By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 2, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is a classic snack that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a delicious and healthy way to satisfy hunger without adding extra calories or fat. In this article we will teach you how to make the perfect beef jerky, using Wild Bill’s instructions.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can make your own beef jerky. Making beef jerky at home is a great way to avoid the processed ingredients and high sodium levels of store-bought varieties.
Not only will you save money by making beef jerky yourself, but you can also make sure that it has exactly the flavor you want. So grab your favorite cut of meat, some soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and let’s get started!
What is Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is an American classic that has been around for centuries. It was created by an American soldier James Butler Hickok, known as “Wild Bill” Hickok. This beef jerky is a great snack for any occasion, whether you’re watching the game or just looking for a quick bite.
It is made from thin strips of beef, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, and then slowly cooked in an oven or smoker. The result is a delicious snack that is packed full of flavor, yet still low in fat and calories.
It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those who are watching their weight. It is also a great source of iron, which helps form hemoglobin in red blood cells and carries oxygen throughout the body.
Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, so make sure to include Wild Bill’s beef jerky in your diet to help you stay energized and healthy. Additionally, the B vitamins found in Wild Bill’s beef jerky can aid in keeping your immune system strong and helping with energy production.
Wild Bill’s original procedure to make beef jerky is crafted with the perfect balance of flavors in mind. It’s easy to make with the right ingredients and is sure to satisfy everyone at your next gathering.
What does it taste like?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky has a savory and smoky flavor, with hints of sweetness from the brown sugar. It’s a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, garlic and onion powder, brown sugar, and spices that give Wild Bill’s beef jerky its unmistakable flavor.
It is slightly spicy because of crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper, but not overly so. The Worcestershire sauce brings out the umami flavors in the meat and adds depth to the marinade.
Overall, Wild Bill’s beef jerky has a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that will appeal to both kids and adults alike. The texture of the meat is not too tough, so it’s easy to bite into.
How did I first get introduced to Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
I first heard about Wild Bill’s beef jerky from a family friend who had been in the military. He was always talking about how delicious it was and how he missed eating it every day when he was deployed. I got curious and decided to try my hand at making it myself.
Naturally, I went on the hunt for a process to make it and came across Wild Bill’s. As the story goes, Wild Bill was a famous folk hero in the 19th century who had gained notoriety for his legendary culinary skills – particularly when it came to making beef jerky. He traveled around the country, sharing his recipes with people he met along the way.
I was excited to try out Wild Bill’s recipe and decided to give it a go. I gathered the ingredients, marinated the meat, and soon enough I had my own homemade beef jerky! It was delicious and full of flavor.
After making Wild Bill’s beef jerky for myself, I decided to share the recipe with my friends and family. Everyone loved it, and I’ve been making it ever since! This is truly a masterpiece that has stood the test of time – thanks to Wild Bill – and I am proud to be continuing his legacy.
How to make Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Making Wild Bill’s beef jerky is easy and fun! All you need is a good cut of meat, some marinade ingredients, and a few simple steps.
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Ingredients
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a salty, dark-colored condiment that adds umami flavor to dishes.
- Worcestershire: Worcestershire sauce is a savory and tangy condiment used in marinades, dressings, and sauces.
- Black pepper: Black pepper adds a kick of flavor and heat to dishes.
- Liquid smoke: Liquid smoke is a flavoring made from the condensation of wood smoke. It adds smokiness to recipes without adding any actual fire.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a pungent spice made from dried, ground garlic cloves.
- Onion powder: Onion powder is an intense, dry seasoning made from dehydrated onions.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar is a type of sugar that has been mixed with molasses to give it a unique flavor and color.
- Crushed red pepper: Crushed red pepper is made from dried, ground chili peppers. It adds spicy heat to dishes.
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is a hot, spicy powder made from dried, ground chili peppers. It adds a kick of heat to recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the meat
Cut the flank steak into 3-inch wide strips. Place the strips on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them thin.
Step 2
Marinate
In a large bowl or container, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the beef strips to the marinade and mix together until all of the strips are well coated. Cover the bowl or container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3
Dry the meat
Preheat your oven to 175°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack over top. Arrange the marinated beef strips on the wire rack in an even layer, making sure that they are not too close together.
Step 4
Baking
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 hours or until the beef jerky is completely dry. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
Tips
- Make sure to cut your strips of meat evenly so that they will cook evenly.
