Southern jerky is a beloved snack that has stood the test of time. This delicious treat has been enjoyed by generations and has its roots in traditional southern cooking. Making your own southern jerky is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of southern jerky and share a professional and well-organized recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This classic southern cornbread recipe is the perfect complement to any meal. Made in a cast iron skillet, it has a crispy crust and a moist, tender center. The secret to this recipe is using buttermilk instead of regular milk, which adds a tangy flavor and helps create the perfect texture. Serve it hot out of the oven with a pat of butter for the ultimate southern comfort food experience.
This savory southern dish features tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor is to cook the chicken low and slow, allowing it to soak up all the delicious seasonings and stay moist and tender. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of spice, these southern collard greens are the perfect side dish for any meal. The secret to getting them perfectly tender and flavorful is to cook them low and slow, allowing all the ingredients to meld together. Serve them with a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
This classic southern dish is a staple at any holiday gathering. Made with cornbread, sausage, and seasonings, it's the perfect complement to a juicy Thanksgiving turkey. The key to getting the perfect flavor is to use day-old cornbread, which helps absorb all the delicious flavors and creates a moist and flavorful dressing.
This hearty and savory dish is a staple in southern cuisine. The oxtails are slow-cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in a rich gravy. The gravy is made with onions, garlic, and wine for a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
These flaky and buttery biscuits are a southern staple. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to handle the dough as little as possible and use cold ingredients. Serve them hot out of the oven with a pat of butter and some honey for a delicious and comforting treat.
This creamy and cheesy southern classic is the ultimate comfort food. Made with elbow macaroni, a blend of cheeses, and milk, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. The key to getting the perfect texture is to cook it low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together and creating a creamy, delicious dish.
This twist on the classic southern mac and cheese recipe features a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The secret to getting the perfect texture is to cook it low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a creamy and delicious dish.
Get the delicious taste of pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar form with this recipe. The crust is made with a blend of flour, butter, and sugar, and the filling is a rich and sweet blend of pecans, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Serve them at your next gathering for a southern twist on a classic dessert.
This southern classic features juicy peaches baked in a sweet and buttery crust. The secret to getting the perfect texture is to use fresh peaches, which are in season during the summer months. Serve it hot out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect summertime dessert.
This traditional southern dish is made with tender collard greens, ham hocks, and a blend of spices. The key to achieving the perfect flavor is to cook them low and slow, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and creating a savory and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal.
This creamy and spicy spread is a staple in southern cuisine. Made with a blend of pimento, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise, it's perfect for spreading on sandwiches or serving as a dip with crackers. The key to getting the perfect texture is to use grated cheese and mix it well with the other ingredients.
This savory and flavorful dish is a staple in southern cooking. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings until it is tender and full of flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some sausage for a heartier meal.
This classic southern cornbread recipe is a staple in any southern household. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to use buttermilk instead of regular milk, which adds a tangy flavor and helps create a moist and tender cornbread. Serve it hot out of the oven with some honey butter for a delicious treat.
This creamy and savory gravy is a staple in southern cuisine. Made with sausage, milk, and seasonings, it's the perfect topping for biscuits or served over mashed potatoes. The key to getting the perfect texture is to cook it low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
These golden and crispy fried balls of cornmeal are a traditional southern side dish. The key to getting the perfect texture is to use buttermilk in the batter, which adds a tangy flavor and helps create a light and fluffy hush puppy. Serve them hot with a side of remoulade sauce for dipping.
This cheesy and creamy casserole is a staple in southern cooking. Made with yellow squash, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs, it's the perfect side dish for any meal. The key to getting the perfect flavor is to cook the squash until it is tender and then mix it with the other ingredients before baking.
This simple and delicious dish is a staple in southern cuisine. The corn is fried in butter and seasoned with salt and pepper until it is crispy and full of flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some bacon for a heartier meal.
This southern classic features tender shrimp cooked in a creamy and spicy sauce and served over a bed of grits. The key to achieving the perfect flavor is to use stone-ground grits, which have a rich and creamy texture. Serve it as a main dish or as a brunch option.
These sweet and sticky yams are a staple in southern cuisine. The yams are baked in a syrup made with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until they are tender and full of flavor. Serve them as a side dish or as a dessert option with a dollop of whipped cream.
The History of Southern Jerky
Southern jerky has been a staple in southern cuisine for centuries. It originated as a way to preserve meat before the invention of modern refrigeration. In the hot and humid southern climate, meat would spoil quickly, so drying it out and adding salt and spices was a way to prolong its shelf life. This method of preserving meat was also popular because it made it easier to transport and provided a convenient source of protein on long journeys. Over time, different regions in the southern United States developed their own unique styles of jerky, using various meats and spices.
The Ingredients
The key to making delicious southern jerky lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Traditionally, beef or venison is used, but you can also use other meats such as turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The meat is thinly sliced and marinated in a mix of sweet and spicy seasonings, such as brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. For an extra kick, you can add hot sauce or chili powder to the marinade.
The Process
Once the meat has marinated for at least 24 hours, it is time to start the drying process. There are two main methods for drying jerky: using a dehydrator or using an oven. If using a dehydrator, place the slices of meat on the trays and set the temperature to 160°F. It usually takes 4-6 hours for the meat to fully dry, but the time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity level. If using an oven, place the slices of meat on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and set the temperature to the lowest setting (usually around 170°F). It may take slightly longer for the meat to dry in the oven, but the end result is just as delicious.
Customize to Your Liking
One of the best things about making your own southern jerky is that you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar to the marinade. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of meat and seasonings until you find your perfect combination. Make sure to store your homemade jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.
Try this traditional southern jerky recipe at home and experience the mouth-watering flavors of the south in every bite. Share it with your friends and family, and they will surely be impressed with your culinary skills. And don't forget to pack some for your next outdoor adventure or road trip - it makes the perfect on-the-go snack!
