Question of cures

sunnyskies

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 15, 2007

10

10

• Nov 17, 2009

• #1

After reading about all this jerky-making going on, I just have to try some. I have a could of eye of round roasts (5 lbs total weight) which I have sliced 1/4 inch thick.

I bought three seasonings at the local butcher shop -- various flavors of Legg's Old Plantation Seasonings. The instructions say to use Legg's Cure which is 6.25% sodium nitrite. This was not available and I picked up Morton's Tender Quick which is 0.5% sodium nitrate and 0.5% sodium Nitrite. Are these interchangeable? I wouldn't think so.

What I plan to do is use the instructions for the Tender Quick (from their website) and then add the right amount of Legg's Seasoning.

Thanks for any help. Mary

 

placebo

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jul 24, 2007

969

12

Sacramento, CA

• Nov 17, 2009

• #2

Hi Mary, sounds like your on the right track. This thread is discussing this same subject:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...threadid=84033

 

shooterrick

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jan 13, 2008

2,035

20

South Louisiana

• Nov 17, 2009

• #3

The important thing is getting a correct cure. Use the TQ and take out the salt as it is already salty enoegh on its own. Follow the directions for the TQ cure. The seasoning is for flavor and does not contribute much to the cure. I say not much because depending on the mix it may have a small effect. Depending on the seasoning and its contents it may be better with TQ to use a salt free season if yours contains salt. Check out the jerky threads to see who is useing TQ and see how they did it.

 

DanMcG

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Feb 3, 2009

5,682

2,900

Central NY

• Nov 17, 2009

• #4

Mary did that butcher shop offer prague powder #1 or instacure #1?
The 6.25% sodium nitrite in the Leggs cure is the same as the generic names I mentioned.
Does the spice mixes have salt in the ingredient list. If they do, and you use the TQ it will be to salty for the average person, (heck inedible to me). if it doesn't contain salt then go with what the tender quick bag says to use per pound.

 

richtee

Epic Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Aug 12, 2007

10,682

29

N. Oakland County, MI

• Nov 18, 2009

• #5

Honestly, I have had better results using the "ground meat" measure for jerky with TQ. 1.5 TEASPOONS/Lb. As the surface area of the jerky is similar to ground meat (which allows a much more efficient penetration that thick solid cuts) you will still be safe as far as a cure goes, with MUCH less salt.

 

forluvofsmoke

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Aug 27, 2008

5,170

409

• Nov 18, 2009

• #6

If all else fails, these two recipes contain TQ for cure, that can be used for ground meat or sliced whole muscle meat for jerky. I developed this for my own use and have had very good results with the product.

Check the ingredients list and see if you have everything. Most of it is pretty basic spices found in most kitchen pantries. The crushed red pepper can be omitted as well as a few other items, without adversely effecting the outcome. The seasonings do not include salt, as the TQ contains enough by itself.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=82503

Let me know if you have questions on this...happy to help you get started.

Eric