How To Smoke Jerky On A Pellet Grill

Smoking Jerky on a Pellet Grill: A Delicious and Easy Process

Jerky is a popular snack that is loved by many for its savory and smoky flavor. While jerky can be made using various methods, smoking it on a pellet grill is a fantastic way to infuse it with rich, smoky flavors. If you’re new to smoking jerky or looking to improve your technique, this guide will walk you through the process of creating mouthwatering smoked jerky on a pellet grill.

Choosing the Right Meat

The first step in making delicious smoked jerky is selecting the right meat. Lean cuts of meat such as beef, turkey, or venison work best for jerky. When choosing your meat, look for cuts with minimal fat, as fat can become rancid during the smoking process. For the best results, ask your butcher for a lean cut, such as eye of round or flank steak.

Preparing the Meat

Once you have your meat, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Begin by slicing the meat against the grain into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This will help ensure that the jerky is tender and easy to chew. For easier slicing, you can partially freeze the meat before cutting it.

After slicing, it’s time to marinate the meat. A flavorful marinade not only adds depth to the jerky’s taste but also helps tenderize the meat. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and your choice of seasonings. Let the meat marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Pellet Grill

While the meat is marinating, it’s time to prepare the pellet grill for smoking. Start by filling the hopper with your choice of wood pellets. Hickory, mesquite, or cherry wood pellets are popular choices for smoking jerky, as they impart a rich, smoky flavor.

Once the hopper is filled, preheat the pellet grill to a low temperature, around 180°F to 200°F. This low and slow cooking method is ideal for smoking jerky, allowing the meat to slowly absorb the smoky flavors while drying out to the perfect chewy texture.

Smoking the Jerky

With the pellet grill preheated and the meat marinated, it’s time to start smoking the jerky. Arrange the marinated meat strips on the grill grates, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Close the lid of the pellet grill and let the jerky smoke for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness and smokiness.

During the smoking process, it’s important to periodically check the jerky and rotate the racks if necessary to ensure even smoking. You may also choose to baste the jerky with additional marinade or seasoning for an extra flavor boost.

Enjoying Your Smoked Jerky

Once the jerky has finished smoking, remove it from the pellet grill and let it cool to room temperature. Properly smoked jerky should be dry to the touch and slightly pliable, with a rich, smoky aroma. Store the smoked jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags to maintain its freshness.

Whether you’re making jerky for snacking, hiking, or gifting to friends and family, smoked jerky from a pellet grill is a delicious and satisfying treat. With the right meat, flavorful marinade, and the gentle smokiness from the pellet grill, you can create mouthwatering smoked jerky that will keep you coming back for more.

So, fire up your pellet grill, grab your favorite meat, and get ready to enjoy the delicious process of smoking jerky on a pellet grill. Your taste buds will thank you!