Best Cuts Of Meat For Jerky (2024 Updated)

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Jerky is a popular snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a dried, cured meat that is easy to carry and does not require refrigeration. But not all cuts of meat are ideal for making jerky. If you're looking to make your own jerky, it's important to know which cuts of meat work best. Here are five key points to consider when choosing the best cuts of meat for jerky:

1. Lean cuts are best: Jerky is typically made from lean cuts of meat because fat can spoil and cause the meat to go rancid. Look for cuts like beef round, flank steak, or sirloin.

2. The right thickness: The meat should be sliced thinly and uniformly to ensure even drying. A thickness of 1/4 inch is ideal.

3. Marinating is important: Marinating the meat before drying helps to tenderize it and add flavor. Look for marinades that contain ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.

4. Consider the grain: When slicing the meat, it's important to cut against the grain. This makes the jerky more tender and easier to chew.

5. Experiment with different meats: While beef is the most common meat used for jerky, you can also use other meats like turkey, chicken, or even venison. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can choose the best cuts of meat for jerky and create a delicious and healthy snack that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.

10 Best Cuts Of Meat For Jerky

1. Professional-Grade Beef Jerky Slicer Kit For Perfectly Uniform Slices – Adjustable Thickness Cutting Board And 10" Slicing Knife For Precise Cuts – Dishwasher Safe.

The Advanced Beef Jerky Slicer Kit is a must-have for anyone who loves to make their own jerky at home. This kit guarantees 100% precision and uniformity in your jerky slices, without the high cost of buying an electric jerky slicer. The kit includes 2 adjustable thickness food grade spacers, a stainless steel jerky board, knife guide rails, and a razor-sharp premium butcher's slicing knife. With these components, you can create optimized jerky slices that evenly dry for safe consumption.

The ergonomic knife rails of the kit ensure safe and consistent cuts, eliminating the need for you to eyeball where you're cutting. The premium stainless steel meat cutter machine contains a butcher knife guide system and an advanced non-stationary blade design, allowing you to glide the knife below the rails to create gorgeous uniform slices. This versatile cutting board can slice all types of meat, including beef, venison, elk, buffalo, and deer, making it perfect for making healthy homemade foods.

The kit is adjustable for 1/8", 1/4", and 3/8" thick slices. To use, place the whole muscle meat atop the manual meat slicer machine with one food grade spacer for 1/4" cuts. Put your finger guard on your hand and place it atop the chilled meat. Run the kitchen knife between the guide rails to slice the jerky meat. Remove the slice and repeat. For 1/8" slices, use two spacers. No spacers are needed for 3/8" slices. After use, this dishwasher safe food slicer can be easily cleaned on the top rack.

The kit comes with a best 10" carving knife, which is ideal for cutting your Thanksgiving turkey, fruits, vegetables, foods for frying, and even trimming and preparing large hunks of meat. This ergonomic meat slicer knife quickly becomes a go-to kitchen knife for health-conscious jerky lovers.

The Advanced Beef Jerky Slicer Kit is meticulously inspected for craftsmanship, quality, longevity, and precision before it's shipped straight to your door. The company guarantees that you'll love how this premium manual slicer machine makes creating 100% uniform meat, fruit, and veggie slices fast, easy, and fun or your money back. So go ahead and try it risk-free for 90 days by clicking "Add to Cart" now.

2. 10-Inch Stainless Steel Meat Slicer With Cutting Board And Carving Knife.

For those who love making jerky at home, having the right tools is essential to ensure perfect results every time. The Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Jerky Maker Cutting Board with 10-Inch Professional Slicing and Carving Knife is the ultimate solution for creating delicious, high-quality jerky from the comfort of your own kitchen.

One of the key features of this jerky maker is its ultra-sharp 10-inch blade, made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel that is both easy to clean and maintain. The blade is hard enough to hold an edge but also has a pointed tip and just enough flex to make precise cuts when trimming, deboning, and fileting.

