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Choosing meat for jerky does not mean you pick random meat expecting results. It is a process that requires careful selection of the best parts for the jerky. The meat jerky from different animals will vary in terms of the section you want your jerky to come from.
Therefore, if you are preparing meat jerky from beef, game, chicken, or even turkey, be keen on your choices.
We know you aren’t ready to go for something pretty good, but you are aiming to prepare a legendary jerky, right? If this is you, then stay put as we have the details about what meat to use for jerky.
Note that even the professionals have found it tasking to get the best meat for preparing jerky. The reason behind this is that the modern market features different types of meat, and it might be challenging to get the exact meat piece for jerky if you aren’t careful.
We have had hundreds of days preparing delicious jerky from various animals. We come to you with a pool of knowledge on what to look for before deciding to settle on that jerky.
Should You Go For Fat?
Most chefs will tell you how fat is vital when it comes to cooking. Now, it’s true that fat makes your meat tender and soft, but the fat is a limiting factor when it comes to jerky. Legendary jerky makers will tell you that fat makes your jerky spoil quickly.
The sections we intend to share feature little or no fat such that when you choose to use them, you can be sure to get the most delicious jerky for your family or visitors.
Beef
What kind of meat do you use for jerky? Beef jerky is common among jerky makers. One reason behind this is that beef has a large steak and hence possible to cut it into pieces with a knife or your best jerky gun.
The Best Cut Of Beef For Jerky
Nearly every pie of a cow is consumable. But, a beef jerky requires special steak for excellent outcomes. Are you torn between what beef to use for jerky? We have the best parts on your beef, where you can pick and make your jerky with no regrets. Below are the popular cuts.
Top Round
One of the most popular and best cuts come from the round steak found at the rear leg of the cow. It is soft, and you won’t spend your precious time tenderizing it. Even though the part is pricey, you still get the value for money as it gives you an easy time of making the cuts.
Bottom Round
This is the outer muscle of the upper hind leg. It is slightly different from the top round. It is somewhat closer to where the top round is located. However, the bottom round is less tender and tough when compared to the top round. It has a great beef flavor that the top round.
Sirloin Tip
We recommend the sirloin tip if you are looking for the beef cut that is soft and tender. It is less commonly used because it’s costly. But, it will make you the most delicious beef jerky.
Flank Steak
This one comes from the rear underbelly of your cow. It is the most expensive cut you will buy form the sections reviewed. It is lean, tender, and comes with a complete beef flavor taste. Overall, the section has the lowest fat content hence forgiving during dehydration.
Non-Beef Meat For Jerky
We have plenty of alternatives if you are allergic to beef or just want some change.
Boar Meat For Jerky
The wild game comes in with nutritious jerky from the boar steak. This one comes from the muscles, and it is a naturally leaner and deeper red, which differentiates it from pork.
Deer Meat For Jerky
If you still love the natural flavors, then we have the deer meat. Luckily, the deer can produce an excellent jerky nearly from every part of its steak. But, the best part is the rump roast from the hind legs and the eye round. You can experiment on how to make deer jerky with the steak.
Poultry For Jerky
Chicken is ordinary when it comes to delicious jerky making. Also, turkey is a favorite among jerky makers. The best part is the boneless breast. It is natural and lean; this produces the best outcomes in the dehydrator.
Exotic Meats For Jerky
Most exotic meat for jerky from the wild game features a tender and soft feel. The best selection of the wild type of meat for jerky comes from the venison, elk, wild boar, kangaroo, alligator, lamb, ostrich, and alpaca.
What Is The Best Meat For Jerky?
The best cut of meat for jerky requires careful selection. You can ask your butcher to select the best slice for meat jerky if you are confused about the best meat to use for jerky. But, the overall best meat for making jerky has less or no fats for easy jerky making and also for longevity.
Final Word
Finally, we have shared the in-depth details concerning the best meat for jerky. If you have your best dehydrator for jerky, then it’s now possible to pick the right meat and make your delicious jerky. You can try the recommend meat and tell us how things turn out.
Also, share your questions and thoughts in the reply section below. We will revert to you and guide you through the entire process.