Part of what makes jerky so satisfying is working through the tough, chewiness as it starts to melt in your mouth. However, jerky that’s too dry can quickly become unenjoyable, leaving your jaw sore and causing you to question if you’re better off disposing of it altogether.
So, can you rehydrate beef jerky? You’ve come to the right place. Yes, rehydrating beef jerky is entirely possible and we’ll show you how to rehydrate beef jerky below. There are a few methods you can try, from microwaving to steaming it, using bone broth or how water, and more.
But if you’re still not satisfied with the texture after following our advice on how to soften beef jerky, don’t sweat it - you can stock up on fresh beef jerky for sale right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats! Order today and taste the difference a century of tradition can make.
Why Beef Jerky Gets So Dry
Let’s make one thing clear before we guide you through how to soften beef jerky - beef jerky is supposed to dry up to a certain point.
This is the result of the dehydration process that removes most of the moisture from the meat to prevent spoilage while creating that familiar chewy texture.
But, sometimes the person making the jerky overdoes it. If you don’t follow our advice on how long to dehydrate jerky or you use the wrong jerky dehydrator temp, you’ll be left with a frustrating, hard texture that nobody could possibly enjoy.
In other cases, jerky that’s not stored properly can start to lose its remaining moisture and become too dry as well. This is common if the jerky is exposed to oxygen with permeable packaging or if the packaging is simply not sealed properly. Low humidity and high temperatures can exacerbate this issue.
But at the end of the day, even the best beef jerky storage practices aren’t immune to the course of time. So, does beef jerky go bad? It sure does, just like any other whole food.
That being said, how long does beef jerky last? It can be as little as a few weeks if stored at room temperature in the pantry or a few months in the fridge or freezer.
Now, if you discover your jerky is past its prime, your first reaction might be to throw it out. Not so fast. Can you rehydrate beef jerky?
Can You Rehydrate Beef Jerky?
The good news is yes, rehydrating beef jerky is entirely possible. In fact, learning how to rehydrate beef jerky is really quick and easy! The jerky can regain moisture when exposed to liquids.
You do need to set your expectations before we get into our tips on how to soften beef jerky, though. Rehydrating it won’t completely restore it to its original state before drying, but it can make the jerky more tender and easier to chew.
This is our suggestion if you find that the jerky has become overly dry or tough due to extended storage. Rehydrating is often done for cooking purposes, where softened jerky is added to soups, stews, or other dishes for its concentrated flavor.
So, can you rehydrate beef jerky? Yes - but it shouldn’t always be done. If the jerky shows any signs of mold, an off odor, or a strange color, it’s better to discard it rather than try to soften it. However, beef jerky that’s not spoiled, just a bit too dry, can certainly be rehydrated. That being said, let’s get into how to soften beef jerky below.
How to Soften Beef Jerky: Step-by-Step Guide to Rehydrating Beef Jerky
There are really just two different methods you can use when rehydrating beef jerky - the quick way and the most effective way. We’ll start with the faster of the two approaches if you’re in a hurry:
Microwaving With Damp Paper Towels
If you don’t have time to wait around for the jerky to soak or simmer, you can simply wrap pieces of beef jerky in damp (not soaking wet) paper towels and throw them in the microwave on a plate.
Microwave the jerky for 20-30 seconds at a time. Check the texture after each burst to avoid over-softening. Usually, 1-2 cycles will soften the jerky without making it soggy. Then, let the jerky rest for a few minutes before eating.
This method of how to soften beef jerky is best for small batches that you plan to consume immediately. You might want to go with a different approach for bigger batches, though, or for scenarios where you’re trying to cook with the jerky.
Submerging in Liquid
There’s no better way to rehydrate beef jerky than submerging it in a liquid and letting it soak! Water is the most straightforward and neutral choice. But depending on how you plan to use the jerky, you can experiment with different liquids, including:
- Broth or stock: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can give the jerky extra flavor while softening it.
- Beer or wine: Adds complexity and depth to the flavor, especially if you're adding the jerky to stews or soups.
- Fruit juices: Orange, apple, or even pineapple juice can add a tangy sweetness, though these may alter the original jerky taste.
Once you’ve selected your liquid, place the jerky pieces in a bowl or container and pour enough liquid to cover them completely. Make sure all parts of the jerky are exposed to the liquid for even rehydration.
You can speed things up by using a warm or hot liquid for this process, but just be careful - boiling or even just overly hot liquid might end up overcooking the jerky and ruining the texture.
The soaking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the jerky, as well as how dry it is. Thin pieces might just need 10-15 minutes, whereas thicker or drier pieces will need 30-60+ minutes.
Simmering the Jerky
If your jerky is particularly dry or tough, simply soaking it might not be enough. Instead, consider simmering it in liquid to soften it more effectively.