In addition to the sharp blade, the Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Jerky Maker Cutting Board comes equipped with a stainless steel jerky board. Measuring 6 inches by 12 inches, this board makes cutting thin slices of whole muscle jerky a breeze. It can also be used for fruits and other items that need to be cut perfectly thin before being placed into the dehydrator. The board comes with nylon spacers for adjusting cut thickness 1/8 of an inch at a time, with cut thickness options of 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8.

The Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Jerky Maker Cutting Board is made from food-grade, high-quality stainless steel, ensuring that it is 100% safe and convenient to use. The slicer is easy to store and clean, and its slip-resistant design makes it completely adjustable for all of your kitchen needs.

At the core of this product is the goal of creating perfect jerky every time. Whether you are making beef jerky, deer jerky, or other wild game and exotic meats, uniform slices are essential for drying properly and being safe to eat. With this professional-quality jerky slicer, you can achieve perfect results with ease.

The manufacturer is confident in the quality of this product and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Jerky Maker Cutting Board and Carving Knife, simply reach out to the manufacturer, and they will make it right.

In conclusion, if you want to make delicious, high-quality jerky at home, the Meat Slicer Stainless Steel Jerky Maker Cutting Board with 10-Inch Professional Slicing and Carving Knife is an essential tool for your kitchen. With its sharp blade, adjustable slicing board, and slip-resistant design, this jerky maker is both safe and convenient to use, ensuring perfect results every time.

3. Jerky Maker Kit With Cutting Board, Knife, Seasoning, And Book

The Jerky Maker Cutting Board with Professional Slicing and Carving Knife is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to become a jerky legend. It is designed to provide safety, power, and 100% precision, allowing users to make perfectly uniform and optimized jerky slices that dry evenly for safe consumption. The kit includes a food-grade stainless steel jerky board, knife guide rails, and a premium butchers slicing knife that is razor-sharp and designed to make cutting jerky a breeze.

One of the standout features of this jerky maker is its adjustable thickness spacers that allow users to adjust the thickness of the jerky slices to their desired thickness, up to 1/8 inch. This means that users can create jerky slices that are perfectly uniform, without the high cost of buying an electric jerky slicer. The non-stationary blade design and adjustable knife guide rails also ensure that users can create gorgeously equal slices every time, with no need for guesswork or meat movement.

Using the Jerky Maker Cutting Board is simple and straightforward. Users simply set the desired thickness, place the whole muscle meat piece atop the manual meat slicer machine, place their hand on top of the meat, run the included meat cutting knife between the rails, remove the slice, and repeat! The machine is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup fast and easy.

In addition to the jerky board and knife guide rails, the kit also includes a best-in-class 10-inch carving knife. This knife is ideal for cutting Thanksgiving turkey, fruits, vegetables, foods for frying, and even trimming and preparing large hunks of meat. Its ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to use, and many health-conscious jerky lovers say that it quickly becomes their go-to kitchen knife.

The Jerky Maker Cutting Board with Professional Slicing and Carving Knife is meticulously inspected for craftsmanship, quality, longevity, and precision before it is shipped straight to your door. The manufacturer guarantees that users will love how this premium manual slicer machine makes creating 100% uniform meat, fruit, and veggie slices fast, easy, and fun, or their money back. Customers can try the product risk-free for 90 days by clicking "Add to Cart" now.

4. Stainless Steel Beef Jerky Maker With Cutting Board, Book, And Knife.

The Ultimate Stainless Steel Beef Jerky Maker Slicer Cutting Board is the perfect addition to any meat lover's kitchen. This top-of-the-line meat slicer set includes a professional 10-inch chef's knife, knife guide rails, a safety finger guard, and a quick-start recipe book.