- For spicier jerky, add more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper.
- If you don’t have a wire cooling rack, you can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet.
- If you want your beef jerky to be chewier, cook it for less time.
- For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
- For safety reasons, make sure that the beef jerky is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- To make sure that your beef jerky is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before eating it. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F.
Wild Bills Beef Jerky Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl or container
- Wire Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 2 cups soy sauce
- 5 lb flank steak pounded thin
- 2 tbsp black pepper (reshly ground )
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 cups Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the meat
- Cut the flank steak into 3-inch wide strips. Place the strips on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them thin.
Marinate
- In a large bowl or container, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the beef strips to the marinade and mix together until all of the strips are well coated. Cover the bowl or container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Dry the meat
- Preheat your oven to 175°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack over top. Arrange the marinated beef strips on the wire rack in an even layer, making sure that they are not too close together.
Baking
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 hours or until the beef jerky is completely dry. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
Notes
- Make sure to cut your strips of meat evenly so that they will cook evenly.
- For spicier jerky, add more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper.
- If you don’t have a wire cooling rack, you can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet.
- If you want your beef jerky to be chewier, cook it for less time.
- For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
- For safety reasons, make sure that the beef jerky is completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- To make sure that your beef jerky is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before eating it. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is a great snack on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a delicious meal. For an easy lunch or dinner, serve Wild Bill’s beef jerky with a side salad of greens and sliced vegetables for added nutrition.
If you want to add some carbs, try pairing the beef jerky with a savory rice dish such as herbed wild rice or Spanish-style yellow rice. Another great option is to serve the beef jerky as an appetizer with tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa.
For a heartier meal, Wild Bill’s beef jerky can be used in tacos, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. You can also add it to chili or soup for an extra protein boost.
How to store leftover Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
If you have any leftover Wild Bill’s beef jerky, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For best results, place the beef jerky in a single layer in the container and tightly seal with a lid or plastic wrap.
To prevent it from getting soggy, make sure that it is completely cooled before storing. When you’re ready to eat your beef jerky, reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. This will help to restore its original texture and flavor!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is a healthy snack for pregnant women, but it must be consumed in moderation. Since jerky is high in sodium, it’s important to watch your intake to avoid dehydration and other health problems that can occur due to excessive sodium consumption.
It is also important to make sure that the beef jerky you are eating has not been contaminated with any bacteria or parasites from the meat or marinade. If possible, opt for cooked beef jerky that has been heated to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to keep it safe from any harmful bacteria.
Overall, Wild Bill’s beef jerky can be enjoyed in moderation by pregnant women as long as it is safely prepared and stored. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is always the best option for pregnant women to ensure that they are getting all of the essential nutrients for themselves and their babies. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about eating beef jerky during pregnancy.
FAQs
Does Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky contain gluten?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is gluten-free. However, it is important to read the ingredients list on any packaged food item before consuming to make sure that there are no hidden sources of gluten in the product.
Is Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky suitable for vegans?
Wild Bill’s beef jerky is not suitable for vegans since it contains animal-based ingredients. Vegans should look for plant-based alternatives such as seitan, tempeh, and tofu jerky.
Can children eat Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky?
Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky can be eaten by children as long as it does not contain any ingredients that they may be allergic to. Just like with adults, it is important for children to watch their sodium intake to avoid dehydration. Overall, Wild Bill’s beef jerky can be an enjoyable and nutritious snack for children when eaten in moderation.
What if I don’t have a wire cooling rack?
If you don’t have a wire cooling rack, you can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet. This will help keep the marinade from dripping off the meat as it cooks and will prevent it from sticking to the pan. If using parchment paper, be sure to lightly grease it before adding your beef strips.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for using this guide to make Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky! This delicious snack is a great way to get your protein in without having to resort to processed snacks. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or just as a snack on its own, Wild Bill’s beef jerky is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
With its high protein content, Wild Bill’s beef jerky makes a great addition to any diet. So when you reach for a snack, don’t forget that Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky is a great option! With its delicious flavor and healthy nutrition, it’s sure to be a hit.
Please share this article with your friends and family who might be looking for a tasty and healthy snack option! and don’t forget to comment below with your favorite way to enjoy Wild Bill’s Beef Jerky.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
