Jerky Cut across or with the grain

[sandyut]

Seems like most recipes call for EOR or London Broil cut across the grain. So far I have always cut across the grain.

BUT: all the butcher made jerky I buy is cut with the grain. and its insanely good and expensive. its a splurge thing. like yesterday.

SO what is the deal? is it preference or??? How do you cut yours?

 

[bmudd14474]

I always go against the grain. I was always taught that this will make it more tender as the fibers are smaller pieces this way. Never tried doing it with the grain. May have to give it a go. For Science.

 

[ajbert]

I always cut with the grain for what its worth. Except for deer, that gets ground and use the jerky gun.

 

[thirdeye]

Against the grain = a softer chew

With the grain = a more traditional chew

 

[hoity toit]

I always go against the grain. I was always taught that this will make it more tender as the fibers are smaller pieces this way. Never tried doing it with the grain. May have to give it a go. For Science.

With the grain you will be gnawing on it for a while. I cut mine in randomly into smaller pieces with a pair of game ✂ scissors. Better of both worlds.

HT

 

[sandyut]

Against the grain = a softer chew

With the grain = a more traditional chew

that makes sense. I'll likely stick with against the grain. Probably safer with my crappy teeth.

 

[Astralogics]

that makes sense. I'll likely stick with against the grain. Probably safer with my crappy teeth.

Also nice that it bites through cleanly, versus having long strands of fiber tear off each bite.

 

[chopsaw]

It's personal opinion . I do a " Kippered " beef with sirloin .
cut thicker and with the grain .

Dry cured and rinsed , then black pepper only on the surface .

 

[crazymoon]

SU, I do both cuts, some friends really like the chew from a "with the grain cut". Others like the "across the grain" cut,

 

[Smoke-Chem BBQ]

I also kinda alternate between with the grain, and across. I like them both. Across the grain is certainly more tender, easier to chew. But there's a primordial joy in putting a chunk of with-the-grain jerky in your teeth, and pulling with both hands to tear off a bite like you are chomping on a big hunk of smoked mastodon.

 

[OldSmoke]

I do with the grain. My jerky is softer so it isn’t a problem.

 

[Chasdev]

Can you give a newbie a quick tutorial on creating tender jerky?
My top and bottom round is suitable for shoe leather.