Making jerky has never been easier with this premium meat jerky slicer. The set is designed to help you make deliciously mouthwatering, succulent, and savory jerkies without years of fiddling. With the help of this cutting board and meat slicer, you can achieve the perfectly optimized, uniform slices that not only make for great jerky but also protect your health by ensuring a uniform smokehouse cook throughout.

The 100% uniform smokehouse cook is achieved by simply adjusting the 1/8 inch spacers, slicing the meat, and curing as instructed. The included knife guide rails and safety finger guard ensure that you can slice your meat effortlessly and safely. The quick-start recipe book provides you with all the necessary instructions and marinade recipes to create delicious jerky with ease.

The Jerky Bible included in this set is a step-by-step guide that takes you through the process of drying, curing, preserving, and creating jerky. The instructive photos provided in the Jerky Bible make it easy to follow the process and to learn how to utilize over 40 flavorful marinades. These marinades include Caribbean and Asian style, sweet beer, as well as Cajun seasoned recipes for all types of meat such as beef, pork, chicken, venison, turkey, game birds, and fish.

This cutting board and meat slicer set is the best value for your money and is guaranteed to meet your expectations. The included butcher knife alone is worth more than what you'll invest in this entire set. The manufacturer is so confident in the quality of this product that they offer a risk-free 90-day trial period. If you're not satisfied with the product, you can return it for a full and prompt refund.

In conclusion, the Ultimate Stainless Steel Beef Jerky Maker Slicer Cutting Board is a must-have for any meat lover who wants to create delicious jerky with ease. With the included professional 10-inch chef's knife, knife guide rails, safety finger guard, quick-start recipe book, and Jerky Bible, you'll have everything you need to make mouthwatering jerky that will impress your family and friends.

5. Beef Jerky Slicer Kit – Guaranteed Precision Slices With Adjustable Thickness, Dishwasher Safe Cutting Board, 10" Slicing Knife, Jerky Maker, And Curing Guide.

The Beef Jerky Meat Slicer Kit is the perfect solution for those who want to create 100% uniform, optimized jerky slices that dry evenly for safe consumption, without the steep investment of buying an electric jerky slicer. This kit includes two adjustable thickness food grade spacers, a stainless steel jerky board, knife guide rails, and a razor-sharp premium butchers slicing knife. It also comes with a meat curing how-to book, making it easier for users to make homemade jerky.

The secret to this kit's success is its superior 10" carving knife, which easily slices through the toughest meats like butter. This premium stainless steel, hard-edged knife is simple to maintain and makes light work of all your kitchen prep. It is worth the price of the set alone.

Making jerky with this kit is fast and easy. Simply set the thickness to 1/8", 1/4", or 3/8", place the meat atop the manual slicer machine, and run the meat cutting knife through the rails. The dishwasher safe food slicer pops right in for the easiest post-jerky cleanup ever. With just five simple steps, users can enjoy jerky every day.

This kit is not just for making jerky. Its ergonomic chef's knife and adjustable thickness cutting board make it an ideal companion for all kitchen tasks. It is perfect for thinly slicing dehydrator fruits, meticulously cut tomatoes, and impressing guests with uniform slices of Thanksgiving turkey, fried foods, and any large hunk of meat.

Using this optimized jerky slicer is fast, easy, and fun. The kit comes with a 90-day risk-free guarantee, so users can try it out and return it if they are not completely satisfied. From the first moment of use, users will realize why it is one of the best on the market. This kit guarantees users will make slices so meticulous that their guests will think they went to the butcher, or they can get their money back – no questions asked.

Overall, the Beef Jerky Meat Slicer Kit is a must-have for anyone who loves making jerky, slicing meat, or wants to impress guests with perfectly uniform slices of food. It is a versatile and convenient tool that will make kitchen tasks easier and faster. With its precision and durability, this kit is sure to become an essential part of any kitchen.