Add the jerky and liquid to a saucepan and bring it to a low simmer for about 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on the texture. Once the jerky has softened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. This is a great approach if you plan to use the jerky in a recipe of some sort.
Steaming the Jerky
Steaming is another option for those attempting to rehydrate dry beef jerky, which will soften it up a bit while still maintaining its chewiness.
Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the jerky. Then, place the jerky in the basket and steam it for 3-5 minutes to introduce moisture to the jerky without over-saturating it.
It should be soft enough after a few minutes, at which point you can remove it from the steamer and let it cool before enjoying it.
Drain and Dry the Jerky
Once you’re happy with the jerky’s texture, remove it from the liquid and gently pat it dry with paper towels. While you don’t need to dry it completely, this step helps prevent any sogginess.
If you're rehydrating the jerky for snacking purposes, allowing it to air-dry for a few minutes can restore some of its firmness. Otherwise, you can consider using the jerky in some sort of recipe. We’ll share a few options below if you’re looking for inspiration.
Soups and Stews
Rehydrated beef jerky has a smoky, meaty flavor that infuses the broth as it simmers, enhancing the dish’s depth. We love using it in hearty soups like beef and vegetable, or stews such as chili or goulash.
The rehydrated jerky adds texture and a rich, savory flavor, almost like using bacon or ham. Add the jerky early in the cooking process so it can soften and release its flavor into the dish. It's a great way to elevate classic comfort foods.
Breakfast Scrambles
Chop up your rehydrated jerky and toss it into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a flavorful twist on a classic breakfast. The smoky, tender meat pairs perfectly with eggs, cheese, and vegetables for a protein-packed start to your day.
You can even sauté the jerky first to crisp it up before adding the eggs, giving you the best of both worlds: the chewiness of jerky and the lightness of scrambled eggs. This satisfying balance of textures can be elevated with the addition of spinach, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor.
Pasta and Rice Dishes
Rehydrated jerky can add a unique flair to pasta or rice dishes, transforming simple meals into gourmet experiences without much work.
The jerky’s deep, savory flavor contrasts well with creamy pasta sauces or tomato-based dishes like Bolognese. For rice dishes, it works particularly well in stir-fries or pilafs, where the jerky can soak up the sauce while still providing a smoky bite.
Whether you’re making a carbonara with a twist or a hearty jambalaya, adding rehydrated jerky can take the dish to the next level. Get creative and you’ll be amazed at what you can chef up!
If Rehydrating Beef Jerky Doesn’t Work, Stock Up on Fresh Goodness at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
We hope these tips on how to rehydrate beef jerky help you restore moisture content so you can salvage this classic snack and enjoy it as it was intended. But if rehydrating beef jerky doesn’t quite work how you’d hoped, remember that the best beef jerky brand is just a few clicks away.
With over 100 years of tradition behind us, we’ve perfected the art of slow-smoking meats to bring out amazing flavors and incredible texture.
This traditional smoking process takes time, but the results are worth it - our jerky is tender, flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. So what does beef jerky taste like at Mahogany smoked Meats? Unlike anything you’ve ever tried.
That’s because we use dense mahogany wood in a deep log-pit smoking method that infuses each piece with rich, smoky flavor. We also have a wide variety of beef jerky recipes, from cult classics like teriyaki or peppered to unique twists like habanero, chipotle bourbon, and more.
There is truly something for everyone at Mahogany Smoked Meats! We have all the different types of jerky you could be interested in trying, too. Consider a beef jerky alternative such as bulk turkey jerky, elk jerky, buffalo jerky, wild boar jerky, or fish jerky while you’re at it.
We never cut corners, and you can rest assured each small batch of jerky starts with the best meat for beef jerky before it’s hand-sliced and slow-smoked to perfection. With our satisfaction guarantee, you don’t have to take our word for it either! Taste the difference yourself today.
Closing Thoughts on How to Rehydrate Beef Jerky
So, can you rehydrate beef jerky? Clearly the answer is yes, and now that you know how to soften beef jerky, you can try one of our methods above yourself.
Just remember, sometimes, rehydrating beef jerky isn’t the answer. There’s only so much you can do to breathe fresh life into old, dry jerky that’s past its prime.
Even our tips on how to rehydrate beef jerky will fall short if your jerky is expired. This is why you should always store your jerky properly and enjoy it before it dries out.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how long to marinate jerky, air fryer jerky, beef jerky calories, how thick to cut jerky, is beef jerky good for you, how to smoke beef jerky, can you freeze beef jerky, is beef jerky cooked, what is beef jerky, and more.
From our elk jerky recipe to our buffalo jerky recipe the best fish jerky to the best turkey jerky, all our jerky is worth trying. The only question is, which variety will you take a chance on first? We can’t wait to hear which is your new favorite healthy snack!
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