Making your own jerky can be a rewarding and delicious experience. There’s something special about creating your own tasty snack from scratch, and with the help of a Mr. Coffee dehydrator, it’s easier than ever. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the process of making jerky in a Mr. Coffee dehydrator, from selecting the right ingredients to the final drying process. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of homemade jerky!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we start making jerky, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Meat Selection
When it comes to making jerky, the most common choice is lean cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin. However, you can also experiment with other meats like turkey, chicken, or even game meats like venison. The key is to choose a cut of meat that is low in fat and easy to slice into thin strips.
Marinade and Seasoning
The next essential element of making jerky is the marinade. This is where you can get creative and add your own unique flavors to the meat. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own using a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, and various herbs and spices. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your jerky.
Tools
Besides the Mr. Coffee dehydrator, you’ll need a few other tools to assist you in the process. A sharp knife for slicing the meat, a cutting board, ziplock bags for marinating, and a food thermometer to ensure proper drying temperatures. Having everything ready before you start will make the process smooth and efficient.
Prepare the Meat
Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to prepare the meat for jerky making. Here’s what you need to do:
Slicing the Meat
Take your chosen cut of meat and place it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Freezing the meat will make it easier to slice evenly. Once the meat is partially frozen, take it out and slice it against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure a tender and chewy texture in your jerky.
Marinating the Meat
Place the sliced meat in a ziplock bag and add your chosen marinade. Make sure all the strips are coated evenly and allow the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful the jerky will be.
Using the Mr. Coffee Dehydrator
With the meat marinated and ready to go, it’s time to fire up your Mr. Coffee dehydrator. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively:
Preheat the Dehydrator
Before adding the meat, it’s important to preheat the dehydrator for about 10 to 15 minutes at the desired temperature. This will ensure that the jerky starts drying immediately and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Arrange the Meat
Take the marinated meat out of the ziplock bag and arrange the strips on the dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Leave some space between each strip for proper air circulation, which is essential for even drying.
Set the Temperature and Timer
Most Mr. Coffee dehydrators come with adjustable temperature settings. The ideal temperature for drying jerky is around 160°F. Set the temperature according to your dehydrator’s instructions and adjust the timer based on the thickness of your meat strips. Generally, it takes around 4 to 6 hours for jerky to dry thoroughly.
Monitor the Drying Process
During the drying process, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature regularly with a food thermometer to ensure it stays within the safe range. Rotate the trays every 1 to 2 hours to ensure even drying. You can also check for readiness by bending a cooled piece of jerky – it should bend and crack but not break.
Store and Enjoy
Once the jerky is dried to your desired texture, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool completely. Pat the jerky with a paper towel to remove any excess oil, then store it in an airtight container or resealable bags. Properly dried and stored jerky can last up to 2 months, but let’s be honest – it’s so tasty it probably won’t last that long!
Final Thoughts
Making jerky at home with a Mr. Coffee dehydrator is a fantastic way to enjoy this savory snack whenever you want. With the ability to customize flavors and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, you’ll find yourself making jerky on a regular basis. So, why not give it a try? With the guidance provided in this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a jerky-making pro in no time!