6. 16" Heavy Duty Meat Bone Cutter With Knife Sharpener For Butcher And Home Use

The LANUEVA Manual Meat Bone Cutter is a heavy duty jerky slicer and chicken cutting machine designed for both home and commercial use. This multifunctional meat bone cutter can cut almost anything that can be cut with a knife, including spareribs, bones, lamb chops, beef ribs, whole chicken, deli meat, biltong, ham, bologna, prosciutto, beef jerky, bacon, chicken breasts, hard veggies and fruits.

The large stainless steel cutting board of this meat cutter is 7.88" x 15.2", which can easily accommodate a whole chicken cutting. The 30CR13 stainless steel knife is around 27.96" including non-slip handle, longer lever arm makes chopping more effortless and easier.

This meat bone cutter is made of premium stainless steel and is easy to clean. The cutter parts can be cleaned by rinsing with water directly, and every part needs to be dried after each use. Regular oiling can prevent parts from rusting. However, the blade is sharp, and one needs to be careful as it can easily slice through a sponge or careless finger.

The LANUEVA Manual Meat Bone Cutter comes with a knife sharpening rod and detachable tray. The blade may become less sharp after long use, and the cutting edge of the knife can be sharpened or honed with the high hardness sharpening rod. The detachable tray makes it convenient to collect the slices and keep the counter clean.

There are some helpful cutting tips that one needs to keep in mind while using this meat bone cutter. Placing hard ingredients at the front of the knife makes it easier to cut. However, beef shank, femur or humerus bones cannot be cut. Fresh meat needs to be frozen for about 1-3H till it becomes firm to obtain better cutting effect, hard-frozen meat is best sliced after thawing 20-30 min.

LANUEVA provides a 2-year warranty for this meat bone cutter and has a professional after-sale service team. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this meat bone cutter, please feel free to contact them, and they will answer within 24 hours.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy-duty meat bone cutter that can cut almost anything, then the LANUEVA Manual Meat Bone Cutter is an excellent choice for you. It is durable, efficient, and easy to clean, making it perfect for both home and commercial use.

7. Premium Hot & Spicy Beef Jerky – Bulk Package – Low Sodium – High Protein – 15 Count

People's Choice Beef Jerky offers a classic and hot & spicy flavor profile in their Big Slab Whole Muscle Premium Cuts. This bulk jerky package includes 15 thin sheets of low sodium, low salt, and high protein meat snacks that are perfect for an active lifestyle.

Crafted with Western-inspired techniques, each slab of 100% Premium US Beef is one whole slice, at least 30% larger than the nearest competition. The tough texture of this cowboy jerky requires a bit of chewing, but the longer you do, the more flavor you enjoy.

The small batch production takes place in Los Angeles, CA, where the family-owned and operated business has been celebrating over 90 years and four generations of making fresh jerky. The same fan-favorite jerky found in gas stations across the West Coast is now available in a convenient bulk package.

This jerky is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced sweetness and spiciness in their meat snacks. It's also a great option for those who are looking for a natural energy boost while on the go, whether it's during camping, hiking, body-building, backpacking, or as an office snack.

The product is built for an active lifestyle and is a great grocery item to have on hand for the whole family. It's a low sodium, low salt snack that's high in protein and satisfies hunger cravings. The bulk package makes it easy to stock up and have a supply of delicious and healthy snacks on hand.

In conclusion, People's Choice Beef Jerky's Classic Hot & Spicy Big Slab Whole Muscle Premium Cuts are a must-try for those who love the tough texture of whole slab jerky. With a balanced sweetness and spiciness, low sodium, low salt, and high protein content, it's the perfect snack for an active lifestyle.

8. Kws Ps-92 Commercial Meat Slicer – 1950w, 794 Lbs/hr, Stainless Steel, Floor Model, Electric Meat Cutting Machine Ideal For Deli/butcher Shop/restaurant. (5mm)

The KWS PS-92 Floor Model Commercial Meat Slicer is the perfect solution for restaurants, delis, and butcher shops looking to cut fresh meat quickly and efficiently. This meat cutting machine is made with high quality 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity.

