Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is one of the most popular recipes in the United States. It’s savory, meaty, and full of flavor. People love the beef jerky for its convenience, taste, and ability to last for weeks in the fridge.
Whether you’re a fan of beef jerky or just looking to try something new, Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is sure to please and satisfy.
What is Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
The greatest jerky in Mississippi is made at Wild Bill’s. A national favorite among aficionados of beef jerky, what began in 1955 at a modest neighborhood butcher shop in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has grown over time.
One of their best beef recipes is the Wild Bills beef jerky. Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is a classic American beef jerky recipe. It’s made with lean cuts of beef, spices, and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
The beef is marinated overnight and then slowly cooked until it’s tender and flavorful. The jerky is then cooled and stored in the fridge or freezer until it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Why You’ll Love This Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic beef jerky without having to buy pre-made jerky from the store. It’s also easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for up to a month.
Plus, it’s an excellent source of protein and is low in fat and calories. If you’re looking for a tasty snack or an easy way to add a little protein to your diet, Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is perfect.
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The Ingredients
- Artisanal soy sauce, carefully selected for depth – Soy sauce serves as a crucial ingredient, providing the jerky with a savory, umami-rich flavor, and also acts as a tenderizer for the meat.
- Handpicked minced garlic cloves – Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor, infusing the meat with a rich, savory taste that complements the other ingredients, providing depth and complexity to the beef jerky marinade.
- Cut of eye of round or your favored beef selection – The choice of meat, particularly eye of round, offers a lean and slightly dense texture, perfect for beef jerky due to its low-fat content, making it easier to dehydrate and resulting in chewy, flavorful jerky.
- Freshly ground mixed peppercorns – Peppercorns, when freshly ground, offer a robust and pungent flavor, complementing the savory notes of the sauces and adding a subtle heat to the beef jerky.
- Aged Worcestershire sauce, imparting rich flavor – Worcestershire sauce adds complexity and depth to the marinade with its blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile of the beef jerky.
- Finely blended onion powder – Onion powder contributes a savory and sweet essence to the marinade, intensifying the overall flavor profile without adding additional moisture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick – Crushed red pepper flakes introduce a hint of spiciness, elevating the jerky’s taste with a mild heat that enhances the overall sensory experience.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef:
Slice the Beef: Begin by taking the 3/5 lb beef cut and slice it against the grain. Aim for thin strips, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Slicing against the grain helps with a tender, easier chew.
Create the Marinade: Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/8 cup artisanal soy sauce, 1/8 cup aged Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground mixed peppercorns, 3/5 teaspoon finely blended onion powder, 3/5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and 7/2 cloves of handpicked minced garlic cloves. Thoroughly blend these ingredients to create a rich, flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef:
Prepare the Beef Strips: Place the thin beef strips into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Apply the Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the beef strips, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish to lock in the flavors.
Marinating Time: Refrigerate the marinating beef for at least 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight. This extended duration allows the beef to absorb the robust flavors, resulting in a more flavorful jerky.
Step 3: Prepare for Drying:
Preheat and Line: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting or use a food dehydrator if available. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, facilitating an easy cleanup process later on.
Dry the Beef: Drain and Arrange: Remove the marinated beef strips from the bag or dish, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overlap them.
Drying Process: Place the baking sheet in the oven or dehydrator. Let the beef dry for approximately 3-4 hours, or longer if needed for desired chewiness, ensuring to flip or rotate the strips halfway through the process for uniform drying.
Step 4: Check for Doneness:
Assess Jerky’s Texture: Once the drying time is complete, check the beef jerky’s texture. It should be dry, firm, and slightly flexible, indicating its readiness. Avoid excessive brittleness.
Step 5: Cool and Store:
Cooling Down: Allow the beef jerky to cool thoroughly at room temperature after removing it from the oven or dehydrator.
Storage: Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or sealable bags to maintain freshness. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks, and refrigeration can further extend its shelf life.
Step 6: Enjoy:
Indulge in Homemade Jerky: Your delicious homemade Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky is now ready to relish! Enjoy it as a flavorful snack, a protein-rich treat, or for on-the-go energy.
