One temp, or gradually increase temp?

tromaron

Meat Mopper

Original poster

Feb 1, 2011

192

13

Allegany, NY

• Feb 26, 2013

• #1

I'll be trying my hand this weekend at some jerky in my MES 40, with an AMNPS.  I will be using a packaged seasoning with cure,so I'm curious if I need to increase the temp every hour or so, or if I would be fine just leaving it around 129-140 the whole time.  If I'm using a cure, is there any benefit to raising the temp at the end?

 

handymanstan

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Oct 27, 2012

989

48

Lansing Michigan

• Feb 26, 2013

• #2

When I did jerky I did it on the smoker at about 120* for about 4 hrs then finished it in the dehydrator.  With the cure you can stay below 140 till its done or raise the temp to finish faster after you think you have enough smoke.

Stan

 

daveomak

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Nov 12, 2010

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Feb 27, 2013

• #3

TromaRon said:

I'll be trying my hand this weekend at some jerky in my MES 40, with an AMNPS.  I will be using a packaged seasoning with cure,so I'm curious if I need to increase the temp every hour or so, or if I would be fine just leaving it around 129-140 the whole time.  If I'm using a cure, is there any benefit to raising the temp at the end?

Click to expand...

Ron, morning....  even when using cure, the meats IT needs to be cooked to 145 ish....   Dave

 

dirtsailor2003

Epic Pitmaster

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Oct 4, 2012

21,947

4,224

Bend Oregon

• Feb 27, 2013

• #4

Back when I used my Big Chief, It was a one temp show plug in and go unit and I believe it was set at 165-170*. The type of jerky (turkey, fish, beef, chicken, etc) you are making will determine the final IT. Also is it whole muscle jerky you are making or ground jerky? I like to smoke mine at a lower temps for 2-4 hours then increase 10 degrees every hour until done, I never exceed 175*-180*

 

tromaron

Meat Mopper

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 1, 2011

192

13

Allegany, NY

• Feb 27, 2013

• #5

Thanks for the feedback guys!  It's ground jerky that I'll be making.  Looking forward to giving this a shot.