How Do You Make Alton Brown Jerky?

Jerky is a popular snack that is perfect for those who are always on the go. One of the most famous recipes for this nutritious and delicious food is the Alton Brown jerky. It is a favorite among beginner and expert cooks alike, because it is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

In this article, we will provide you the step-by-step guide to making Alton Brown jerky. Whether you want to whip up a batch for your next hiking or camping trip, or just want to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So get ready to learn how to make the perfect jerky that is loaded with flavor!

Key Takeaway
To make Alton Brown jerky, slice 1 pound of beef into thin strips and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, black pepper, and liquid smoke for at least 4 hours or overnight. Then, place the beef strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 150°F for 8-12 hours until the jerky is dry and chewy.

What is Alton Brown Jerky and why is it special

Alton Brown jerky is a type of beef jerky recipe that was popularized by Alton Brown, a celebrity chef and television personality. This jerky recipe is special because of its unique flavor and texture that is achieved through a combination of marination and cooking techniques.

One of the things that make Alton Brown jerky special is its use of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce as the base of its marinade. These two ingredients add a rich umami flavor and also act as a tenderizer for the meat. Additionally, Alton Brown jerky is cooked using a low temperature method, which helps to retain the meat’s natural juices and results in a chewy texture that is not too tough or dry. Overall, Alton Brown jerky is a delicious and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go.

Ingredients required to make Alton Brown Jerky

Making Alton Brown jerky requires certain ingredients that are easily available at your local grocery store. To start the process, you will need 2 pounds of beef, which should be lean and free from fat. The beef should be sliced thinly, either with a sharp knife or a meat slicer, across the grain. You will also need 1 cup of soy sauce, half a cup of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. These ingredients form the base for the marinade, which is essential for giving the jerky its distinct flavor.

Apart from the above-mentioned ingredients, you will also need a food dehydrator, which is necessary for drying the meat. If you do not have a dehydrator, you can use an oven set at a low temperature. Other equipment needed include a large mixing bowl, a whisk or fork, a baking sheet, and tongs for turning the meat. Follow the recipe instructions carefully, and you will end up with delicious homemade jerky that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Preparing the meat for Alton Brown Jerky

To make Alton Brown Jerky, it is important that the meat is prepared properly. The first step is to choose the right beef. Look for lean cuts like flank steak, round or sirloin. Fat content can affect the taste of the jerky and it may not dry correctly.

Next, it’s time to remove the fat. Using a sharp knife, trim off any visible fat from the meat. This will ensure that your jerky is lean and will not spoil quickly. Once the fat has been trimmed, place the meat in the freezer for at least an hour or two. This will firm up the meat and make it easier to slice. After removing the meat from the freezer, slice it into thin strips against the grain. Slicing against the grain will ensure that the jerky is tender and easy to chew. The meat is now ready to be marinated before drying.

The marinade: essential tips and tricks

When it comes to making Alton Brown jerky, the marinade is an essential component that can make or break the flavor of your jerky. To prepare a delicious marinade, start by choosing the right ingredients and experimenting with different flavor combinations. The most common ingredients used in jerky marinades include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices such as garlic, onion, and black pepper.

To infuse your jerky with maximum flavor, let the meat soak in the marinade for at least 12 hours. You can also use a food dehydrator to speed up the process. Once the jerky is ready, store it in a sealed container to preserve its freshness. By following these essential tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create perfectly seasoned and tender jerky that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Smoking techniques for Alton Brown Jerky

Smoking techniques for Alton Brown Jerky are essential to achieve the signature smoky flavour of this delicious snack. Traditional jerky is made by drying meat in the sun or a dehydrator, but Alton Brown’s recipe includes a few extra steps to take the flavour to the next level. To start, you’ll need a smoker, which can be an electric, gas, or charcoal one. You can use any hardwood or fruitwood chips to create the desired smoky flavour, but hickory and applewood are popular choices for jerky.

Once you’ve marinated the meat, let it drip dry, and placed it on the racks, set your smoker to around 200-225°F and add the smoking wood chips. Allow the jerky to smoke for at least two hours, periodically adding more chips to maintain the smoke. Keep the temperature consistent, and after smoking, dry the jerky for eight to twelve hours until it reaches the desired texture. Experimenting with different woods, temperatures, and drying times can yield unique and delicious Alton Brown Jerky varieties that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Storing and preserving Alton Brown Jerky

Once you have successfully made Alton Brown jerky, the next step is to store it efficiently to keep it fresh for a longer period. One of the best ways to store jerky is in vacuum-sealed bags. This will help in keeping the flavor and freshness intact. Before storing the jerky in a vacuum-sealed bag, make sure it has cooled down properly, and there is no moisture present. Any trace of moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria, making the jerky inedible.

Another way to preserve Alton Brown jerky is to store it in airtight containers. Make sure to label the containers with the date of preparation and the type of meat used. Avoid using any paper bags or boxes as they can lead to air circulation and reduce the freshness of the jerky. Properly stored jerky can last up to a month at room temperature, and up to six months if kept in the refrigerator. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your homemade Alton Brown jerky for a longer period without any worries about it going stale or bad.

Enjoying your homemade Alton Brown Jerky – serving and pairing ideas.

After all the effort and patience that goes into making Alton Brown Jerky, you deserve to enjoy it to the fullest. But how should you serve it? One way is to simply snack on it as is, but there are other creative ways to enjoy it as well. You can chop it up and add it to soups, salads, or stir-fries for extra protein and flavor. Another option is to pair it with wine, beer, or cocktails that complement the flavor and texture of the jerky.

When serving your homemade Alton Brown Jerky, consider the occasion and the preferences of your guests. If you’re hosting a party, you can arrange the jerky on a platter with dips, fruits, and vegetables for a colorful and tempting appetizer. Or, if you’re camping or hiking, you can pack the jerky in your backpack for a nutritious and energy-boosting snack on the go. However you choose to enjoy your Alton Brown Jerky, be sure to savor every bite and appreciate the hard work that went into making it.

Verdict

In conclusion, making Alton Brown jerky is a relatively simple process that requires only a few basic ingredients and some patience. Whether you choose to use an oven, dehydrator, or smoker, the key is to marinate and dry the meat until it reaches the desired texture and flavor. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can customize your jerky to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Overall, making your own jerky is a rewarding and satisfying experience that allows you to control the quality and ingredients of the final product. Whether you are an avid outdoorsman, a health-conscious snacker, or simply enjoy the flavor and convenience of jerky, following Alton Brown’s recipe is a great place to start. So next time you’re in the mood for some tasty, protein-packed jerky, why not try making your own?

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