Beef Jerky Recipes and Dried Fruit: Mouth-watering RV Snacks you can Easily Whip Up

Introduction: Setting the stage for snack success

Imagine the open road, your home-on-wheels taking you towards new horizons. The adventure is thrilling, but long drives require tasty snacks to keep spirits high. Here’s where the art of making your own beef jerky and dried fruit comes into play. These treats are delicious and they provide essential nutrients that fuel your journey. In this article, we’ll explore why homemade snacks are superior to store-bought options, especially for those with a nomadic lifestyle in their RV. Keep reading to discover beef jerky recipes and other healthy treats that will make your mouth water. We have also listed below are some of the benefits of homemade snacks for RV travellers.

Why You Should Use Beef Jerky Recipes to Make Your Own RV Snacks

1. Quality control: When you make beef jerky and dried fruit yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients used. When you follow beef jerky recipes, you can select high-quality cuts of meat and choose fruits that are perfectly ripe and flavorful. This ensures that you are consuming snacks made from fresh, wholesome ingredients.

2. No preservatives or additives: Many store-bought snacks contain preservatives and additives to extend their shelf life. These additives can be harmful to your health in the long run. By picking from your favourite beef jerky recipes and making your own snacks, you can eliminate these unnecessary additives and enjoy a healthier alternative.

3. Cost-effective: Buying prepackaged beef jerky and dried fruit can be quite expensive, especially if you’re constantly on the road. Making your own snacks allows you to save money in the long run. You can purchase ingredients in bulk and portion them out for multiple batches of snacks.

4. Customized flavors: With homemade snacks, you have the freedom to experiment with different flavors and spices. You can create a variety of marinades for your beef jerky recipes or try different combinations of fruits for your dried fruit. This adds excitement and variety to your snack options.

5. Portability: RV travellers need snacks that are easy to store and carry. Homemade beef jerky and dried fruit can be conveniently packed into resealable bags or containers, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. They are lightweight and won’t take up much space in your RV.

Making your own snacks by combining beef jerky recipes and dried fruit is a practical way to enhance your RV snacks. By creating your own, you can ensure that you’re consuming high-quality ingredients without any harmful additives. Plus, the cost savings and ability to customize flavors make homemade snacks a great option for RV travellers. With those benefits in mind, whip up a batch of mouthwatering beef jerky and dried fruit before hitting the open road. This way, you can enjoy the delicious, nutritious benefits along your journey

The Joy of Homemade RV Snacks

There’s something special about creating food with your own hands. Homemade snacks offer a personal touch to your travel experience. They’re healthier, cost-effective, and customized to your taste preferences. Plus, the process of preparing these snacks can be a fun activity in itself. It’s a camping activity that brings together family or friends within the cozy confines of your RV.

Customizing flavors is another benefit of making your own snacks. You can experiment with different spices, herbs, and marinades to create unique and exciting flavor combinations. This adds variety to your snacking options and keeps things interesting during your travels. Let’s learn more about jerky and dried fruit, the ultimate companions for your roaming appetite.

The Benefits of Using Homemade Beef Jerky Recipes

Beef jerky is a popular snack choice for RV travellers due to its long shelf life and high protein content. By making your own beef jerky, you can control the quality of the meat used. You can choose lean cuts and trim off any excess fat, resulting in a healthier snack option. Additionally, you can experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create unique flavors that suit your taste preferences.

Why You Should Make Your Own Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is another great snack option for RV travellers. Store-bought dried fruit often contains added sugars and preservatives. By making your own, you can ensure that you’re consuming pure, natural fruit without any unnecessary additives. You can select fruits that are in season and at their peak ripeness, maximizing their flavor and nutritional value.

The Benefits Add Up

Making your own snacks is not only healthier but also more cost-effective. Buying pre-packaged snacks can quickly add up, especially if you’re constantly on the road. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and portioning them out for multiple batches of snacks, you can save money in the long run.

I think we can agree that portability is key when it comes to RV snacks. Homemade beef jerky sticks and dried fruit are both lightweight and easy to store. You can pack them into resealable bags or containers, ensuring that they stay fresh and don’t take up much space in your RV. This makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking while exploring new destinations.

Making your own snacks provides many benefits for RV travellers. You have control over the quality of ingredients, can eliminate harmful additives, save money, customize flavors, and enjoy the convenience of portable snacks. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of following and making a beef jerky recipe or some dried fruit for your next adventure?

