If you are interested in stocking up on food for emergencies or just looking for ways to save money and reduce food waste, dehydrating meat is an excellent option. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you start. One of the most important questions you should ask yourself if you are about dehydrating meat for the first time is, Do you cook meat before dehydrating? The answer to this is typically, YES.
Table of Content
Do you Cook Meat before Dehydrating? Why!
Dehydrating meat involves removing all the moisture from it, which helps to preserve it for longer periods and makes it an excellent option for long-term storage. Dehydrated meat can last for months without spoiling.
Importance of Cooking Meat Before Dehydrating
One of the most critical steps in dehydrating meat is cooking it first. Raw meat contains bacteria that could multiply when the meat is dried, leading to food poisoning or other health problems. Cooking the meat before dehydrating it will kill the bacteria and ensure that the meat is safe to consume.
Benefits of Dehydrating Meat
1. Nutritional Value Retention
Dehydrating meat helps to retain most of its nutritional value, making it an excellent option for people who want to eat healthy while on the go.
2. Long-term Storage
Dehydrated meat has a shelf life of up to several months, making it an excellent option for people who want to stock up on food for emergencies or those who live in areas where fresh meat may be hard to come by.
3. Portability and Convenience
Dehydrated meat is lightweight and takes up minimal space, making it easy to carry around on hikes or camping trips.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Buying meat in bulk and dehydrating it yourself is much cheaper than buying pre-packaged dehydrated meat.
How do you cure meat before dehydrating it?
i. Choosing the Right Cut
The best cuts of meat for dehydration are those that are lean and have minimal fat, as the fat can turn rancid during the dehydration process. Some good cuts to choose from include sirloin, flank, and eye of round.
ii. Trimming Fat
It is important to trim off any visible fat before dehydrating the meat since fat can spoil quickly and also make the dehydrated meat greasy.
iii. Slicing the Meat
The meat needs to be sliced thin, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, to ensure even dehydration.
iv. Marinating the Meat
Marinating the meat before dehydrating can add flavor and help to tenderize it. Some good marinade options include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.
v. Cooking Meat Before Dehydrating
As mentioned earlier, cooking the meat before dehydrating it is crucial to ensure that any bacteria is killed off. This can be done using the methods below:
A. Boiling Meat
Boiling the meat is an excellent option because it is quick and easy. Make sure to bring the water to a boil and let it boil for at least five minutes.
B. Roasting or Grilling Meat
Roasting or grilling the meat is another delicious option that can add even more flavor. Preheat the oven or grill to 450 degrees, and cook the meat for 10-15 minutes.
C. Sauteing or Stir-frying Meat
If you want to keep the meat in bite-sized pieces, sautéing or stir-frying is the best option. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Guides to Dehydrating Meat
i. Choosing the Right Dehydrator
There are two types of dehydrators – stacking and vertical flow. Stacking dehydrators are more affordable and can be used for smaller batches of meat. Vertical flow dehydrators are more expensive but are more efficient and can handle larger quantities.
ii. Temperature and Time Guidelines
The ideal temperature for dehydrating meat is between 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit. The time it takes to dehydrate the meat will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of meat.
iii. Storing Dehydrated Meat
Once the meat is fully dehydrated, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
Quality Control and Safety Measures
i. Signs of Spoilage
If the meat has a foul odor or shows any signs of mold or discoloration, it is spoilt and should be thrown away immediately.
ii. Proper Storage Methods
As mentioned earlier, dehydrated meat needs to be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
iii. Health Risks of Consuming Improperly Dehydrated Meat
If meat is not properly dehydrated, it can lead to food poisoning or other health problems. Always make sure to follow the proper dehydration procedures to keep yourself and your family safe.
Alternatives to Dehydrating Meat
i. Freezing Meat
Freezing meat is another excellent way to extend its shelf life. Meat can be frozen for up to six months.
ii. Canning Meat
Canning is another great way to preserve meat for long periods. Canned meat can last for up to two years.
iii. Smoking Meat
Smoking meat can add unique flavor and help to preserve it for longer periods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dehydrating Meat
i. Using the Wrong Cut of Meat
As mentioned earlier, it is important to choose a lean cut of meat with minimal fat for dehydration.
ii. Not Trimming the Fat
Trimming the fat is crucial to ensure that the dehydrated meat does not become greasy or spoil quickly.
iii. Using Excessive Marinade
Using too much marinade can make the dehydrated meat too salty or sweet.
iv. Overcrowding the Dehydrator
Overcrowding the dehydrator can result in uneven dehydration and spoilage.
FAQs
Can You Dehydrate Raw Meat?
No, it is not recommended to dehydrate raw meat due to the risk of bacteria growth.
How Long Does Dehydrated Meat Last?
Dehydrated meat can last for up to several months if stored properly.
Is it Necessary to Pre-Cook Meat Before Dehydrating?
Yes, pre-cooking meat is necessary to kill any bacteria and ensure that the meat is safe to consume.
Can You Dehydrate Meat in the Oven?
Yes, you can dehydrate meat in the oven, but it is time-consuming and requires careful temperature control.
How Do You Cure Meat Before Dehydrating?
There are various curing methods like salt curing, sugar curing, and brine curing, but it is not necessary when dehydrating meat.
How Long to Cook Meat Before Dehydrating?
The time it takes to cook the meat before dehydration will depend on the type of meat and the cooking method used.
Conclusion
Dehydrating meat is an excellent way to preserve it for longer periods and make it more convenient to store and use. However, it is crucial to follow the proper dehydration procedures, including cooking the meat before dehydrating it, to ensure that it is safe to consume. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, we are sure to have answered your question So we cook meat before dehydrating?