If you are looking for a delicious and healthy snack, look no further than jerky. Jerky is easy to make at home with an electric smoker, and it is a great way to use up any meat that you have on hand.
In this article, we will show you how to make jerky on an electric smoker. We will also provide some tips for ensuring that your jerky turns out perfect every time. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced smoker, read on for everything you need to know about making jerky on an electric smoker.
You can also check our articles on How to Make Smoked Pork Chops Electric Smoker, Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Recipes, How to Make Electric Smoker Beef Brisket, How to Smoke Salmon in an Electric Smoker, How to Smoke Baby Back Ribs in Electric Smoker, and How to Make Smoked Chicken Wings Electric Smoker.
Making Jerky in your Smoker
The first thing you need to do is choose the right meat for your jerky. The best meats for smoking are lean cuts of beef, pork, or chicken. You will want to avoid any cuts of meat that are too fatty, as these will not smoke well and can make your jerky greasy.
Preparing the Meat
Once you have chosen the meat for your jerky, it is time to prepare it. Start by trimming off any excess fat from the meat. Then, cut the meat into strips that are about ¼-inch thick. It is important to make sure that the strips are all of the uniform thickness, as this will help them to smoke evenly.
Flavoring the Meat
After the meat is prepared, it is time to add some flavor. There are many different ways to flavor jerky, so feel free to get creative. Some popular flavorings include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
You will also need to add some sort of liquid to the mix, as this will help to tenderize the meat and keep it moist during the smoking process. A popular option is to use orange juice, but you can also use apple juice, pineapple juice, or even just water.
Once the meat is flavored to your liking, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat, and it will also help to tenderize the meat so that it is easier to slice.
Add Authentic Smoke Flavor to your Jerky
If you want to add some authentic smoke flavor to your jerky, try adding a few pieces of hickory or mesquite wood to your smoker. These woods will give the jerky a delicious smoky flavor that is sure to please. Just be sure not to add too much wood, as this can make the jerky bitter.
Smoking the Meat
When you are ready to smoke the jerky, preheat your smoker to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the strips of meat on the racks of the smoker, making sure that they are not touching each other.
Smoke the meat for 4-6 hours or until it is dry and slightly leathery. The exact smoking time will depend on the thickness of the meat, so keep an eye on it and check it periodically to make sure that it is not overcooking.
How Long do you Let Jerky Cool After Smoking?
Once the jerky is done smoking, let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. This will allow the meat to firm up and make it easier to slice.
For the best results, slice the meat against the grain. This will help to prevent it from being too tough.
Does Smoked Jerky Need to be Refrigerated?
Smoked jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. However, if you want it to last longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
You can also freeze smoked jerky for up to 6 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before eating.
How Long do you Smoke Jerky in Electric Smoker?
The smoking time for jerky in an electric smoker will depend on a few factors, such as the type of meat used, the thickness of the slices, and the desired level of smokiness.
For example, thinner slices of leaner meats like venison or turkey breast will only need to be smoked for 2-3 hours, while thicker cuts of beef or pork can take 4-5 hours. If you want your jerky to be extra smoky, you can also give it a second round of smoking for 1-2 hours.
Regardless of the smoking time, it’s important to make sure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.
How Long does Jerky take to Dehydrate?
The dehydrating process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of dryness.
Thinner slices of meat will dehydrate more quickly, while thicker slices will take longer. If you want your jerky to be extra dry, you can dehydrate it for up to 24 hours.
To speed up the dehydrating process, you can also preheat your oven to its lowest setting and then place the strips of meat on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Dehydrate the meat in the oven for 3-4 hours or until it is dry and slightly leathery.
How do you know when Smoked Jerky is Done?
There are a few ways to tell if your jerky is done. The first is to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another way to tell if the jerky is done is to simply take a piece and bend it. If it cracks or breaks, it is ready. If it bends without breaking, it needs to be cooked for longer.
Finally, you can also tell if the jerky is done by its appearance. It should be dry and slightly leathery but not hard or brittle.
How to Slice your Jerky?
For the best results, slice the meat against the grain. This will help to prevent it from being too tough.
You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the meat. If you are using a knife, be sure to use long, even strokes to get consistent slices.
If you are using a mandoline, be sure to use the guard to protect your fingers. You can also cut the meat into strips instead of slices for a more traditional jerky look.
How to Make Smoked Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for taking on the go. And, thanks to your electric smoker, it’s also super simple to make!
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious smoked beef jerky in no time:
What Kind of Meat do you Use to Make Beef Jerky?
The first step to making great beef jerky is to start with high-quality meat. You’ll want to look for a lean cut of beef that doesn’t have too much fat. This can be a tough ask, as most cuts of beef that are ideal for smoking are also going to be fairly fatty.
