Congratulations on trying the carnivore diet and becoming a meat eater. It will not make you a dinosaur. But you will get rid of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains from your diet. Is beef jerky okay on a carnivore diet? What is the best beef jerky you can have?
Beef Jerky in a Carnivore Diet
This is a snack that many carnivore dieters are eating when they get hungry. It is allowed on this diet along with other dried meats.
But you should only pick a product that has no plant products. It helps you stay on track.
The Best Beef Jerky on the Market
It is important to know that there are different jerkies on the market. You can buy jerkies that are high in protein or low in fat. There are also jerkies for vegetarians.
But because you are on a carnivore diet, you need beef jerky.
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People’s Choice Beef Jerky
One of the highly-rated beef jerky is People’s Choice Beef Jerky. It is made in Los Angeles. The company has been around since 1928. It has evolved. It now uses all-natural spices. The additives and preservatives have been cut out.
On Amazon, this brand has 1,500 reviews with a 4.4-star rating. It is the best jerky from taste to texture. It has zero sugars and zero carbs. It is also low in sodium and fat. But it is packed with 16g of protein.
The best thing is that it is made of extra-lean beef without additives or preservatives. It is also void of MSG or gluten.
The cut is thick and it is chewy. You can choose from a variety of flavors, like hot and spicy and carne ceca.
Biltong
It is air-dried, instead of dehydrated. The version of South Africa, biltong preserves the natural moisture in the meat. It gives it an incredible steaky flavor and tenderness.
What’s more to like? It is made with grass-fed beef. It is also sugar-free and gluten-free.
This is a healthy snack that you want to have instead of high-carb cakes. It has 240 grams of protein and no carbs.
Country Archer Variety Pack
The jerky is packed in a resealable bag. It is also available in different flavors, from original beef to hickory smoked turkey jerky to teriyaki beef.
What’s more to like? It is made with clean, real meat. It has 16 grams of protein for every 12-ounce bag.
Turkey Jerky
Okay, it is not beef but it is still a carnivore-diet-approved jerky. It is marinated for a satisfying flavor. It is also moist and chewy.
Per serving, this jerky has 11 grams of protein. It is also gluten-free and low in fat. It also has no nitrates, MSG, and no artificial preservatives.
What’s great is that it guarantees to be the best-stating jerky. If you think that it is not, the company will refund your money or replace it.
What to Choose for Your Carnivore Diet?
Check the Ingredients
You should look for beef jerky that contains only two primary ingredients – beef and salt. Some brands add sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which are not suitable for the carnivore diet. Opt for the cleanest, most minimally processed options.
Quality of Beef
Ensure the beef used is of high quality and comes from grass-fed or pasture-raised sources. This type of beef is typically leaner and contains more nutrients, making it a better fit for the Carnivore Diet.
Avoid High Sodium
While some salt is needed for jerky preservation, it is best to choose beef kery with lower sodium content. Excessive salt intake can be harmful to health, so look for brands with moderate salt levels.
Be Wary of Additives
Be cautious of beef jerky that contains additives like nitrates, nitrites, and artificial colors. These additives may not align with your diet’s principles of consuming minimally processed foods.
Homemade Options
If you want more control over ingredients, you may consider making your own beef jerky at home. This way, you can ensure it meets the requirements of your diet.
Making homemade beef jerky is a fun and rewarding culinary project. Here are the ingredients you need:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of lean beef, like flank steak, top round, or sirloin
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari. This is for a gluten-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke. This is optional but it will give the jerky a smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey. This is also optional if you want your jerky to be a bit sweet.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika for additional flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. You can adjust according to your spice preference.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
Place the beef in the freezer for about 30 to 60 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly and evenly. You want the beef to be semi-frozen but not rock-hard.
Slice the Beef
You should slice the semi-frozen beef across the grain into thin strips. Aim for about ¼ inch thick slices.
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Make sure to mix them well to create a marinade.
Place the beef strips in a large resealable bag or a container with a lid.
Pour the marinade over the beef. Make sure that all the strips are well-coated.
Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours overnight for the best flavor.
Remember to turn the bag or shake the container occasionally to ensure even marination.
Dehydrate the Beef
Preheat your oven to the lowest setting. This is typically around 170°F. If your oven does not go this low, crack the door open slightly to maintain a lower temperature.
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the marinated beef strips on the wire rack. This will guarantee that they will not overlap.
Bake in the preheated oven for about three to four hours. The exact time will vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the beef. You want the beef to be thoroughly dried, but still pliable. It should not be brittle.
Cool and Store
Once your beef jerky is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the wire rack. As it cools, it will become even drier.
Store your homemade beef jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags. It is best kept in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator.
Carnivore Diet and Beef Jerky
Eating beef jerky on a carnivore diet is perfectly okay. But you need to choose the right product. choose the ones we mentioned above or you can make your own at home.
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