HN Explorer

Ask HN: Can You Recommend a Good Brand of Jerky?

9 points by dbasedweeb ↗ HN
I’ve recently been eating less carbs and more protein, as I find the latter more satisfying in smaller quantities. Jerky, especially beef, has been really useful as a snack lately, but the ones I’ve bought from the store tend to be pretty underwhelming. Worse, some have a strong metallic aftertaste that I don’t appreciate. I started to search online for specialty jerky, but there are so many small and large brands!

I know that in addition to intellectual pursuits, plenty of people here are into alternative diets and food in general, and might know something about jerky. I’d really appreciate and specific brands, or general tips to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Thanks very much if you’ve read this far, and thanks again if you can help.

12 comments

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philiphodgen
https://smokedmeats.com

Without a doubt you need to make a drive up 395 on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. Stop in Bishop at Mahogany. Get some jerky. Hint: the habanero is HOT!

This is the real deal. No industrial processed BS.

Continue driving north to Lee Vining. Eat at Mono Cone. Look across Mono Lake to where High Plains Drifter was filmed. Go further north to Bodie. (You have already eaten all of your jerky, because you didn’t buy enough).

Or just get mail order deliveries. Not quite the same. But excellent nonetheless.

Greetings from Mammoth Lakes, CA.

masonic
For $39/lb, it had better be awesome.

I used to buy from Luther's, but not recently.

http://jerkyusa.com

The Krave Black Cherry BBQ is good and sometimes pops up at Grocery Outlet.

RMAxe
The best jerky ive found is trader joes
mchannon
DIY is the way to go. Shell out for a dehydrator with a half-dozen trays, have your butcher thin-slice the best cuts of meat, spice to taste..
saluki
you can make your own in your oven, search for a recipe, I haven't made it in a while google a recipe.

Basically buy a cut of beef on sale, slice in to strips place on a wire rack over a sheet pan.

Turn your oven down to the lowest temp, and some even say crack the door slightly so the temp stays low.

A better fall or winter project but a nice way to test it out.

cimmanom
This is awesome. How long will homemade jerky (ie without preservatives) keep?
seattle_spring
Tillamook (from the Oregon Coast town of the same name) has some amazing jerky.
ckrusk
EPIC Bites and Snack Strips. I have been following a similar diet and these are awesome. Low sugar, too. I recommend the Cracked Black Pepper Venison Strip and the Hickory Smoked Bacon and Pork Bites. I live in Maryland and have been able to find them at both Whole Foods and Giant. https://epicbar.com/products
dbasedweeb
Thanks so much to everyone who responded! I’m going to try (over time) all of your suggestions, including DIY. This is a great community and I appreciate your help.