Here at Mahogany Smoked Meats we live and breathe jerky. We’ve addressed so many concerns and misconceptions here in our blog over the years, and we’ll do it again today - is beef jerky raw meat? The answer might surprise you.
No - although it’s not cooked in the same way other meats are, beef jerky is not raw. The title of “beef jerky” implies the raw meat has undergone a dehydration process.
This could be through a sophisticated measure like using a smoker or dehydrator, or it could be something you do in your own home like air fryer jerky. There are even far more rudimentary processes that were used traditionally, like sun drying jerky.
When you’re asking, is beef jerky raw or cooked? What you’re likely more interested in is this: is beef jerky safe to consume? The answer is a resounding yes. But if you’re still not sure, we’ll walk you through the dehydrating process below to dispel any lingering concerns.
Just know this - you can enjoy peace of mind buying from the best beef jerky brand, Mahogany Smoked Meats. We’re not just your one-stop shop for beef jerky for sale, either. From the best turkey jerky to the best fish jerky, the best elk jerky, and more, we’ve got it all!
What is Beef Jerky?
So, what is beef jerky? This popular, protein-packed snack has a rich, tasty history dating back hundreds of years if not thousands. It’s a staple for on-the-go snacking specifically for its convenient, nutritious nature.
You don’t need to refrigerate it, so travelers, hikers, and everyone in between can enjoy a healthy snack no matter where life takes them!
Plus, there are so many different beef jerky flavors to choose from that you can keep things fresh and fun without compromising on your nutritional goals.
Traditionally speaking, though, beef jerky is seasoned with salt, spices, and sometimes sugar before being dried. The end result is a tender, chewy texture that’s both savory and satisfying.
That being said, is beef jerky good for you? As far as snacks go, it’s hard to beat. The beef jerky calories are somewhat low, yet it’s loaded with protein and healthy fats in every bite.
It certainly beats the alternatives like the empty calories of chips, sugar-laden protein bars, and boring old boiled eggs. But is beef jerky cooked? Let’s get into the main topic at hand today.
Is Beef Jerky Raw or Cooked?
So, is beef jerky raw meat? As we said from the start, it’s not raw. However, it’s not also cooked in the same way that other meats might be, as it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t have to be refrigerated.
How is this possible? Why does it matter if beef jerky is raw or not in the first place? We’ll answer all the burning questions on your mind below.
The Risks of Consuming Raw Meat
You’re probably already aware that raw meat puts you at risk of a myriad of health concerns, but let’s get more specific. The problem can be traced to dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These are notorious for causing severe foodborne illnesses.
These pathogens thrive in uncooked or undercooked meats, leading to symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Certain raw meat dishes, such as steak tartare, can be prepared safely under controlled conditions. However, most raw meat poses serious health risks if not handled and processed properly. Does beef jerky fall under this umbrella - is beef jerky raw meat?
Nope. While there are many different types of jerky, they all share the commonality of being completely dehydrated and safe for consumption. So, how is beef jerky made?
How Beef Jerky is Made
The process all starts with selecting the best meat for beef jerky. This tends to be as lean meat as possible, so think top round, flank steak, or eye of round.
From there the jerky is cut into thin strips and any excess fat is removed, as it could increase the chances of premature spoilage. These strips are then covered in a beef jerky marinade recipe, which can range from salty to smoky, spicy, savory, you name it.
This curing step is essential for removing moisture from the meat and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Ingredients like salt, spices, and other seasonings act as natural preservatives. But the real magic comes during the dehydration process.
The jerky dehydrator temp typically falls between 160°F and 175°. This is much lower than what you’d cook a steak or chicken breast at, and there’s a reason for it. Low and slow (meaning you’ll let the meat dry out for as long as 4-6 hours) preserves taste and texture.
We have more detailed guides on how to smoke beef jerky, including how thick to cut jerky, how long to marinate jerky, how long to dehydrate jerky, how to cure jerky, and more.
But, just know this - the end result is a shelf-stable, preserved meat that can be eaten without further cooking. Sounds too good to be true, though…can you eat beef jerky raw?
Can You Eat Beef Jerky Raw?
If you’re still skeptical, we’ll say it again - beef jerky is not raw! So, yes, you can eat it fresh out of the package and enjoy it at your leisure.
Although you may not get the sear you would on a steak or hear the sizzle when grilling a chicken breast, you can rest assured the jerky is fully cooked and safe to eat.
The extended drying and heating phase removes most of the moisture from the meat, preventing bacterial growth and making it shelf-stable. This is why it’s something you can take on the go without stressing about refrigeration.
Enjoy Peace of Mind With Professionally Crafted Beef Jerky From Mahogany Smoked Meats!
So, is beef jerky raw meat? Nope, you’ve got nothing to worry about from a food safety perspective. At least, not if you shop with a trusted brand that knows what they’re doing. Look no further than Mahogany Smoked Meats for that! We’ve been doing this for over 100 years.
Our history is deeply rooted in tradition and we use time-honored methods passed down through generations. What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and the use of premium cuts of beef, slow-smoked over natural mahogany wood.
In fact, we’re the only smokehouse in the nation that uses mahogany wood for the smoking process - so we mean it when we say you’ll never taste anything else like this!
Every batch is made in small quantities because we’re not willing to sacrifice any attention to detail, even if it means sacrificing profits. We’re in the smoking business for the passion, not the money.
It’s not just beef jerky, either. You can find a range of beef jerky alternatives, including bulk turkey jerky, elk jerky, buffalo jerky, wild boar jerky, fish jerky, and more.
While we’re certain you’re going to love our jerky, you can place your order with peace of mind knowing it’s backed by our satisfaction guarantee. So, what’s holding you back? Spoil yourself with premium jerky slow smoked to perfection today!
Closing Thoughts on Raw Beef Jerky
In closing, is beef jerky raw meat or not? As we’ve explained above its thoroughly dried and cured, so it’s safe to eat without any further preparation. It still has a shelf life and expires like any other meat based product, but doesn’t need to be put in the fridge in the meantime.
Our blog has more resources on jerky if you’d like to expand your knowledge:
- Does beef jerky go bad
- How long does beef jerky last
- Can you freeze beef jerky
- Can you rehydrate beef jerky
- Is beef jerky good for diabetics
- Can you make jerky out of pork
- Is beef jerky good for weight loss
At this point, though, why not treat yourself to the #1 jerky selection online? Whether it’s our classic beef jerky variety or one of our elk jerky recipes or buffalo jerky recipes, we’re confident you’ll agree it’s the best you’ve ever had!
