Can You Freeze Dry Beef Jerky? The Complete Guide

Beef jerky is a tasty, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for hiking, camping, road trips, or just snacking at home. It’s lightweight, shelf-stable, and full of flavor But traditional beef jerky can take hours to make and requires constant monitoring in the oven or dehydrator. Freeze drying offers a shortcut to making beef jerky that’s just as delicious. But can you actually freeze dry beef jerky?

The answer is yes, you absolutely can freeze dry beef jerky! Freeze dried beef jerky retains the same intense flavor as traditionally made jerky, but in a lighter, crispier texture. And with a freeze dryer, you can make jerky with much less hands-on time.

In this complete guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about freeze drying beef jerky including steps, tips, recipes, storage, and more! Let’s dive in.

How to Freeze Dry Beef Jerky

Here is an overview of the simple process:

1. Prepare the raw meat – Partially freeze, then slice thinly into long strips.

2. Season the meat – Coat strips with your choice of jerky seasoning or marinade.

3. Arrange on trays – Place strips flat in a single layer on freeze dryer trays.

4. Freeze completely – Freeze trays of meat in freezer overnight before drying.

5. Load freeze dryer – Stack trays and load according to manufacturer instructions.

6. Dry completely – Run a full freeze drying cycle, around 8-12 hours.

7. Check for doneness – Meat should snap when bent and have no moisture inside.

8. Package and store – Vacuum seal or store in jars in a cool, dark place.

Follow these steps and you’ll end up with delicious homemade freeze dried beef jerky to enjoy anytime!

Tips for Successful Freeze Dried Beef Jerky

Here are some top tips to ensure your freeze dried beef jerky turns out perfectly:

• Use very lean cuts of beef like eye of round or flank steak. Excess fat can go rancid.

• Slice meat no more than 1⁄4 inch thick so it dries completely. Cut across the grain for tenderness.

• Partially freeze meat before slicing to make it easier to cut thin, uniform strips.

• Preheat freeze dryer and allow it to reach optimal temperature before loading.

• Arrange jerky strips in a single layer with space between them on trays.

• Rotate trays and check jerky at intervals during drying cycle to ensure even drying.

• Make sure jerky is brittle and completely dried out with no moisture inside when done.

• Store in vacuum sealed bags or jars for maximum shelf life of up to 25 years.

Follow these tips and you’ll get great texture and flavor every time you freeze dry jerky!

Best Cuts of Meat for Freeze Dried Beef Jerky

You want to select lean beef cuts when making jerky to freeze dry. Here are some of the best options:

• Eye of round – Very lean with consistent grain, slices easily when partially frozen.

• Bottom round – Budget-friendly cut, trim any excess fat before slicing.

• Flank or flank steak – Lean and flavorful, just watch for toughness if over-dried.

• London broil – Similar to flank with good marbling for flavor.

• Top round – Lean like eye of round but with finer grain.

• Sirloin tip – Affordable alternative to pricier cuts.

Whichever cut you select, look for beef that is at least 90% lean to avoid any unpleasant flavors from excess fat after drying.

Step-by-Step Freeze Drying Process

Follow this more detailed step-by-step process for perfect results when you freeze dry beef jerky:

1. Prep the raw beef – Trim off any fat or sinew. Partially freeze for 1-2 hours until firm but not solid.

2. Slice into strips – Cut across the grain into long slices between 1/8 – 1/4 inch thick. Keep uniform.

3. Season the jerky – Rub strips with dry rub or marinade. Go light on salt as flavor concentrates.

4. Arrange on trays – Lay flat in a single layer on parchment-lined trays, no overlapping.

5. Freeze trays – Freeze trays with strips for at least 12 hours or overnight.

6. Load freeze dryer – Stack trays according to manufacturer guidelines.

7. Start cycle – Turn on and select your desired dry time, around 8-12 hours.

8. Check periodically – Test a piece for doneness about halfway through and again before cycle ends.

9. Finish drying – If needed, turn trays and run an additional dry cycle until completely done.

10. Remove and store – Vacuum seal strips in bags or jars. Store in cool, dark place.

Following this complete step-by-step process will help you successfully freeze dry beef jerky every time.

