Food Lens · Snacks
Beef jerky
Intensely savory and chewy, with flavor ranging from smoky and peppery to sweet or spicy depending on the marinade.
Lens analyzedBeef jerky is lean beef that's been trimmed of fat, sliced thin, marinated or seasoned, and dried until it's chewy and shelf-stable. Removing the moisture is what lets it keep without refrigeration, making it a popular portable, high-protein snack.
Where it comes from
Drying meat to preserve it is an ancient technique used across many cultures, and the word "jerky" comes from the Quechua word "ch'arki," describing dried meat made by Indigenous peoples of the Andes, a method later adapted by North American settlers and traders.
Buying it
Check the ingredient list for sodium and sugar content, since jerky varies widely in seasoning intensity, and look for a package free of excess moisture or a strong off odor.
Storing it
Store unopened jerky in the pantry per the package date; once opened, reseal tightly and it keeps at room temperature for a couple of weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keeps about 6 months in the pantry.
Recipes that use beef jerky
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