Beef Jerky Recipes: The Basics

Beef jerky is a popular snack that is made by marinating and drying strips of beef. It has a long shelf life, making it an ideal snack for RV travellers. Here are some basics to keep in mind when following along with your beef jerky recipes: Choose the right cut of meat. You want to cut the beef into thin, even slices. Marinate the meat for at least a few hours, or overnight for more intense flavour. Next, pat the meat dry with paper towel when it is done marinating. You can either air dry the meat or use a food dehydrator.

If air drying, hang the meat strips on a drying rack or place them on a wire rack in a cool, well-ventilated area. Test for doneness by removing a piece and letting it cool completely. It should be dry and slightly bendable, but not brittle. Finally, Store properly in an airtight container or resealable bags. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its shelf life.

Remember to always practice proper food safety when making beef jerky. Clean and sanitize your work area, wash your hands thoroughly, and handle raw meat with care to prevent cross-contamination. Enjoy your homemade beef jerky as a delicious and nutritious snack while on your RV adventures.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Selecting the ideal cut is crucial for executing your perfect beef jerky recipes. Look for lean beef with minimal fat such as top round beef slices, bottom round steak, or flank steak. One way to start following a beef jerky recipe would be to purchase a round roast or several lbs lean beef and use a meat slicer to get the meat to your desired thickness.

It is recommended to choose lean meats as fat doesn’t dehydrate well and can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Slice the meat and trim any excess fat before slicing the meat into consistent strips. They should be thin enough to dry thoroughly but thick enough to maintain a satisfying chewiness.

Keep reading! We’re going to take a quick look at making dried fruit to take with you. We are also going to look at a few beef jerky recipes and methods of preparation.

Marinating magic

The flavor of your jerky comes down to the marinade. A blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is a classic place to start. But don’t be afraid to get creative! The longer you marinate beef strips, the more intense the smoked meat or flavor will be. Aim for at least four hours, but overnight is best for those deep, complex tastes.

Dehydrating Delight

Dehydrating is the final step in making beef jerky recipes. You can use a dedicated dehydrator, an oven with a low-temperature setting, or even try smoking meat in a smoker if you prefer. The key is low heat and slow drying to ensure the meat becomes jerky without cooking it. Depending on the thickness of the slices, this could take anywhere from 3 to 12 hours. Patience is vital — the result is a chewy, flavorful snack that’s both portable and preservative-free.

Tips for Dehydrating Your Beef Jerky

• If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying jerky. Typically, you will need to set the temperature to around 160°F (71°C) and let it dry for several hours. Rotate the trays occasionally for even drying.
• If using an oven, preheat it to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 175°F or 80°C). put sliced beef strips of marinated meat directly on wire racks or use aluminum foil to line the baking sheets. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Again, drying time can vary, so keep an eye on it. You may need to rotate the trays halfway through.
• When drying jerky, make sure there is good air circulation around the meat. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and ensures even drying. If using a dehydrator, don’t overcrowd the trays. In the oven, use multiple racks and leave space between the strips.
• Check the jerky periodically for doneness. It should be firm and dry but still pliable. The texture should be chewy, not brittle. You can test it by bending a piece – it should not break easily. If it feels too soft or moist, continue drying.
• Once the jerky is done, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely. It will continue to dry slightly as it cools. Store the jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks, or longer if refrigerated.

Remember, making beef jerky at home allows you to customize the flavors and control the ingredients. Experiment with different marinades, spices, and cuts of meat to find your favourite combination. Have fun and enjoy your homemade beef jerky!

Beef Jerky Recipes to Try

Classic Beef Jerky Recipes

• 2 pounds flank steak (or eye or round or top round steak)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (omit for delicious, no added sugar jerky)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons coarsely-ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Thinly-slice the steak into 1/8-inch thick strips, either with the grain (which will result in a chewier beef jerky) or against the grain (which will be more tender). Transfer the strips of steak to a large zip-lock bag.

In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until combined.  Pour the mixture into the zip-lock bag with the steak. Seal the bag and toss the meat until the steak strips are evenly coated.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day.

If you’re making the jerky in a dehydrator, lay the strips out in a single layer on the trays of your dehydrator. Follow directions for your model.

If you’re making the jerky in the oven, heat oven to 175°F.  Adjust the racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions.  Line two large baking sheets with aluminum foil, and place wire cooling racks on top of each sheet.  Lay the strips out in a single layer on the wire racks.