One way around this is to trim the fat off of your beef before you start smoking it. This can be a bit of a pain, but it’s worth it for the final product.
Another way to manage the fat content in your beef jerky is to choose a leaner cut of meat, to begin with. Some good options include:
- Flank steak
- Round steak
- Sirloin steak
- Eye of round steak
Once you’ve selected your meat, it’s time to get started on the marinade!
Preparing the Marinade
The marinade is what gives your beef jerky its flavor, so it’s worth taking the time to make a good one.
There are a million different ways to make beef jerky marinades, so feel free to get creative. Just remember to include some sort of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), salt, and sugar. These ingredients will help to break down the meat and give it that delicious, chewy texture that we all love.
Once you’ve mixed up your marinade, add the beef and let it sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can.
Now, it’s time to fire up the smoker!
Smoking the Beef to Prepare Jerky
Set your electric smoker to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and add your wood chips. We like hickory or mesquite for beef jerky, but feel free to experiment with other woods as well.
Place the beef on the racks in the smoker, making sure that there is plenty of space between each piece. This will help ensure that the smoke can circulate evenly and that the beef dries out evenly as well.
Close the smoker and let it do its thing for about 4 hours, or until the beef is completely dry.
Once the beef is dry, remove it from the smoker and let it cool completely. Once it’s cooled, you can slice it into strips and enjoy!
Venison Jerky in Electric Smoker
Making your own venison jerky is a great way to preserve meat for later consumption, and it’s also a delicious snack.
What Cut of Venison is the Best to Make Jerky?
The best cuts of venison to use for jerky are the leaner ones, such as the loin, round, or flank steak. You want to avoid using tougher cuts of meat, as they will not be as tender when dried.
Now that you have your meat, it’s time to get started on making your jerky!
The process of making venison jerky is actually quite simple and only requires a few ingredients.
Preparing the Meat
Start by trimming any fat off of the meat, as it will not dehydrate and can go rancid. Cut the meat into strips that are about 1/4-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. If you cut the strips too thick, they will take longer to dry and may not be as tender. If you cut them too thin, they could end up being overcooked and dry.
Next, it’s time to marinate the meat. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. There are many different marinades to choose from, so feel free to play around with them. You can marinate the meat for as little as a few hours, or overnight if you have the time.
Once the meat is marinated, it’s time to start smoking the meat.
Preparing the Smoker
If you’re using an electric smoker, you’ll need to soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. This will help to prevent them from burning up too quickly.
Once the wood chips are soaked, add them to the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What Temperature do you Smoke Deer Jerky at?
Set the temperature on the smoker to between 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to keep the temperature low, as venison is lean meat and can dry out quickly if it’s exposed to too much heat.
Adding the Meat to the Smoker
Once the smoker is up to temperature, it’s time to add the meat. Place the strips of meat on the racks in the smoker, being careful not to overcrowd them. It’s important that the meat is not touching, as this can cause it to stick together and not dry evenly.
How Long do you Smoke Deer Jerky in Electric Smoker?
Smoke the jerky for 4-6 hours or until it is dry and slightly brittle. The time will vary depending on how thick the meat is cut and how much fat is left on it.
Once the jerky is done, remove it from the smoker and allow it to cool. Once it’s cooled, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
What Wood Should I to Smoke Jerky with?
When it comes to smoking jerky, there are a variety of woods that can be used to give the meat a unique flavor. Here are some of the best woods to use for smoking jerky:
Hickory: Hickory is a strong hardwood that imparts a robust flavor to the meat. It is perfect for smoking beef or pork jerky.
Mesquite: Mesquite is a strong, spicy wood that gives the meat a bold flavor. It is perfect for smoked beef or pork jerky.
Maple: Maple is a softer wood that gives the meat a slightly sweet flavor. It is ideal for smoking chicken or turkey jerky.
Oak: Oak is a versatile wood that can be used for smoking any type of jerky. It imparts a slightly smoky flavor to the meat.
Pecan: Pecan is a nutty-tasting wood that imparts a subtle flavor to the meat. It is ideal for smoking chicken or turkey jerky.
How to Store Smoked Jerky?
There are a few different ways to store your smoked jerky.
1. In an airtight container: Airtight containers are great for keeping out moisture and other elements that can cause your jerky to spoil. When stored in an airtight container, your jerky will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
2. In the fridge: Storing your jerky in the fridge is a great way to prolong its shelf life. When kept in the fridge, smoked jerky will stay fresh for up to four weeks.
