Many people make dishes using beef jerky because it is a healthy and most delicious option. It is very popular with campers and hikers who requires an instant source of energy that is simple to prepare also easy to carry when they are on the trail. This food is a staple of their diet. Fairly lightweight and full of protein, it contains flavorful and nutritional punch that will keep you trekking for hours.
Often backpackers add rehydrated jerky to the meal for an instant burst of taste. The thing you might like the most is that it can be used in various meals and make your dish more delicious. But, many of the hikers find it challenging to rehydrate this meat.
Chewy jerky is great for an occasional meal or a snack, and it’s simple to make by following our beef jerky recipe. But by putting liquid back into it, you will soften the meat and approximate its original texture. So, in this article, we will talk about the benefits of this food, how to rehydrate beef jerky and take care of other things while you are doing that.
If you want to know more about this easy process, all you have to do is read on.
Recommended reading: We reviewed 6 best dehydrators for making jerky
Our top two dehydrator picks
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How to Rehydrate Beef Jerky?
Following just a few easy steps you will find out that rehydrating jerky is a simple task that anyone can achieve. Follow our guide and learn how to do it most efficiently.
1. Using water
That is the easiest way to rehydrate meat. Just place your meat in a dish and fill it with water. It is essential that every piece of it is adequately soaked. Cover it and leave to cook for some time. Bear in mind that it’s necessary to check it every half an hour to make sure you are preparing it correctly.
Of course, it is always better to do this process with hot water, because it will make the food softer and it will be ready faster. But if you don’t have it on the trail with you, that is ok. You can just soak the meat in cold water and leave it to rehydrate adequately at outdoors temperature. However, it may take more time for the meat to be done.
2. Using noodles
Ramen or noodles makes a delicious and filling meal when you are on the hiking or camping adventure. It can keep you full without feeling hungry for a specified period, and it is easy to make. So, we must say, that this is one of the camper’s favorite meals.
Speaking of this delicious food, all you need to do is to boil the water, soak jerky in it and leave it to rehydrate. After you have done this, just place the meat into the ramen. Mix it well, and you will get perfect jerky ramen meal in no time!
3. Using broth
If you don’t know what to do with the leftover broth, don’t throw it away because we have got the excellent solution for you. You can always use it to rehydrate beef jerky. Place the meat pieces in it and bring to boil. It will be ready when the consistency of food is soft. That will give you the delicious and nutritious meal every backpacker love.
4. Using Soup
Many hikers love to make soup while on the trail. If you are one of them, just use it to rehydrate your jerky beef pieces. Add it to the soup just before it starts to boil. The meat will absorb the liquid as the temperature of it rises.
That way your jerky will rehydrate adequately and you will have an awesome meal for your camping or hiking trips. Enjoy this delicious food while on an outdoor adventure!
Benefits of Rehydrated Jerky
To make the most out of your meals, you just need to rehydrate some meat. And what is more flavorful than a beef jerky? It will provide you a nutritious and healthy way to get vitamins and vital nutrients that you are going to need while you are trekking or hiking. Keep reading to know more about benefits of this meal.
Easy and quick to make
If you don’t have hot water, you can rehydrate beef jerky using a cold one. It needs to sit for about an hour or even two, so it can properly absorb the liquid. On the other hand, if you are making it with hot, boiling water, then it should be done within ten to fifteen minutes.
Nutritional
The great thing about this meal is that it is full of proteins and vitamins. Just add it to any dish you want, and you will have an instant boost of energy.
It is easy to carry
Dehydrated beef jerky is lightweight and does not take much space when you are traveling. If you love camping or hiking, then you will always want to take this meat with you. In simpler words, carrying it in large amounts won’t affect your walking, because it is very light.
Great taste
You can eat dehydrated beef jerky because it is also delicious or you can soak it in some liquid and add it to various dishes. From stew and soups to noodles to rice, you can use any meal you want and made some impressive new dish you will adore.
Additional Information
- Once you rehydrate beef jerky, just like any other food, it can become contaminated by microbes or bacteria. Make sure not to store it and try to eat the meat as soon as possible.
- If you leave the meat in the boiling water for more time than needed, it will become soft and soggy. To have some proper texture leave it no more than fifteen minutes in hot water. And if you are rehydrating it in cold water then check it every half an hour to make sure you remove it from the liquid when it is done.
- It is better to avoid adding spices or salt when you are rehydrating meat, just for the first couple of minutes. You can add anything when the meal is done.
Conclusion
Every meat lover should try rehydrated beef jerky because it is rich in flavor and taste. You can soak it in broth, soup, cold or hot water and even beer or wine and you will get an excellent dish. The best thing is that you will have an instant energy booster that will keep you going while trekking or hiking.