The KWS PS-92 is equipped with two blade sets, totaling 92 stainless steel blades. This allows for precise and efficient slicing of meat, resulting in consistent cuts every time. The interchangeable cutting blades are available in different sizes, ensuring that you can customize your cuts to fit your needs. These blades can be easily ordered from the KitchenWare Station official website.

With a powerful 1950-watt motor, this meat cutter is capable of slicing up to 794 pounds of meat per hour, or 13 pounds per minute. This makes it ideal for busy commercial kitchens where speed and efficiency are essential.

The KWS PS-92 is designed with ease of use in mind. The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing even novice users to quickly learn how to operate the machine. The slicer is also easy to clean, with a removable carriage and blade cover that can be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Overall, the KWS PS-92 Floor Model Commercial Meat Slicer is a high-quality, reliable and efficient machine that is perfect for busy commercial kitchens. With its powerful motor, durable construction, and interchangeable cutting blades, this meat cutter is sure to meet all your meat slicing needs.

9. Bulk Package Of 15 Premium Whole Muscle Beef Jerky Slabs In Teriyaki Flavor From People's Choice, With Thin Sheets And Low Sodium Content. High Protein Meat Snack Perfect For On-The-Go.

People's Choice Beef Jerky offers a classic, teriyaki-flavored, big slab, whole muscle premium cuts in a bulk jerky package. This meat snack is perfect for individuals who are looking for a low sodium, low salt, high protein snack that is both delicious and nutritious.

Crafted in the Western-inspired tradition, People's Choice Beef Jerky uses only 100% premium US beef, with each slab being at least 30% bigger than its closest competition. The classic sweet teriyaki flavor profile is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced sweetness and rich, umami jerky flavor.

Sink your teeth into the whole slab texture and get ready for a delicious, tough, and chewy texture. The longer you chew, the more flavor is released, giving you the ultimate jerky experience.

Small batch made in the USA, People's Choice Beef Jerky is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation for over 90 years and four generations in Los Angeles, CA. The same fan favorite, fresh jerky found in gas stations across the West Coast is now available for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

This premium quality beef jerky is built for an active lifestyle. It is a natural energy source that is perfect for on-the-go snacking while camping, hiking, body building, backpacking, or simply enjoying a snack at the office. It is also the perfect grocery item for your pantry to keep the whole family happy.

In summary, People's Choice Beef Jerky – Classic – Teriyaki – Big Slab – Whole Muscle Premium Cuts – Bulk Jerky Package – Thin Sheets – Low Sodium Low Salt High Protein Meat Snack – 15 Slabs, 1 Bag is a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for individuals who prioritize their health and enjoy a balanced sweetness and rich, umami jerky flavor. With its small-batch production and family-owned and operated business, you can be sure that you are getting the best quality jerky available on the market.

10. Moongiantgo Biltong Slicer: Adjustable Beef Jerky Cutter For Chinese Medicine And Herb Roots.

The Moongiantgo Biltong Slicer Chinese Medicine Radiused Beef Jerky Cutter is a high-quality kitchen tool designed for slicing Chinese herbs, roots, and beef jerky with ease. The slicer features two curved blades on the handle and base, providing a certain thrust to help with cutting and making the process more labor-saving.

Crafted with premium materials, the sharp blade is made of 30CR13 stainless steel, while the base and handle are made of solid rubber wood, ensuring durability and longevity. The slicer is easy to clean, simply rinse it in the sink after each use, and then dry it thoroughly. Apply a few drops of cooking oil to the blades and bearings for simple maintenance.

The Moongiantgo Biltong Slicer Chinese Medicine Radiused Beef Jerky Cutter is a perfect size for easy storage in any kitchen. Its dimensions are (LxWxH): 14.4×7.5×5.5 inches, and it features an adjustable thickness range from 0-12mm/0.47inch, making it ideal for slicing various herbs, roots, and beef jerky.

