If you’re a fan of jerky and want to try making it at home, a convection oven can be your best friend. This guide will walk you through every step of making delectable convection oven jerky from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, you’ll find this guide informative and easy to follow.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Convection Oven?
Convection ovens are a great choice for making jerky because they circulate air during cooking. This helps to evenly dry the meat, resulting in a better texture and flavor. Plus, convection ovens often cook faster than traditional ovens, so you’ll have your homemade jerky in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of lean beef
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of pepper
- Optional: garlic, ginger, or other spices
Tools Needed
Read more articles on convection oven cooking here – Convection Oven: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
First, you’ll need to prepare the beef for marinating. Choose a lean cut of meat and trim off any visible fat. Then, slice the beef into thin strips, approximately 1/4-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will dry in your convection oven.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
In a Ziplock bag, combine the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and any other spices you want to use. Place the meat strips into the bag, seal it, and massage the meat to distribute the marinade evenly. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Preheat the Convection Oven
Preheat your convection oven to 160°F (71°C). This is the optimal temperature for drying meat to make jerky.
Step 4: Arrange Meat on Wire Rack
Place a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Lay the marinated beef strips on the wire rack, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 5: Cook in Convection Oven
Place the rack with the meat into the preheated convection oven. Cook for about 4-6 hours, checking every hour to see how the jerky is drying. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your meat strips and your specific convection oven.
Step 6: Test for Doneness
After 4-6 hours, test a piece of jerky by bending it. If it bends and cracks but doesn’t break, it’s ready. Remove the jerky from the oven and allow it to cool before storing.
Convection Oven Jerky: Conclusion
Making jerky in a convection oven is not only easy but also gives you the opportunity to customize the flavor to your liking. By following these steps, you can enjoy homemade jerky that is both delicious and cost-effective.