Teriyaki Marinade for Beef Jerky Recipes

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Stir together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Whisk together water and cornstarch in a small bowl; add to soy sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer sauce, stirring frequently, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Teriyaki Beef Jerky Recipes

• 2-3 pounds eye of round roast sliced thin, and against the grain
• Prepared Teriyaki Marinade listed above

Transfer the sliced beef to a gallon sized zip top bag and pour in the ingredients for the marinade. Massage the marinade into the meat and refrigerate for at least 8-12 hours, or up to 24 hours.

If you’re making the jerky in a dehydrator, lay the strips out in a single layer on the trays of your dehydrator. Follow directions for your model.

If you’re making the jerky in the oven, heat oven to 175°F.  Adjust the racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions.  Line two large baking sheets with aluminum foil, and place wire cooling racks on top of each sheet.  Lay the strips out in a single layer on the wire racks.

Beyond Beef Jerky Recipes: Dried Fruit Delights

Selecting and Preparing the Fruits

When it comes to dried fruits, variety is the way to go. Choose fruits based on seasonal availability and consider your personal favourites. Drying your favourite fruits will make it more likely that you enjoy your healthy RV snacks. Apples, bananas, mangoes, and berries all make excellent choices for this camping activity. Wash and slice your fruit uniformly, removing any pits or cores. For fruits prone to browning, a dip in lemon juice can keep them looking appetizing.

Dehydrating Process for Fruit

Drying fruit is similar to beef jerky but at an even lower temperature to retain colour and nutrients. Spread the fruit slices on dehydrator trays without overlapping and dry until they are pliable but not sticky. This could take between 4 to 8 hours depending on the fruit and thickness. The end product is a sweet, chewy treat full of concentrated flavor and natural sugars, perfect for an energy boost on the road.

Snack Time Success

Combining Beef Jerky Recipes and Dried Fruit for the Ultimate RV snack

Mixing savoury beef jerky with sweet dried fruits provides a balanced snack that satisfies both salty and sweet cravings. This combo delivers protein from the jerky and quick energy from the fruit sugars, keeping you alert and satisfied behind the wheel. To mix things up, try adding nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrients.

You can create your own trail mix by combining beef jerky, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds in a resealable bag or container. This way, you can have a variety of flavors and textures in one convenient snack. To make your RV snack even more nutritious, opt for unsalted and unsweetened varieties of nuts and seeds. You can also experiment with different combinations of fruits, nuts, and seeds to find your favourite mix.

Remember to pack your beef jerky and dried fruit trail mix in individual portions, so it’s easy to grab and go during your RV adventures. Enjoy your healthy and delicious snacks while exploring the great outdoors!

Storing your creations for on-the-go enjoyment

To enjoy your homemade snacks throughout your travels, proper storage is key. Air-tight containers or vacuum-sealed bags work best to keep moisture out and preserve freshness. Stored correctly, beef jerky can last up to 2 months, while dried fruit can last even longer. With your pantry stocked, you’re ready for spontaneous adventures or planned excursions alike.

Celebrating your newfound snack mastery

Now that we’ve learned more about making our own healthy snack, gather your ingredients! It’s time to start experimenting with different flavors and combinations. Try some sweet and spicy beef jerky recipes, or make some classic barbecue beef jerky. Whether you’re hitting the road for a long trip or just need a quick pick-me-up during your daily activities, these homemade snacks will keep you energized and satisfied. So, grab your dehydrator, pick your beef jerky recipes, slice up some meat and fruit, and get ready to enjoy your delicious and nutritious RV snacks.

By mastering the art of making beef jerky and dried fruit, you’ve unlocked a new level of snacking. By doing this, you taken control of your diet on the road and you’ve embraced a sustainable practice that reduces waste and reliance on processed foods. It’s a rewarding skill that enhances your RV lifestyle and empowers you to explore with confidence and contentment.

Looking forward to happy RV snacking

As you continue on your travels, these homemade snacks will become a cherished part of your journey. They represent more than just sustenance; they symbolize the independence and joy of RV living. Remember that creating quick and easy snacks for RV road trips is as rewarding as it is essential.

It’s a blend of culinary creativity, health-conscious decision-making, and community sharing that elevates the entire experience of travel. Why don’t you stop by and share your favourite beef jerky recipes, tips, tricks, and flavours? We invite you to drop a comment, post a picture, or even swap recipes. By doing so, not only do you enrich the pool of collective knowledge, but you may also find your next favourite road trip snack in someone’s shared experience.

Here’s to happy snacking!