DIY Backpacker's Lightweight Trail Recipes: Beef Jerky AKA Cow Candy

Requires a dehydrator

2 lbs of flank steak
1/2 bottle of your favorite meat marinade
  Ideas: Spicy Thai, Homemade, Savory

Freeze the meat for an hour to help firm up the meat for easier slicing. Cut the flank into thin (1/8th inch) strips with the grain.

Coat the strips evenly in a bowl and let it sit in the fridge for two hours up to 12-hours. Lay the beef strips on the dehydrator trays without overcrowding them. I find I use one tray per pound of meat. Set the machine to 160 degrees and let it run for anywhere from 7-10 hours. I like my jerky a bit crunchier vs. chewy so I leave it on the long end of the time.

Place the warm strips between sheets of paper towels and cover with a heavy object to soak up any oil (this will make it last longer) for 1-2 hours. Then place the strips into an airtight container and enjoy for up to two months, although mine never lasts that long!

Makes two one-quart Ziplock bags full