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Sweet Java Beef Jerky

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Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky. Indulge in its delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors, accompanied by a subtle touch of spiciness. Once you start, you won’t be able to resist continuously munching on this irresistible jerky!

Java Beef Jerky

We will cover various cuts of meat, helpful slicing techniques, essential marinating fundamentals, and the comparison between dehydrating and smoking methods. Rest assured, I will provide you with all the necessary information to become an expert in crafting flawless homemade jerky.

While the original recipe served as a foundation, I’ve spent the past five years continuously refining and experimenting with it. The result is a version that I believe has reached the pinnacle of perfection. I sincerely hope that you derive immense pleasure from it!

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Best Cuts of Meat for Beef Jerky

To kick off our jerky-making journey, let’s explore the optimal cuts of beef to use. It’s ideal to begin with a well-trimmed roast, featuring minimal fat marbling. In this particular batch, I opted for a London Broil, which proved to be an excellent choice. Another exceptional option is an eye of round roast. Additionally, top round, sirloin roast, or rump roast can also be utilized, although they may contain slightly more fat or gristle. These alternatives are often budget-friendly and still yield satisfactory results.

If you have an interest in creating ground meat jerky, I recommend trying out my recipe for Ground Beef Jerky. This method necessitates the use of a jerky gun and entails a bit more effort, but the end outcome is undeniably delightful!

If you intend to slice the meat yourself, I suggest placing the roast in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to an hour prior to slicing. The chilled roast will become firmer, resulting in superior outcomes with evenly sliced pieces.

Certain individuals favor slicing with the grain as it results in long, satisfying strands of jerky that can be easily torn apart and savored. There is a notion that slicing with the grain may lead to the jerky falling apart, but I haven’t encountered this issue myself. It may be beneficial to experiment with both methods and ascertain your personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between slicing with or against the grain depends on individual taste and desired jerky texture.

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Jerky Marinade

Although pre-made marinades can be easily purchased, they often lack that special touch found in homemade marinades. Particularly, the Sweet Java Beef Jerky marinade offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that create an unparalleled taste experience. It’s like a festive gathering of flavors in your mouth! In my opinion, a fantastic marinade relies on the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. It’s a recipe for perfection!

Below, you will find a list of ingredients required for this marinade (refer to the recipe card for specific measurements):

  • Brewed coffee
  • Cola
  • Soy sauce
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Morton TenderQuick
  • Molasses
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper

To prepare this marinade, you will need Morton TenderQuick, an instant curing powder that contains a small amount of salt and sugar. You can typically find it in grocery stores or online. The recommended ratio is 1 tablespoon of Morton TenderQuick per 1 pound of meat. The specific recipe mentioned here requires 2 tablespoons of Morton TenderQuick for 2 pounds of meat.

For those who prefer to use alternative curing salts in their jerky, you can incorporate 1 level teaspoon of Prague Powder #1 or instacure #1 into the marinade recipe. This measurement is suitable for curing up to 5 pounds of meat. If you plan to increase the recipe beyond 5 pounds, you will require an additional teaspoon of the cure.

If you include Morton TenderQuick in your jerky recipe, it can be safely stored on your counter for a maximum of two weeks. However, if you prefer not to add any curing salt, you can substitute it with one level tablespoon of Kosher salt. In this case, the jerky will last for two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

How to Make Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Lastly, let’s discuss the various cooking methods for making beef jerky. You have the option to prepare it in a smoker, dehydrator, or oven.

Smoker: I have multiple smokers available, and my preferred choice for making jerky is my pellet grill. However, feel free to utilize any type of smoker you have, as long as it can maintain temperatures in the range of 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the jerky to cook slowly while benefiting from the smoky flavors.

Dehydrator: If you opt for a dehydrator, it is important to refer to the instructions provided with your specific machine. Each dehydrator operates differently, and the recommended timeline for drying the jerky will vary accordingly.

Oven: In the absence of a smoker or dehydrator, you can still successfully dehydrate your jerky using your oven. Simply place the jerky on a cooling rack before baking. Follow the time and temperature guidelines outlined in the recipe, but remember to leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and facilitate proper drying of the jerky.

The key to achieving exceptional results, regardless of whether you use a smoker or oven, lies in the preparation of your jerky before drying. Once you have marinated your meat, it is vital to remove it from the marinade and carefully blot away any excess moisture. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking. Personally, I prefer layering my jerky strips between paper towels and thoroughly patting them dry. If you desire an added touch of spiciness, this is the perfect moment to sprinkle some additional black pepper.

Lastly, it is essential to utilize a thermometer to ensure the proper doneness of your meat. It is crucial that no pieces are removed from the oven, smoker, or dehydrator unless they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To monitor the temperatures accurately, I rely on a reliable instant-read thermometer.

Nutritions of Sweet Java Beef Jerky:

  • Calories: 29 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 4mg
  • Potassium: 105mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Vitamin A: 211IU
  • Vitamin C: 1mg
  • Calcium: 14mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Stay tuned to our website for updates on simple and high-quality home cooking methods just like the experts! Let us know what kind of recipes you’re looking for by leaving a comment below this article!

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Sweet Java Beef Jerky

Sweet Java Beef Jerky

petercobbetts
Introducing Sweet Java Beef Jerky, the latest sensation in homemade jerky. With its delightful combination of sweetness, savoriness, and a subtle hint of spiciness, this jerky is simply irresistible, leaving you craving for more with every bite!
prep time
10 min
cooking time
2 hours
servings
8
total time
2 hours 10 min

Equipment

  • Smoker

  • Dehydrator

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds London Broil beef roast (sliced thin against the grain)

  • 2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 cup brewed coffee

  • 1 cup cola

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar

  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons Morton TenderQuick

  • 2 Tablespoons molasses

  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Instructions

1

Make the marinade

Prepare the marinade by combining all the marinade ingredients in a non-reactive bowl (avoid using metal) and whisking them together.
2

Marinate the meat

Place the sliced beef roast into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least overnight, or up to 24 hours.
3

Preheat the smoker

Preheat your smoker or oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
4

Prep the jerky

Remove the marinated meat from the bowl and pat each strip dry using paper towels. Sprinkle a generous amount of black pepper over the strips.
5

Smoked the jerky

Transfer the strips to the grill grate, jerky rack, or cooling rack in your smoker or oven. Smoke or cook the jerky for 2-3 hours, adjusting the time based on the thickness of your slices (thicker pieces may require 4-5 hours). Regularly check the jerky after the first hour to ensure even drying. The ideal consistency is firm and slightly pliable, but not soft. If the jerky bends and breaks, it may have been cooked for too long.
6

Steam, store, and enjoy

While the jerky is still warm, place it in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, leaving the bag slightly open to allow steam to escape. This step helps retain moisture and keeps the jerky moist. You can store the jerky at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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About author
As the founder and chief editor of Scills Grill, I'm a self-proclaimed BBQ nut. I love cooking outdoors over live fire and smoke, no matter the weather. I use various grills, smokers, and wood-fired ovens to produce epic food. Peter Cobbetts is the president and founder of Scills Grill, with over 15 years' experience in barbecue. He's an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert who specializes in smoking briskets, pork shoulders - using charcoal, wood or propane grills/smokers - as well as reviewing kitchen appliances such as grills, smokers etc., having tried out almost every model available on the market.
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