FIRST TRY AT JERKY

[SmokinAl]

After seeing all the jerky threads, I had to give it a try & make some myself.

Honestly I have never been a big fan of jerky, just because of all the chewing you have to do.

Or maybe it's possible that I've never had good jerky before.

Anyhow I decided for my first try I would do ground beef jerky. It seemed to me that it wouldn't be as chewy.

So here we go.

I only did a one pound batch for a test run.

I got some seasoning from TSM, but it was for venison. I didn't think it would matter.

I used 96/4 super lean ground beef and the appropriate amount of cure #1.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

Mixed it up real well with the KA blender.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

After it was mixed I wrapped it in plastic wrap & refrigerated it overnight.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

Of course I had to get a new toy. This is fun stuff!

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

That's it, a 1 pound batch ready for the smoker.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

Into the MES set at 145 degrees.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

I filled one row & just an inch of the second row of my AMNPS with hickory pellets.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

I'm getting some nice TBS!

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

Looks good so far!

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

Talk about a perfect burn, it lasted about 3 1/2 hours & never went out.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

I kept the jerky in the smoker for 4 hours.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

All done & ready to eat.

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• SmokinAl
• Dec 17, 2016

I was pleasantly surprised at the flavor & texture. Judy & I both really liked these things.

I don't go on hunting, fishing, or camping trips anymore, so I can't use them for snacks in the woods.

BUT, they make excellent snacks for Happy Hour!!  

I don't think they will last too long so another batch will be coming soon.

Thanks to all you jerky guys for inspiring me to make these!

And thanks for looking!

Al

 

[crankybuzzard]

AL, looks like you nailed it! Good jerky is something I love to eat and you're spot on about happy hour snacks!

I can't point from my phone for some
Reason, but I tried!

 

[cmayna]

Al,

Very nice for a first try.  Someday I want to try a beef jerky.

 

[tropics]

Al I have been using my Jerky Cannon for sausage never made jerky with it LOL points I may just have to do some

Richie

 

[smokin jay]

Looks great Al! That jerky gun is cool! Cheers [emoji]127867[/emoji]

 

[redheelerdog]

Looks great Al, that is some super lean you've got there.

I have one of those jerky guns too, mine only has on nozzle.

You got the double barrel! Guess we best not mess with you and a double barrel jerky gun!

 

[SmokinAl]

AL, looks like you nailed it! Good jerky is something I love to eat and you're spot on about happy hour snacks!

I can't point from my phone for some
Reason, but I tried!

 
Al,

Very nice for a first try.  Someday I want to try a beef jerky.

 
Al I have been using my Jerky Cannon for sausage never made jerky with it LOL points I may just have to do some

Richie

Looks great Al! That jerky gun is cool! Cheers [emoji]127867[/emoji]

 
Looks great Al, that is some super lean you've got there.

I have one of those jerky guns too, mine only has on nozzle.

You got the double barrel! Guess we best not mess with you and a double barrel jerky gun!

Thanks a lot fellas!

It is much appreciated!

Al

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Dang nice jerky there Al.

I know the way now to Sebring   

 

[barron]

Looks good Al! I have an MES 30 and have a hard time keeping my AMZN lit

 

[crazymoon]

SA, Looks like you've been making jerky for years by the looks of that batch ! points!

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Dang nice jerky there Al.

I know the way now to Sebring   

Thanks Rick!

Stop by anytime!

Al

 
Looks good Al! I have an MES 30 and have a hard time keeping my AMZN lit

Thank you,

I think there are 2 things that keep the tray lit.

1. Getting it lit well.

2. Getting plenty of airflow.

I light mine with a torch through the hole in the end & let it burn about 10 minutes before blowing it out.

I really get a good fire going. The end of the tray is usually red hot. 

But be careful you don't ignite the second row.

I also take out the chip holder, and the chip loader to get better air flow.

I also put a can on the exhaust to act as a chimney to draw the smoke out.

Hope this helps!

Al

 
SA, Looks like you've been making jerky for years by the looks of that batch ! points!

Thanks CM!

I appreciate it!

Al

 

[daveomak]

Very nice Al...  Looks good... probably tastes better than the pictures....    You're an expert now.....

Dave

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Very nice Al...  Looks good... probably tastes better than the pictures....    You're an expert now.....

Dave

Thanks Dave!

No expert here, but it did taste darn good!

Al

 

[barron]

 
Thanks Rick!

Stop by anytime!

Al

Thank you,

I think there are 2 things that keep the tray lit.

1. Getting it lit well.

2. Getting plenty of airflow.

I light mine with a torch through the hole in the end & let it burn about 10 minutes before blowing it out.

I really get a good fire going. The end of the tray is usually red hot. 

But be careful you don't ignite the second row.

I also take out the chip holder, and the chip loader to get better air flow.

I also put a can on the exhaust to act as a chimney to draw the smoke out.

Hope this helps!

Al

Thanks CM!

I appreciate it!

Al

Thanks Al! Ill give this a try. I just put 5 lbs of Venison Summer Sausage along with 5 lbs of Teriyaki Snack Sticks on my MES.

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Thanks Al! Ill give this a try. I just put 5 lbs of Venison Summer Sausage along with 5 lbs of Teriyaki Snack Sticks on my MES.

Good luck & let me know how it turns out!

Al

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Looks good Al! I'm not a big fan of ground beef jerky, but the boys like it. My sous chef has been bugging me about making a batch soon. last batch or ground we made with chicken thighs. Ground pork loin would work too.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Tasty lookin jerky Al, great Happy Hour snacks for sure ! Thumbs Up

 

[gary s]

A little late, But those look really good I never tried using ground meat Hmmmm !   Great Job as usual AL   

Gary

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Looks good Al! I'm not a big fan of ground beef jerky, but the boys like it. My sous chef has been bugging me about making a batch soon. last batch or ground we made with chicken thighs. Ground pork loin would work too.

Thanks Case!

I like the idea of using a pork loin & that may be my next batch.

I happen to have on in the freezer.

Al

Tasty lookin jerky Al, great Happy Hour snacks for sure !

Thanks Justin!

Yea us old folks gotta have our Happy Hour!

Al

 
A little late, But those look really good I never tried using ground meat Hmmmm !   Great Job as usual AL   

Gary

Thank you Gary!

I thought I would like the texture a little better since the grinder already chewed it up for me.

Plus I got to play with a new toy!

Al

 

[cornman]

Looks good, Al. And as amazing as they look, that jerky gun looks like a total blast! I would have never imagined. I love reading your posts, suggestions, and support. Thanks from a new guy, and enjoy the jerky!