Jerky is an excellent snack because it is lightweight, packed with protein, and has a long shelf life. But what do you do when your jerky starts to get too dry? Here are three ways to rehydrate your jerky so you can enjoy it again.
What are some of the best ways to rehydrate jerky?
Microwave Method (Quickest Method)
This is the shortest and easiest way to rehydrate your jerky. All you need is a microwavable container, water, and a microwave.
Place your jerky in a container and add enough water to cover it a bit—microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 min or until it is soft. Then, remove the meat from the water.
Tip: Ensure the container is not airtight, as steam will need to escape.
Safety tip: Always have a bit of water in the container when microwaving jerky, as it can easily catch on fire.
How to Rehydrate Beef Jerky in Broth?
- Place the beef jerky in a pot of boiling beef broth.
- Allow the meat to simmer until it’s soft enough to eat.
- Enjoy your rehydrated beef jerky!
How to Rehydrate Beef Jerky in Soup?
If you beef jerky fans out there have ever found yourself in a situation where you’re craving jerky, but all you have is dried-out, old jerky, don’t despair! There is a way to rehydrate your meat so that it’s moist and delicious again. All you need is some beef jerky and a pot of soup.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Place your beef jerky in a pot of soup.
2. Allow the meat to simmer in the soup until it is soft and moist again.
3. Enjoy your delicious, rehydrated beef jerky!
Cook with The Beef Jerky
Even if your dried beef jerky is starting to go bad, there’s no need to toss it out. You can salvage it by getting creative and adding it to other recipes. You just have to think outside the box.
Here are some of our favorite mouthwatering recipes that feature beef jerky as a vital ingredient.
- Curried Fried Rice With Chomps Beef Jerky
- Savory Oatmeal
- Beef Jerky Omelet
Soaked in Flavor: The Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce Technique
Why not infuse new life into your dry beef jerky by adding a dash of flavor? Can you rehydrate beef jerky? Absolutely! Simply coat the jerky with a liquid of your choice – it could be soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth, beef broth, liquid smoke, or even just water. Then seal it in an airtight container and let it soak up the moisture for a few hours, but no more than 24 hours. It’s best to use a liquid that matches the original flavor of the jerky, intensifying the tastes you love.
However, be mindful of the soaking time! Rehydrate beef jerky just until it softens, as leaving it for too long might make it overly mushy. And here’s a smart tip to keep in mind when rehydrating beef jerky: to avoid excess moisture and potential mold growth, store your jerky in the refrigerator during this process!
Get Creative: Using Rehydrated Jerky in a Variety of Dishes
Cook Jerky With Noodles
Did you know that you can prepare a flavorful and easy-to-make noodle dish with beef jerky? Let’s have a chat about how to rehydrate jerky and use it for a range of delicious dishes. First, place your dehydrated meat into a bowl with instant noodles, then pour over boiling hot water. If you were wondering “Can you rehydrate jerky?” – Yes, indeed, you can, and it’s as simple as that! Keep your eye on the clock, and make sure remove the jerky after about 15 minutes. This helps to ensure that the jerky doesn’t get too soft but regains just the right amount of moisture to make it enjoyably chewy.
But what if you want your beef jerky slightly softer? Make sure to monitor the jerky and noodles as they cook, ensuring the jerky doesn’t become too soft. Once the jerky has rehydrated to your ideal texture, you’re all set to enjoy a healthy and hearty meal!
Don’t stop at soup, the question isn’t “can you rehydrate beef jerky?”, it’s “what can’t you do with rehydrated beef jerky?. Making your beef jerky softer unlocks a whole world of culinary possibilities.
Benefits of Rehydrated Jerky
Feel that beef jerky is too hard to chew? Wondering, can you really rehydrate beef jerky? Here is the astonishing truth – not only can you rehydrate beef jerky, but rehydrated jerky can also transform from a quick bite into a delightful meal! Astonished? Let’s delve into the why of it all.
Firstly, rehydrating beef jerky helps to soften beef jerky, making it easier on the teeth and more palatable on the tongue. That’s right – no more filling up on hard beef that seems impossible to chew! Your well-loved, dry beef jerky can return to a semblance of its original texture, soft and mouthwateringly delicious, with a few simple rehydrating techniques.
Moreover, can you imagine having your juicy rehydrate beef jerky in a variety of novel ways? Picture this: A hearty jerky soup filled with delectable, chopped vegetables for a filling meal. Or how about layered on instant noodles just before serving for a quick flavor boost, or even gussied up with sliced onions, minced garlic, and a dash of black pepper, then sautéed on medium heat in a frying pan with a splash of olive oil for a quick bite with amplified flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, rehydrated jerky isn’t just tasty – it’s also super practical! Dehydrated meat takes up less room and can be stored for longer. Having options to rehydrate your jerky means you can enjoy meat at its best – whether that’s quickly microwaved, soaked in flavorful liquid or gradually rehydrated in a slow cooker.
Final Say
Whether your beef jerky is starting to get a little too dry or you want to try something new, there are plenty of ways to rehydrate your jerky. From the quick and easy microwave method to cooking with it, there are many ways to enjoy your food again. So don’t let dry beef jerky ruin your snacking; get creative and rehydrate it!
FAQ
Can you rehydrate jerky?
Yes, you can rehydrate jerky.
What is the best jerky meat to rehydrate?
There is no one “best” jerky to rehydrate. It depends on your personal preferences.
How long does it take to rehydrate jerky?
It depends on the method you use to rehydrate your meat. The microwave method is the quickest; simmering in soup or broth will take longer.
Can you rehydrate jerky with water?
Yes, water is one of the best liquids to use to rehydrate jerky. However, other liquids, such as beef broth or soup, can also be used.
Do you have to rehydrate jerky?
No, you don’t have to rehydrate jerky. Some people prefer the taste and texture of dry jerky.
How do you know when jerky is rehydrated?
Jerky is rehydrated when it is soft and pliable.
What are the benefits of rehydrating jerky?
Rehydrating jerky can help to improve the taste, texture, and overall quality of the jerky.
