Today we look at the nutritional benefits of the favorite dried meat snack affectionately known as "beef jerky".
According to nationaldaycalendar.com, "This nutrient-dense meat is made lightweight by drying. A pound of meat or poultry will weigh only about four ounces after transforming it into jerky. Properly prepared jerky can be stored for months without refrigeration because the drying process removes most of the moisture. Salt added to the meat before the drying process begins helps to prevent bacteria from developing.
The word “jerky” is derived from the Spanish word charqui, which came from the Quechua (a Native South American language) word ch’arki, which means to burn (meat).
Convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets and variety shops all across the United States offer traditional jerky in individual servings and in larger packages, too. They also offer it in a variety of flavors and add spices for additional heat.
While on road trips, camping, or even long-distance flights, jerky staves off hunger until the next meal. It's easy to pack, too. So easy, in fact, that due to its lightweight and high level of nutrition, it's even been to space. Since 1996, astronauts have selected jerky as space food several times for space flights."
In honor of today, here's a few ways you can pay homage:
📍Use jerky as an ingredient in your cooking especially when camping or exploring the outdoors.
📍Experiment with making your own.
📍Try this recipe: HOMEMADE BEEF JERKY
INGREDIENTS
14 oz. (400 g) lean beef (like sirloin, eye of the round, or flank steak)
2 tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 mL) rice wine vinegar
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
¼ tsp (1 mL) garlic powder
¼ tsp (1 mL) onion powder
⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS
Trim any visible fat from the beef. Freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm. Slice the beef against the grain into ⅛" (3-mm) thick slices (see cook’s tip).
Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; mix well.
Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 24 hours.
Arrange the sliced beef in a single layer on each Deluxe Air Fryer cooking tray, patting off any excess marinade with paper towels. Place one tray on the top rack and one tray on the bottom rack.
Turn the wheel to select the DEHYDRATE setting; press the wheel to select. Turn the wheel to adjust the time to 3 hours and the temperature to 170°F (77°C). Press the wheel to start. Switch the trays halfway through cooking (you’ll hear beeps as a reminder).
Let the jerky cool completely before serving or storing.
Yield: 8 servings
Nutrients per serving:
U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 100, Total Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Sodium 410 mg, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 0 g, Total Sugars 3 g (includes 3 g added sugars), Protein 15 g
Your Pampered Chef Cook's Tips:
For chewier beef jerky, slice the beef with the grain.
You can store jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
DELUXE AIR FRYER: #100194
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ACTION STEP: Making your own beef jerky let’s you control the amount of salt and cut of beef that you use. all it takes is a simple marinade and a bit of patience, so invite your friends and family over and let me know in the comments how it turned out or kick your kitchen up a notch by booking your cooking show here:
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