Notes
• Make sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible for the best results.
• Marinating the beef for 8-12 hours will ensure that it’s full of flavor.
• When baking the beef, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
• Let the beef cool before storing it in an airtight container.
• You can add additional seasonings to the marinade if desired.
• If you have a dehydrator, you can use it to make the jerky instead of baking it.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Wild Bill’s beef jerky (3 ounces) contains approximately:
• 190 calories
• 10 grams of fat
• 25 grams of protein
• 3 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of sugar
• 1 gram of fiber
How to Store Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to one month. To store the jerky in the fridge, place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. To store the jerky in the freezer, wrap the individual pieces in parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing them in a zip-top bag.
Variations
• Add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Replace the Worcestershire sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweet flavor.
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of the brown sugar for a sweeter jerky.
• Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Use chili powder or chipotle powder for a smoky and spicy flavor.
• Replace the beef with turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.
Equipment
- measuring cup
- Digital kitchen weighing scale
- Dehydrator
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground mixed peppercorns
- Unique 3/5 lb cut of eye of round or your favored beef selection
- 3 cloves of handpicked minced garlic cloves
- 1/8 cup of artisanal soy sauce carefully selected for depth
- 3/5 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick
- 1/8 cup of aged Worcestershire sauce imparting rich flavor
- 3/5 teaspoon of finely blended onion powder
Instructions
- Start by slicing the 3/5 lb beef cut against the grain into thin strips, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the artisanal soy sauce, aged Worcestershire sauce, freshly ground mixed peppercorns, finely blended onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic cloves. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors blend well.
- Place the beef strips into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring each strip is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate the marinated beef for at least 6-8 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting or use a food dehydrator if available.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the marinated beef strips from the bag or dish, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
- Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven or dehydrator and let the beef dry for 3-4 hours (or longer, depending on thickness and desired chewiness) until they achieve the desired consistency. Rotate the strips halfway through drying for even results.
- After the drying duration, check the beef jerky for doneness. It should be dry, firm, and slightly flexible without being too brittle.
- Allow the beef jerky to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or sealable bags for up to several weeks. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life.
- Your homemade Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky is ready to savor! Enjoy it as a delicious snack or a protein-packed treat on the go.
Notes
- Make sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible for the best results.
- Marinating the beef for 8-12 hours will ensure that it’s full of flavor.
- When baking the beef, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
- Let the beef cool before storing it in an airtight container.
- You can add additional seasonings to the marinade if desired.
- If you have a dehydrator, you can use it to make the jerky instead of baking it.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What type of beef is best for Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe?
A1. The best type of beef to use for Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is a lean cut such as chuck or round.
Q2. How long will Wild Bill’s beef jerky last in the fridge?
A2. Wild Bill’s beef jerky will last up to two weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Q3. Can I use a dehydrator to make Wild Bill’s beef jerky?
A3. Yes, you can use a dehydrator to make Wild Bill’s beef jerky. Follow the same instructions as for baking.
Q4. Can I use other cuts of meat for Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe?
A4. Yes, you can use other cuts of meat such as turkey, chicken, or pork for Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe.
Q5. How can I make my jerky spicy?
A5. You can add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy flavor.
Q6. Can I store Wild Bill’s beef jerky in the freezer?
A6. Yes, you can store Wild Bill’s beef jerky in the freezer for up to one month. Wrap the individual pieces in parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing them in a zip-top bag.
Q7. What is the best way to store Wild Bill’s beef jerky?
A7. The best way to store Wild Bill’s beef jerky is in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge or freezer.
Conclusion
Wild Bill’s beef jerky recipe is a classic American beef jerky recipe that is sure to please. It’s savory, meaty, and full of flavor. The lean cuts of beef, spices, and a bit of sugar make for a delicious and satisfying snack.
Plus, it’s an excellent source of protein and is low in fat and calories. With this recipe, you can make your own beef jerky at home and enjoy it anytime.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more