Beef protein powder has become an increasingly popular supplement among fitness enthusiasts and athletes looking to build muscle mass and strength. With its high protein content beef protein provides all the essential amino acids needed to support muscle growth and recovery. But did you know you can easily make your own beef protein powder at home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making beef protein powder, from start to finish. We’ll cover sourcing the beef, processing and preparing it, and finally turning it into a fine powder. Read on to learn how to harness the power of beef protein in powder form using simple kitchen tools and techniques.
Why Make Your Own Beef Protein Powder?
Here are some of the main benefits of making beef protein powder at home
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Cost savings: Buying pre-made beef protein powder can get pricey. Making it yourself costs just a fraction of the price.
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Control ingredients: By making it yourself, you control exactly what goes into the powder. No additives or fillers.
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Customize nutrition: Tailor the nutrition profile to your needs by selecting certain cuts of beef.
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Versatile applications: Use your homemade powder to make shakes, smoothies, baked goods, and more.
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Enjoy the process: Take satisfaction in crafting your own high-quality supplements.
As long as you have a food dehydrator or oven at home, making beef protein powder is straightforward. Let’s get into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Beef
The first step is selecting what type of beef to use. For making beef protein powder, leaner cuts are ideal since you want more protein and less fat. Here are some good options:
- Top round roast
- Eye of round roast
- Bottom round roast
- Sirloin tip roast
- 93% lean ground beef
Aim for beef that is at least 90% lean. Trim off any excess visible fat after purchasing. Cut the beef into smaller, thin strips to facilitate the drying process later on.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Cooking the beef accomplishes several things:
- Kills any bacteria for food safety
- Removes some fat
- Denatures proteins, making them easier to digest
- Enhances flavor through Maillard browning
To cook the beef, you can either pan-fry it or bake it in the oven.
To pan-fry: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a teaspoon of avocado or olive oil. When hot, add the beef strips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange beef strips on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake 10 more minutes.
Cooking times will vary based on thickness. Cook until no longer pink and juices run clear.
Step 3: Dehydrate the Cooked Beef
Here comes the most important and time-intensive part – dehydrating the beef. This removes the majority of moisture, leaving you with just the protein concentrated beef.
You’ll need a food dehydrator or oven for this step. A food dehydrator works best, but an oven can also get the job done.
For a food dehydrator:
- Arrange beef strips evenly across dehydrator trays without overlapping
- Dehydrate at 160°F for 6-8 hours, checking periodically until completely dried out
- To test for doneness, beef should crumble easily when pinched
For the oven:
- Prop oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape
- Spread beef out on wire racks set on top of baking sheets
- Dehydrate at 160°F for 6-8 hours, rotating trays and checking frequently
The low consistent heat of dehydration removes moisture slowly to preserve nutrients. Rotate trays and check beef every 2 hours. Depending on oven accuracy, dehydration can take 6-12 hours.
Step 4: Mill the Dehydrated Beef into Powder
Once the beef is fully dehydrated and dried, it needs to be turned into a fine powder. This makes it easier to consume by simply mixing into liquids or foods.
You can use any of the following appliances to mill the beef into powder:
- Food processor: Pulse the beef in small batches into a fine powder. Don’t over-process into a paste.
- Blender: Add beef and pulse, being careful not to liquefy it. Blend in batches.
- Coffee grinder: For very small batches, a coffee grinder works great.
- Mortar and pestle: For a manual option, crushed with a mortar and pestle into a powder.
Process until the beef turns into a fine powder, resembling protein powder. Depending on your selected appliance, you may need to work in batches.
Step 5: Store the Beef Protein Powder
Your homemade beef protein powder is now ready to be stored! Here are some tips for proper storage:
- Place powder in an airtight container like a mason jar or zip-top bag
- Store in the fridge or freezer to maximize freshness
- For fridge storage, use within 2 weeks
- For freezer storage, use within 2-3 months
- Keep away from moisture, heat and direct light
Vacuum seal bags or jars if possible. The freezer provides the best preservation if making large batches.
Tips for Using Your Homemade Beef Protein Powder
Now that you’ve put in the work to make your own protein powder, it’s time to reap the rewards! Here are some usage tips:
- Shakes: Blend into smoothies and shakes for a protein boost
- Baking: Add to protein muffins, breads, and pancakes
- Oats: Stir into overnight oats or hot cereal for extra protein
- Yogurt: Mix into Greek yogurt for a high protein snack
- Protein bars: Add to homemade protein or energy bars
- Beef jerky: Rehydrate powder to make beef jerky
Aim for 1-2 scoops (15-30 grams) per serving. Beef protein powder contains around 80% protein, so it packs a potent protein punch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the shelf life of homemade beef protein powder?
Properly stored in the fridge or freezer, homemade beef protein powder will keep for 2 weeks to 2-3 months respectively. Freeze for the longest shelf life.
Is homemade beef protein powder safe to consume?
Yes, as long as proper food safety protocols are followed during the preparation process. Use clean tools and equipment, cook beef thoroughly, and dehydrate and store it properly.
What’s the protein content of homemade beef protein powder?
Homemade beef protein powder typically provides around 80% protein per serving. This gives it an impressive protein content comparable to commercial options.
Can I use a smoker instead of an oven or dehydrator?
Yes, a smoker can be used to cook and dehydrate the beef to make protein powder. Maintain a low smoking temperature below 200°F. Monitor closely to avoid over-drying.
Which beef cuts work best?
The leanest beef cuts like round roasts and sirloin tip are ideal, since they provide more protein and less fat. Shoot for at least 90