Make Beef Jerky Softer: How to Make Store-Bought Jerky Tender Again

When you open a new pack of Beef Jerky, you will appreciate its pleasant texture - it is nicely tender and not too soft, but also not too dry. However, if you don't consume your pack right away, it is possible that your jerky will become drier after a while, which may slightly affect the enjoyment experience.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make your favorite snack tender and delicious again.

Why can soft beef jerky become too dry?

To understand why your purchased jerky may dry out a bit within a few days after opening, you first need to know how it is made. In the production of dried meat, fresh meat is dehydrated, so to speak, dried. During this process, a large part of the water content is removed from the meat pieces. Ideally, they do not become stiff and brittle, but remain a little flexible and pleasantly tender. This process not only brings about the characteristic flavor and texture of beef jerky, but it also makes it significantly more durable through dehydration.

When you open a new pack of jerky and do not consume it immediately or seal it airtight, air inevitably enters the packaging. As a result, your beef loses additional moisture and can become too dry after a while.

Make Beef Jerky Softer: Simple and Quick Methods

"You have various options to make your jerky soft and delicious at home again - and all without much effort or special equipment."

Option 1: Rehydrate your beef jerky in water

With the help of a bowl and some water, you can easily rehydrate your beef jerky. Simply place the strips in a container, cover them with water, and let them soak for a few hours or overnight. In the refrigerator, the dried meat may soften a bit faster. Once the desired consistency is reached, you can simply drain the water and carefully dry the jerky using a towel or paper towel.

Option 2: Place your jerky in the microwave

The microwave offers a particularly quick way to soften dried meat. Simply wrap the dried meat in a damp paper towel and place it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Be sure to set the microwave to a low setting just in case. If necessary, you can repeat the process until you have soft beef jerky again.

Option 3: Marinate your jerky

If you feel like a little culinary experiment, you can soften your dried beef jerky using a homemade marinade. In addition to water, vinegar, soy sauce, or any other liquids, you can also use spices and herbs of your choice. Let the marinade sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, and then remove the excess liquid from the strips. If you want to make the jerky even softer, you can then move on to another method.

Option 4: Steam your jerky

Steam offers another way to soften dried beef within minutes. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a regular pot with a steaming insert instead. Bring the water to a boil and place the jerky in the insert for 5 to 10 minutes. The steam will make it tender again without becoming too moist.

Option 5: Cook your jerky in a pressure cooker

For particularly stubborn cases, the pressure cooker is suitable. Even very hard, brittle dried meat can become tender and soft again in a short time. Place your jerky in a pressure cooker with a little water and cook the meat for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired consistency.

Option 6: Don't let your jerky dry out

The simplest way to enjoy tender and delicious beef jerky? Don't let it dry out! Enjoy the snack within a short time or share it with your loved ones. If there are still some strips left, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, they usually stay fresh for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Make Beef Jerky Softer

How do I get very dry beef jerky soft again?

In normal cases, you can also soften very dried-out beef jerky. For particularly stubborn cases, it is recommended to cook it in a pressure cooker, use a longer water bath, or soak it in water overnight.

How can I make my beef jerky particularly soft quickly?

"If you're in a particular hurry, you can quickly soften dry beef jerky in the microwave. Alternatively, a water bath or a pressure cooker works well for quick softening."

Does beef jerky go bad if I make it softer?

"If you rehydrate your beef jerky using water, only the liquid that was previously lost is restored. Your dried meat will not spoil as a result and usually does not lose flavor or quality. For the best taste experience, you should still enjoy it sooner rather than later."