Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience with this Sweet Java Beef Jerky recipe. Combining the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, this homemade jerky will keep you coming back for more. Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering treat!
Selecting the Perfect Cut and Slicing Technique
To ensure the best texture and flavor, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef for your jerky. Opt for a roast with minimal fat marbling, such as London Broil or eye of round roast. If you’re on a budget, top round, sirloin roast, or rump roast can also work well.
When it comes to slicing the meat, there are different schools of thought. Some prefer slicing with the grain to achieve long strands of jerky, while others, including myself, find slicing against the grain makes for easier chewing. Feel free to experiment and find your preferred method.
Creating the Irresistible Sweet Java Marinade
While pre-made marinades are readily available, nothing beats the depth of flavor you can achieve with a homemade marinade. The Sweet Java Beef Jerky marinade is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that elevate the jerky to new heights.
Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade:
- Brewed coffee
- Cola
- Soy sauce
- Dark brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Morton TenderQuick (curing powder)
- Molasses
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Morton TenderQuick is a curing powder that imparts a unique flavor to the jerky. However, if you prefer not to use it, kosher salt can be substituted. Adjust the quantities accordingly.
Preparing the Sweet Java Beef Jerky
Now that you have your marinade ready, it’s time to marinate the meat and get cooking! Follow these steps:
- Slice the beef roast into thin strips against the grain.
- Sprinkle the strips with black pepper.
- In a non-reactive bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until well blended.
- Place the beef strips into the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Choosing the Cooking Method
There are multiple methods for cooking beef jerky, including using a smoker, dehydrator, or oven. Here are some guidelines for each method:
Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 170 degrees F (or oven to the equivalent temperature). Smoke/cook the marinated beef strips for 2-3 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices. Keep an eye on the jerky and ensure it is firm and slightly pliable, but not overly dry.
Dehydrator: Consult the instructions for your specific dehydrator model, as drying times may vary. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to achieve the desired texture.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 170 degrees F. Place the beef strips on a cooling rack and cook with the oven door slightly cracked to allow moisture to escape. Again, monitor the jerky closely to prevent overcooking.
Note: It’s essential to remove excess moisture from the marinated meat before cooking to ensure even drying and avoid prolonged cooking times.
Storing and Savoring the Sweet Java Beef Jerky
Once your jerky is cooked to perfection, remove it from the cooking apparatus while it is still warm. Place the jerky in a gallon zip-top bag, leaving it slightly open to allow for steaming. This step helps retain moisture, resulting in moist and tender jerky.
You can store the jerky on the counter for 3-4 days or refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. However, with its irresistible flavor, it’s unlikely that this Sweet Java Beef Jerky will last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy your jerky, take a moment to appreciate the delectable aroma and mouthwatering appearance. Each bite will reveal the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and a subtle kick of heat.
Whether you’re on a road trip, need a protein-packed snack, or simply want to treat yourself to a flavorful indulgence, this Sweet Java Beef Jerky is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade jerky that will keep you coming back for more. Get ready to savor the tender, flavorful, and utterly addictive Sweet Java Beef Jerky!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds London Broil beef roast, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Sweet Java Jerky Marinade:
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup cola
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Morton TenderQuick (or substitute with kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Slice the beef roast into thin strips against the grain. Sprinkle the strips with black pepper.
In a non-reactive bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until well blended.
Place the beef strips into the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.
Choose your preferred cooking method – smoker, dehydrator, or oven – and preheat to the appropriate temperature:
Smoker: Preheat to 170 degrees F.
Dehydrator: Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Oven: Preheat to 170 degrees F with the oven door slightly cracked.
Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Cook the beef strips in your chosen cooking apparatus for 2-3 hours, or until the jerky is firm and slightly pliable. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
Once cooked, remove the jerky from the cooking apparatus while it is still warm. Place it in a gallon zip-top bag, leaving it slightly open for steaming. This step will help retain moisture.
Allow the jerky to cool and then store it on the counter for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Get ready to enjoy the addictive Sweet Java Beef Jerky – a sensational blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more!
