Ever wondered if you can use London broil for beef jerky? Yes, you can.
However, London broil is not the best option for your beef jerky. It is not fatty meat and will make beef jerky come out dry. Regardless, it can be enjoyed if it is prepared the right way.
If you want to learn how to make your homemade beef jerky using the London broil and even alternative meats, this article is for you.
What is London broil?
London broil or top round refers to a flank steak that has been broiled. It is not exactly a cut of steak but refers to a steak that undergoes a method of preparation which is broiling before it is grilled or boiled.
But over time, London broil became synonymous with a particular cut of beef which is mostly the flank steak. This flank steak comes from the sirloin or round sections of a cow.
It is between 1 to 4 inches thick and is lean but tends to be tougher when cooked, although it has great flavor. The London broil is very affordable and is best served marinated and cooked over heat.
What is beef jerky?
Beef jerky is a popular snack made by marinating beef in a curing solution and drying it for a while. This is a medium for extending its shelf life while also making the meat healthier for consumption.
Beef jerky is made with beef, and other types of jerky are made with various kinds of meat. However, beef jerky is one of the most common with its unique taste, flavor, and texture.
The origin of beef jerky can be traced back to the early 1800s in South America, where curing and drying meat was common practice.
During those times, people hung their meat in the sun or over a fire to extend its shelf life. This practice was also adopted by Spanish tourists.
They introduced it to various parts of the world, where it was later modified by adding spices to improve its taste.
Can you use London broil for beef jerky?
Although the London broil is a lean and tough meat cut to use for beef jerky, it can still be used. However, certain steps should be taken to get the best taste out of it.
The homemade recipe I will further give in this article can help you get the right taste out of it. Also, if you are on a budget, it is a good means to save as well.
How can you make London broil beef jerky?
Making your homemade London broil jerky is pretty straightforward. Below is a list of ingredients needed and a step-by-step guide to making your London broil jerky.
Ingredients
- London broil (2 pounds)
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Honey
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon).
Step 1: Slice the meat
Slice the meat into a 1/4-inch thick strip.
Ensure you cut against the grain; if you encounter any challenges while cutting, there are other ways to go about it. You can place the meat in the freezer until it is firm enough to slice.
The freezing technique is what I prefer for my beef jerky. This is because it affects the texture positively, and texture plays a huge role in the taste of your jerky.
Step 2: Make your marinade
Mix all the marinade ingredients listed above until you reach your desired level of flavor.
While it is up to personal preference, I prefer coconut aminos to soy sauce because it balances out the saltiness.
Step 3: Submerge the meat into the marinade
Ensure you cover the entire meat with the marinade so it can absorb the taste of the marinade.
Step 4: Refrigerate the marinade mixture with the meat
The next step is to place the marinated meat in the refrigerator for around 6 to 12 hours. Ensure you cover the bowl with foil or cellophane before placing it in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Remove the marinade and pat dry
After the marinate has stayed in the refrigerator for the required time, take it out and pat it dry. This can be done using a paper towel or a clean towel.
To ensure you absorb all the fluid from the meat, you can place the meat in the freezer for no more than 30 minutes.
Step 6: Dehydrate the meat
After taking the meat out of the freezer, place it on a baking rack for dehydration. This step is crucial for making jerky and can be done either in an oven, gas smoker, or food dehydrator.
Use a temperature of between 150 to 160°F and no higher. Taking the temperature higher than these values will negatively impart the taste of the jerky.
When using an oven for dehydration, remember to leave the door slightly open. This allows some moisture to escape, making the process efficient.
If you are using a gas smoker, you do not have to worry as it has vents that allow moisture to escape. Also, the food dehydrator has a built-in mechanism to allow moisture escape.
Step 7: Take the jerky out of the oven, gas smoker, or food dehydrator
If you have followed the above-stated heating temperature, your jerky should be ready in around 6 – 8 hours. However, you can check the texture to further determine if it is ready.
Depending on the thickness, you can try bending the jerky to determine the doneness level. If the jerky does not break but is rather spongy, then it is just fine and you can serve and enjoy it.
How can you store homemade London broil beef jerky?
There are various ways to store London broil jerky. They include storing in an airtight container, refrigerating, and freezing.
Homemade London broil beef jerky can last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, a month in the fridge, and four months in the freezer.
The good thing about London broil jerky is that it has a good shelf life. However, ensure the container you use for storage is thoroughly clean and can help reduce the risk of food contamination.
London broil alternatives for beef jerky
If you are unable to get your hands on London broil steak, you can also try:
- Bottom round
- Eye of round
- Sirloin tip
- Lifter meat
- Flank steak
- Pectoral meat
- Elk meat
- Pork loin
- Deer meat
FAQs
Can you use raw London broil to make beef jerky?
Yes, you can. However, the US Department of Agriculture states that the meat is cooked to at least 160°F before it is dehydrated.
Is homemade London broil jerky worth it?
Yes, homemade beef jerky is worth your every dollar and time. It is a way to enjoy jerky at an affordable price.
How do you store London broil?
You can store London broil in the refrigerator or the freezer. It can last up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator, and up to 8 months in the freezer.
What does London broil taste like?
London broil is tough, chewy, and flavorful.
Are there any drawbacks to using London broil for beef jerky?
If it is not done appropriately, you may end up with dry and chewy beef jerky.
Conclusion
London broil can be used for beef jerky; however, it should be done correctly, or the taste may suffer. You can follow the recipe mentioned in this article to get the best result.
Most importantly, ensure that you eat your jerky before it goes bad. Signs of spoilage in beef jerky include a soggy texture and an off smell and taste. Bad jerky could also become moldy. When you notice any of these signs, trash the jerky.
But, do you know what jerky mold looks like? Find out if it is different from bead mold.
Thanks for reading.