This slicer comes with a 1-year warranty, making it a worry-free investment. In case of any quality problems, customers can enjoy a free replacement. The Moongiantgo Biltong Slicer Chinese Medicine Radiused Beef Jerky Cutter is also a good choice as a gift for anyone who loves cooking or is interested in Chinese medicine.

In summary, the Moongiantgo Biltong Slicer Chinese Medicine Radiused Beef Jerky Cutter is a top-quality kitchen tool suitable for slicing various herbs, roots, and beef jerky. Its double blade cutting, premium materials, and easy maintenance make it a must-have for any kitchen.

Best Cuts Of Meat For Jerky FAQs

Are there any cuts of meat that are not suitable for making jerky?

Yes, there are certain cuts of meat that are not suitable for making jerky. These include fatty cuts like pork belly or ribeye, as well as tough cuts like chuck roasts or brisket. The ideal cuts for jerky are lean cuts like beef round, sirloin, or flank steak, as well as venison or turkey breast.

When making jerky, it's important to choose a cut of meat with as little fat as possible, as fat can spoil and cause the jerky to go rancid. Tough cuts of meat can also be difficult to chew and may not have the right texture for jerky. Additionally, certain cuts may have a stronger flavor that may not be desirable in jerky.

In summary, to make the best jerky, it's important to choose lean cuts of meat that are easy to slice and have a mild flavor.

Can I make jerky with less expensive cuts of meat?

Yes, it is possible to make jerky with less expensive cuts of meat such as flank steak, chuck roast, or even ground beef. However, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the meat used will affect the texture and flavor of the jerky. Tougher cuts of meat will require more time and effort to properly prepare, but can still be used to make delicious jerky. It is also important to properly trim the meat of any excess fat and slice it against the grain for a more tender jerky. Marinating the meat in a flavorful mixture for several hours or overnight can also help improve the overall taste. Ultimately, while using less expensive cuts of meat may save money, it is important to balance cost with overall quality to ensure a satisfying final product.

Should I use lean or fatty cuts of meat for jerky?

It is best to use lean cuts of meat for jerky. Fatty cuts of meat will spoil more quickly and can lead to a greasy texture in the jerky. Lean cuts, such as beef round or venison, are ideal for making jerky because they have less fat and connective tissue. This makes them easier to slice thinly and results in a chewy texture once the jerky is dried. Additionally, lean cuts of meat are healthier than fatty cuts as they contain less saturated fat and calories. However, it is important to note that the meat should still have some fat content to provide flavor and moisture. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a meat to fat ratio of 90:10 or 95:5. Overall, lean cuts of meat are the better choice for making jerky due to their texture, flavor, and health benefits.

What are the best cuts of meat for making jerky?

The best cuts of meat for making jerky are lean cuts with minimal fat content. Top round, bottom round, and eye of round are popular choices. These cuts are typically less expensive and readily available at most grocery stores. Other options include flank steak, sirloin, and brisket.

When selecting meat for jerky, it's important to choose high-quality cuts that are well-marbled and free from any visible gristle or connective tissue. Leaner cuts will dry out more quickly and result in a tougher texture, while fattier cuts can spoil more easily.

Ultimately, the best cut of meat for jerky will depend on personal preference and desired flavor profile. Experimenting with different cuts and marinades can help you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

What factors should I consider when selecting meat for jerky?

When selecting meat for jerky, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the cut of meat should be lean and contain minimal fat, as fat can spoil the jerky and reduce its shelf life. Popular cuts for jerky include beef round, flank steak, and venison. Secondly, the meat should be fresh and of high quality, with minimal processing or additives. It is also important to consider the texture and flavor of the meat, as some cuts may be tougher or more gamey than others. Additionally, the thickness of the meat should be consistent to ensure even cooking and drying. Finally, it is important to follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and preparing the meat, including using clean equipment and storing the jerky properly after it has been made.

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