3. In the freezer: If you want to keep your jerky fresh for an extended period of time, then storing it in the freezer is your best bet. When stored in the freezer, smoked jerky will retain its freshness for up to six months.
4. Vacuum sealed: Vacuum sealing your jerky is another excellent way to keep it fresh and flavorful. When vacuum-sealed, smoked jerky can last for up to two years.
5. Dehydrated: Dehydrating your jerky is a great way to create a long-lasting snack that can be enjoyed at any time. When dehydrated, smoked Jerky will last for up to one year.
Tips for Making a Perfect Smoked Jerky
1. Choose the right meat. For the best flavor and texture, opt for lean cuts of meat with very little fat.
2. Cut the meat into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the quicker they will dry and the easier they will be to chew.
3. Marinate the meat. This is key to ensuring that your jerky is both flavorful and tender. There are many various jerky marinades to try out, so feel free to play around with them until you discover one that you prefer. Just remember to marinate the meat for at least 24 hours before smoking it.
3. Prepare the smoker. It’s important to prepare the smoker properly before adding the meat. The temperature should be between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and the smoke should be nice and thick.
4. Smoke the meat in small batches. This will help ensure that each piece of jerky is evenly smoked and doesn’t get overcooked. Depending on the size of your smoker, you may need to smoke the meat in multiple batches.
5. Let the smoked jerky cool completely before eating it. This may be the hardest part of the entire process, but it’s worth it! Allowing the jerky to cool completely will help it maintain its flavor and texture.
Jerky on Electric Smoker Recipes
Sweet Tea Smoked Pork Jerky Recipe
Ingredients:
-1 pound lean pork tenderloin, trimmed
-1/2 cup sweet tea
-1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
-1 tablespoon brown sugar
-2 teaspoons garlic powder
-2 teaspoons onion powder
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
1) Cut the pork tenderloin into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large resealable bag, combine the pork slices, sweet tea, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2) Preheat the electric smoker to 160 degrees F.
3) Place the pork slices on the racks of the smoker and smoke for 4 hours or until the pork is cooked through. Remove from the smoker and let cool before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Spicy Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe
Ingredients:
-1 pound beef (flank steak, eye of round, top sirloin, or venison)
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
-2 tablespoons brown sugar
-2 teaspoons onion powder
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
1) Combine all of the ingredients in a resealable bag. Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2) Preheat your smoker to 175 degrees F.
3) Place the beef on the racks of the smoker and smoke for 4-6 hours or until the beef is dry and slightly chewy.
4) Remove the beef from the smoker, and let it cool. Once cooled, slice the beef into thin strips.
5) Store the beef jerky in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make Jerky on Electric Smoker FAQs
Can you smoke jerky at 120 degrees?
Yes, you can smoke jerky at 120 degrees. However, it will take longer for the beef to dry out and become chewy.
Is 180 too hot for jerky?
No, 180 degrees is not too hot for jerky.
How long do you smoke jerky at 180 degrees?
You will need to smoke the jerky for 3-4 hours at 180 degrees.
Can you smoke jerky at 200 degrees?
Yes, you can smoke jerky at 200 degrees. However, the meat will cook faster at this temperature, so you will need to keep a close eye on it.
Can you smoke jerky at 225 degrees?
Yes, you can smoke jerky at 225 degrees, but the cooking time will be shorter. Beef jerky is typically cooked at a lower temperature to prevent it from drying out too much.
How long does it take to smoke beef jerky at 225?
If smoking beef jerky at 225 degrees, it will take approximately 3-5 hours. Again, cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the type of smoker you are using.
What temperature do you set the jerky in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?
When it comes to preparing jerky, the temperature is key. The ideal temperature for smoking jerky is between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures will ensure that the meat is cooked through without drying out or becoming tough.
How do you smoke jerky in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?
1) Begin by seasoning the meat with your favorite jerky spices.
2) Next, preheat your smoker to 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
3) Once the smoker is preheated, place the meat on the racks and smoke for 3-5 hours.
4) Check the jerky periodically to ensure that it is not drying out too much or becoming tough.
5) When the jerky is finished smoking, remove it from the smoker and let it cool.
How long does it take to make beef jerky in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?
When smoking beef jerky in a Masterbuilt electric smoker, it will take approximately 3-5 hours. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the temperature at which you are smoking it.
Conclusion
Smoking jerky is a great way to preserve meat and make it last longer. By following the tips in this article, you can easily make delicious jerky right in your own electric smoker. Just remember to keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time so that your jerky turns out perfectly every time.
We hope that this guide on how to make jerky on electric smoker has been helpful. If you have any tips or tricks that you would like to share, please leave them in the comments below. Happy smoking!