Time Required to Freeze Dry Beef Jerky

With traditional dehydrating methods, beef jerky can take 6-8 hours or longer to fully dry out. The great news with freeze drying is that you can cut that time significantly. Here are some general timeframes:

• Partial freezing time: 1-2 hours

• Main freeze drying cycle: 8-12 hours

• Additional drying if needed: 2-4 hours

So in as little as 10-14 hours total time, your beef jerky can go from raw meat to fully freeze dried and shelf-stable. Exact times will vary based on your particular freeze dryer model and batch size. Monitor periodically for doneness.

How to Know When Beef Jerky is Done Freeze Drying

It’s important to check for doneness during the process to know when your beef jerky is fully dried:

• Meat should be hardened and brittle, not pliable or soft

• There should be no moisture inside when broken apart

• Jerky should easily snap when bent rather than bend

• The strips will be lighter in color than when raw

• Desired dark, matte finish rather than shiny wetness

• Texture will be crispy and crunchy

If you find any pockets of moisture after the first drying cycle, spread pieces on trays and run for an additional 2-4 hours until completely dry.

Storing Freeze Dried Beef Jerky

One of the best benefits of freeze dried foods is their incredibly long shelf life. To get the most out of your jerky:

• Let jerky pieces cool fully after drying before packaging

• Place strips in vacuum sealed bags or mason jars

• Exclude as much air as possible from packages

• Store in a cool, dark place like the pantry or cupboard

• Avoid temperature extremes like the freezer or direct sunlight

• Optimal storage temperature is 60-70°F

Stored properly in sealed packaging, freeze dried beef jerky can last 25 years or more!

Tips for Rehydrating Freeze Dried Beef Jerky

The ultra-dry texture of freeze dried jerky makes it very light and crispy. To rehydrate:

• Soak strips in water for 30-60 minutes until pliable

• Place in a bowl and add just enough water to cover

• Microwave 20-30 seconds to soften without overcooking

• Chew slowly, allowing saliva to rehydrate in your mouth

• Use jerky crumbles as a topping in salads or grain bowls

• Crumble into stews, soups, beans or pasta dishes while cooking

Rehydrating returns the jerky strips to a more traditional softer, chewy jerky texture. Enjoy freeze dried jerky as-is or rehydrated based on your preferences.

Recipes for Freeze Dried Beef Jerky

You can use any jerky seasoning or marinade recipe to flavor your meat before freeze drying. Here are some top recipes to try:

• Teriyaki Beef Jerky – A classic sweet and salty flavor. Use soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic.

• Spicy Chili Lime Beef Jerky – With a kick from cayenne and chili powder plus lime juice.

• Honey Bourbon Beef Jerky – A touch of sweetness from honey and maple syrup plus bourbon.

• Southwest Beef Jerky – Cumin, paprika, onions and peppers give this a Tex-Mex flair.

• BBQ Beef Jerky – For smoky backyard flavor, use your favorite BBQ dry rub or sauce.

Get creative with marinades and spice blends! The flavors concentrate during freeze drying for intense taste.

FAQs

Still have some questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about freeze drying beef jerky:

How long does freeze dried beef jerky last?
Up to 25 years when properly sealed and stored.

Can you refreeze freeze dried beef jerky?
No, don’t refreeze after drying or it may spoil.

Does freeze dried jerky need to be refrigerated?
No, it can be stored at room temperature like any freeze dried food.

Is freeze dried jerky safe to eat?
Yes, the freeze drying process preserves it safely for long term storage.

Can you freeze dry beef jerky without marinade?
Yes, plain jerky can be freeze dried but will have less flavor than marinated.

Is freeze dried jerky crunchy?
Yes, it has a crispy, crunchy texture unlike the chewy texture of traditional jerky.

Enjoy Crispy, Flavorful Homemade Beef Jerky

Freeze drying lets you make beef jerky super conveniently at home with your own flavors and high quality ingredients. In just about a day’s time, you can have a stash of lightweight, nourishing jerky to throw in your pack or enjoy as a healthy snack.

With the right preparation, seasoning, and storage methods, freeze dried beef jerky will retain maximize flavor and nutrition for many years to come. Satisfy your jerky cravings anytime with delicious DIY freeze dried beef jerky.