Dried beef is a flavorful, versatile ingredient loved by many for its rich taste and long shelf life. Whether you want to make a savory snack, add it to your favorite dishes, or create a classic creamed dried beef recipe, making dried beef at home is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making dried beef step-by-step, using accessible ingredients and methods that suit your kitchen setup.
What Is Dried Beef?
Dried beef is beef that has been cured and dried to remove moisture, concentrating its flavor and preserving it for longer periods without refrigeration. It can be thinly sliced for sandwiches, chopped into dishes like creamed chipped beef, or enjoyed as a snack similar to jerky. The drying process intensifies the beef’s taste, making it a delicious addition to many meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make dried beef at home, you’ll want to start with quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture:
– Fresh lean beef (500g is a good starting amount)
– Shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger for aromatic flavor
– Seasonings such as five-spice powder, chili powder, beef seasoning (or curry powder as a substitute), annatto powder for color, salt, sugar (or molasses for richness), fish sauce, oyster sauce, and cooking oil
Choosing lean cuts with minimal tendons is key. Look for bright red beef with good marbling and elasticity, avoiding any meat with odd colors or smells.
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by cleaning and deodorizing the beef to remove any strong odors. Rub the meat with coarse salt, vinegar, or fresh lime, or rinse it with white wine. Then wash thoroughly under running water and drain.
Slice the beef into large pieces about 0.5 to 0.7 cm thick, cutting along the grain to make shredding easier later. This thickness helps the beef dry evenly and retain a pleasant texture.
Step 2: Making the Flavor Paste
Finely chop or blend shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger into a paste. This aromatic mixture will infuse the beef with rich, fragrant notes during marination.
Step 3: Marinating the Beef
Coat the beef slices evenly with the following marinade:
– 2 tablespoons seasoning powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar or molasses
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon cooking oil
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– The aromatic paste made from shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger
Let the beef marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to absorb all the flavors deeply.
Step 4: Drying the Beef
There are several ways to dry your marinated beef, depending on the equipment you have:
Air Fryer Method
Preheat your air fryer to 140°C. Lay the beef slices in a single layer without overlapping. Dry for about 40 minutes, flipping occasionally for even drying. If the beef isn’t dry enough, increase the temperature to 160°C and dry for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Oven Method
Arrange the beef slices on a rack in a shallow pan. Dry in a low-temperature oven (around 130–160°F) until the beef reaches your desired dryness. This method can be combined with smoking if you want a smoky flavor.
Pan Drying Method
If you don’t have an air fryer or oven, use a non-stick pan over low heat. Add the marinated beef and cook slowly, flipping every 5–10 minutes to prevent burning. Continue until the beef is dry and firm. This method requires more attention but works well.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once dried, you can hang the beef in the refrigerator for 24 hours or up to a week to further dry and develop flavor. Remove any netting or string used during drying.
Slice the dried beef very thinly for use in sandwiches or recipes. If you have a meat slicer, it makes this easier; otherwise, chill the beef thoroughly and use a sharp knife to slice thinly.
How to Use Your Homemade Dried Beef
Dried beef is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:
– Creamed Dried Beef: A classic comfort dish where dried beef is chopped and cooked in a creamy white sauce with butter, flour, milk, cheese, and seasonings. Serve it over toasted English muffins or bread for a hearty meal.
– Snack: Enjoy dried beef pieces as a protein-rich snack, perfect with a cold beer or on their own.
– Sandwiches and Salads: Add thin slices to sandwiches or salads for a burst of savory flavor.
– Cooking Ingredient: Use dried beef in stews, casseroles, or pasta dishes to add depth and umami.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh, high-quality beef for the best results.
– Marinate long enough to let the flavors penetrate.
– Dry beef slowly at low temperatures to avoid toughness.
– Store dried beef in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.
Making dried beef at home is a rewarding process that lets you customize flavors and enjoy a delicious, shelf-stable protein. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a tasty treat that rivals store-bought versions.
Enjoy your homemade dried beef in a variety of dishes or as a flavorful snack!