If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack, pork jerky made in a dehydrator is a great option. Not only is it packed with nutrition, but it’s also easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
Making homemade pork jerky in a dehydrator is a great way to personalize the flavor to your liking. You can experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create a snack that’s unique to your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover pork you may have in your fridge.
We will go through the step-by-step guide on how to make pork jerky in a dehydrator. From preparing the pork to marinating it and finally drying it out in the dehydrator, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect snack. So grab your dehydrator and let’s get started!
Table of contents
Preparing the Pork Jerky
To make delicious pork jerky in a dehydrator, you need to start with the right cut of pork. Lean cuts of pork work best for jerky, so choose pork tenderloin or pork loin. These cuts have less fat and are easier to slice into thin strips.
Selecting the Right Cut
When selecting the pork, look for a cut that has a good amount of meat and minimal fat. Excess fat can make the jerky greasy and spoil faster. So, trim away any visible fat before slicing the pork.
Trimming and Slicing
Trim the pork of any excess fat and slice it into thin strips. The strips should be about 1/4 inch thick, and you can use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to achieve a uniform thickness. Slicing the pork against the grain will give the jerky a tender texture.
Creating the Marinade (Pork jerky recipe dehydrator)
To create the perfect jerky marinade, mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili paste, lime juice, brown sugar, and onion powder. You can also add other seasonings to taste. The marinade should be thick and sticky to help the seasoning stick to the pork.
Marinating the Pork
Place the sliced pork strips in a bowl and pour the jerky marinade over the meat, making sure to coat each strip evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will be.
After marinating, remove the pork strips from the bowl and pat them dry with paper towels. You can sprinkle curing salt on the strips for added preservation. Arrange the pork strips in a single layer on the dehydrator racks, leaving space between each strip for air to circulate. Set the dehydrator to 155 degrees Fahrenheit and let the pork dehydrate for 6–10 hours, depending on your dehydrator. Check the meat every few hours in the beginning, then increase to every hour near the end.
With these simple steps, you can make delicious pork jerky in a dehydrator that is high in protein and low in fat. Enjoy your homemade pork jerky as a snack or take it on your next outdoor adventure.
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Dehydrating and Storing
Setting Up the Dehydrator
Before dehydrating your pork jerky, set up your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the dehydrator trays are clean and dry. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to the lowest temperature possible, usually between 160°F and 180°F.
Dehydrating the Meat
Once the dehydrator is set up, slice the pork into thin strips and place them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is adequate space between each piece of meat to allow for proper airflow.
Testing for Doneness
Check the meat every few hours in the beginning, then increase to every hour near the end. The meat will be sufficiently dried when a piece is bent and cracks but does not break. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure food safety.
Cooling and Storage
Pork Jerky Recipe Dehydrator
After dehydrating, remove the jerky strips from the dehydrator and place them on paper towels to cool. Blot any excess marinade or moisture with paper towels. Once cool, store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Store the jerky in a sealed container or vacuum-sealed bag to maintain freshness and flavor for best results.
Remember that the shelf life of the jerky depends on the storage conditions and the drying process. If the jerky is not stored properly, it can spoil quickly. Store the jerky in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
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Homemade Pork Jerky Recipe Dehydrator
If you are a jerky fan, you love making pork jerky in a dehydrator. Not only is it a fun and rewarding process, but you can also customize the flavors to your liking. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of pork loin
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for your taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Sweet and Spicy Pork Jerky Recipe (Delectable Dehydrator Delight)
Equipment
- Food dehydrator
- sharp knife
- Ziplock bags or airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 900g lean pork loin or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sesame seeds for garnish - optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Begin by slicing the pork loin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. A sharp knife will make this process much easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
- Place the thinly sliced pork into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Dehydrator
- Preheat your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5: Arrange and Dehydrate
- Lay the marinated pork slices on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece.
- Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for approximately 6–8 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
- The jerky is done when it bends without breaking. It should have a slightly chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
- Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing.
- Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added visual appeal.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
- Store the Sweet and Spicy Pork Jerky in airtight containers or Ziplock bags.
- Enjoy this delightful snack whenever the mood strikes!
Notes
Customization
Feel free to experiment with different marinade ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile. You can also use different cuts of pork or even wild boar to mix things up. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can still make your jerky in the oven or smoker. Chinese pork jerky is a popular variation that uses different spices and seasonings. You can also use a jerky gun to create your jerky strips with ground pork.Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.