Step by step instructions to help you learn how to smoke jerky using a pellet grill – the result is flavorful beef that is perfect for snacking!
Smoking my own beef jerky has always been something on my to-do list. So when I got a new pellet grill, I’ll admit – that’s the first thing I wanted to try, just so I could wow myself.
Using a pellet grill to smoke meat is a really great way to satisfy a craving and wow friends at your next BBQ party. A pellet grill (also known as a pellet smoker) works by using a feeding system to push small wood pellets into a firebox under the grates and built in technology to regulate the temperature.
Is a Pellet Grill Easier? More Expensive?
Using a pellet grill to smoke meat can be easier, but it can also be more expensive. Some pellet grills have smartphone apps that allow you to get feeding and temperature data to your phone. That technology is cool, but can also make the grills more expensive.
Despite the higher cost, there are affordable pellet grills out there for people on a tight budget. One of the most affordable pellet grills is the Traeger Scout Pellet Grill and Smoker.
This pellet grill is portable with a suit-case style latch lid and large handle. It has a 4-lb hopper for pellets and controls that set the temperature. A meat probe monitors the food as it smokes.
While it isn’t necessarily huge, the Traeger Compact offers enough cooking space for six burger or a rack of ribs and weighs just 45 lbs.
Use your pellet grill to smoke jerky at home – this step-by-step tutorial will help you smoke some of the best jerky you have ever had.
How to Smoke Jerky Using A Pellet Grill
Items Needed:
- 4 1/2 lbs top round beef
- Jerky Seasoning/ Cure of choice
- Water
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- 2 gallon sized Large Zip Lock Bags
- Wood Pellets of choice
To get started, use a sharp knife to trim the silver skin/fat off of the top round beef. Then slice the meat to a length of choice by cutting against the grain.
In a bowl ,mix water with cure and seasonings according to packaging.(Mine called for 1/2 cup of water per pound with 1/4 tsp cure, 3 1/2 tbsp seasoning.)
In large Zip Lock Bags place the meat and add the water/cure/seasoning mixture dividing evenly into the bags. Release air out of bags and seal. Refrigerate.
Let the meat soak in cure for a minimum of 8 hours up to 24 hours. When you are ready to start the smoking process, heat the smoker up to 180 degrees.
Place the jerky onto the grates of the smoker and smoke at 180 degrees for 3-4 hours. Let the meat cool completely before placing into air tight containers or zip lock bags for storage in the refrigerator.
How to Smoke Jerky Using A Pellet Grill
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
- 2 gallon size Ziplock Bags
- Wood Pellets
- Pellet Smoker
Ingredients
- 4.5 lbs top round beef
- jerky seasoning or cure of choice
- water
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, trim the silver skin/fat off of top round beef.
- Then slice the meat to a length of choice by cutting against the grain.
- In a bowl ,mix water with cure and seasonings according to packaging.(Ours called for 1/2 cup of water per pound with 1/4 tsp cure, 3 1/2 tbsp seasoning.)
- In large Zip Lock Bags place the meat and add the water/cure/seasoning mixture dividing evenly into the bags.
- Release air out of bags and seal. Refrigerate.
- Let the meat soak in cure for a minimum of 8 hours up to 24 hours.
- When ready to start the smoking process, heat the smoker up to 180 degrees.
- Place the jerky onto the grates of the smoker.
- Smoke at 180 degrees for about 3- 4 hours.
- Once finished smoking, let cool completely.
- Then place into airtight containers or Zip lock bags for storage in the refrigerator.
If you do happen to try this delicious beef jerky, take a second to leave a comment, and rate the recipe to let me know how it turned out for you!
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