The dried meat is widely used in Brazilian cuisine and gives unique flavor to various dishes, such as feijoada, hidden, among others. However, although it is quite popular, not all people risk doing it at home. But is the preparation so hard ?! After all, what is jerky? What are its particularities and how should it be prepared? Below you can find the answers to all these questions!
Antonio Filho, chef at LC Restaurantes, a collective meal company, first explains that talking about beef jerky is talking about one of the oldest conservation processes used from primitive peoples to the present day. "It consists of almost complete dehydration of meat, usually beef," he says.
For this, explains the chef, a large amount of salt is used under the meat blankets, which are stored in dry and airy places. After 24 hours of salting, the position of the meat is changed to aid in process efficiency. After the operation, the meat must be taken to drain hanging in a climate room to complete the drying process that lasts 5 to 7 days ?, highlights.
Antonio Filho comments that, in the past, this process was done by hand in the open air, which is not allowed today for health reasons.
Beef x Beef x Beef x Beef
A common doubt is the difference between beef jerky, beef jerky and jerked beef. Antonio Filho explains that the three meats go through the same conservation process, but with some peculiar characteristics, which brings differences in the texture, percentage of moisture, color and aroma.
Read also: 23 Beef Steaks Recipe for Every Taste
Sun dried meat: Also known as wind meat and backwoods, it is widely produced in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. The salt used in the salting is smaller and can be applied in a maximum of two salting, a process that ensures a redder meat, soft texture and more juiciness. No need for desalting or hydration for final consumption ?, explains the chef.
Dried meat: In the case of dried meat, the process takes a larger amount of salt, so that dehydration is more efficient. The process takes an average of 7 days for the complete drying of the meat sheets. Its meat is very dry with minimum humidity and its color gives an intense reddish. Need hydration for desalting before consumption ?, highlights the chef.
Beef jerky: originated in southern Brazil. For drying, a large amount of salt is used, even the addition of chemical elements in the industrial process that help accelerate the curing and conservation of meat. The blankets are salted, pressed and rest in the salting for about 7 days until ready for consumption. Does it require desalting and hydration before use? Explains Antonio Filho.
Homemade beef jerky: how to do it
Chef Antonio Filho explains that the process is simple and can be done by anyone who enjoys cooking. Check out the walkthrough to make a 2kg piece of sirloin:
Ingredients
- 2 kg of salt
- 2 kg of sirloin
- One container with lid
Method of preparation
- Open the ribbed steak;
- Cover both sides with 1 kg of salt. Let stand for 24 hours;
- Then drain the brine, dry the meat and cover with the other 1 kg of salt;
- Wait another 24 hours, remove from the brine and let the meat hang in a ventilated place to finish drying that lasts an average of 5 days.
Although the process is not difficult, of course, it requires patience, so it is good to plan ahead for when you want to make jerky at home.
Read also: 122 recipes for sauces that will boost the flavors of your dishes
How to prepare: How to desalk, cook and shred the jerky
Antonio Filho explains that the simplest desalting process that ensures greater preservation of flavor and nutrients is 24 hours prior hydration before cooking. Check it step by step:
- The meat is allowed to soak in water under refrigeration for 24 hours at least 3 times;
- Then cook the meat in the pressure cooker and cook for 15 minutes after boiling;
- Drain the cooking water and, with the aid of a fouet, punch the meat that will easily shred.
Thus, explains the chef, the dried meat will be ready to be used in any preparation, such as hidden or traditional feijoada. It can be braised, fried, used in fillings and various other ways.
Beef Recipes to Make This Whole Process Worth It
After performing the whole procedure of desalting the meat, cooking it and shredding it, you need to prepare a special recipe worthy of this spent dedication. Check out 11 suggestions of irresistible beef jerky recipes:
1. Beef jerky
An easy recipe that uses few ingredients and looks delicious. There are a few tricks to make your muffin dry and crispy! So if you prefer that softer, wetter cupcake, this is not the ideal recipe for you.
2. Braised beef jerky
Baked pastries are always a good suggestion for those who cannot or do not like to eat fried foods, the dough becomes lighter and very soft. To add even more flavor, the tip is to place pieces of cheese next to the dried meat stuffing.
Read also: 15 Amazing Tips to Succeed in Cooking
3. Pepper stuffed with jerky and cream cheese
To make this different appetizer, you will use only cooked, desalted and shredded dried meat, onion, tomato, garlic, cream cheese, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs and finger pepper.
4. Beef jerky
Easy recipe that yields from six to eight mini portions. You will only use beef jerky, butter, manioc flour and onions. Perfect to accompany a family meal!
5. Beef skewer
A great choice when you are meeting friends at home. You will use only dried meat (diced and desalted), onions, olive oil, garlic and rosemary sprigs.
6. Beef Pie
The dried meat guarantees a great flavor to the traditional blender pie. For the dough you will use milk, oil, egg, flour, salt, grated Parmesan and baking powder.
7. Potato stuffed with jerky
An amazing combination of flavors. You will only need potatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, margarine or butter, milk, mozzarella, dried meat, oil, turmeric, garlic, salt, pepper and green-smelling.
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8. Wahoo stew with jerky
A recipe that doesn't require many cooking skills. Perhaps the most boring part is taking care of wahoo, but does it depend on how you will buy it? If it's "whole", shelled and all, it's kind of boring to peel it, but you can choose to buy it already peeled.
9. Rice with jerky
It can be considered a simpler version of the Baião de Dois, as this rice with dried meat would only need curd cheese, bacon and bottle butter to become the northeastern dish. It's worth a try!
10. Beef risotto
To make this delicious dish, you will only use arboreal rice, onions, unsalted butter, cachaça, broth, smoked jerky, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley and chives.
11. Beef Stuffed Mini Pumpkin
Beautiful and tasty, ideal to be served as starters when you receive visitors. After all, beef jerky and pumpkin is an irresistible combination that pleases most people!
If the preparation time for home-made beef jerky pays off, will each person have to respond particularly? But that beef jerky is a special ingredient that gives a lot of flavor to the dishes, that is unquestionable!
Make Your Own Beef Jerky! How to Make Beef Jerky in the Oven (March 2024)
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