and sauces, or combine it with fresh fruit and cheese on tasty canapés. Your guests will surely appreciate this unconventional and delicious treat that will add a touch of originality and culinary skill to your social events.
And how about dried meat as part of breakfast? Add it to your morning scrambled egg mixture, or combine it with avocado and whole-grain toast for a healthy and nutritious start to the day. The possibilities are endless, and dried meat, due to its versatility and great taste, fits into many different dishes.
Prepare this energy snack yourself
In short, dried meat is not only a great snack but also a versatile ingredient that you can use in many different recipes and dishes. Its benefits include long shelf life, high nutritional value, and great taste that you will appreciate in every bite. So why not try something new and prepare your own dried meat at home, which will bring you joy and satisfaction with every bite?
Dried meat is a great choice for anyone looking for a tasty, healthy, and practical snack. With our simple recipe, you can easily prepare it at home and enjoy its benefits anytime, anywhere. So why not try it right now? Your taste buds will thank you!