beef jerky

6 Unique Ways to Use Jerky in Your Recipe

Jerky is popular among foodies due to its savory and smoky flavor. It has long been a beloved snack in many places. However, its potential extends far beyond being a standalone treat. 

Incorporating jerky into your meals can add depth, texture, and a delightful twist to your recipes. Moreover, you can always bring something new to the plate by experimenting with various recipes for jerky. 

If that sounds good enough, brace yourself as we’ll explore six unique and mouthwatering recipes to showcase the versatility of jerky. You’ll learn how this culinary wonder can transform everyday meals into extraordinary experiences. 

Making versatile recipes with jerky can make your meals delicious and give you ideas on making more unique dishes with jerky. Also, jerky comes in diverse forms on the market, including shape, size, making, etc. 

That’s why you must explore jerky to find variations. Jerky Brands is one of the prominent businesses that bring you all types of jerky, giving you an idea of which to buy to make unique recipes. 

Let’s dive into the following unique ways or recipes to use jerky in your meals:

1. Jerky Breakfast Burritos

What You Need:

  • 4 large tortillas
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup diced jerky
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking olive oil 

How to Make It:

Step 1: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become tender.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Push the fried vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the other.

Step 4: Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the fried vegetables.

Step 5: Add the diced jerky to the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6: Warm the tortillas and divide the egg, vegetable, and jerky mixture among them.

Step 7: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and roll the tortillas to form burritos.

Step 8: Serve the breakfast burritos warm, and enjoy!

2. Jerky Pasta Carbonara

What You Need:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup diced jerky
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooking olive oil 

How to Make It:

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the diced jerky to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until slightly crispy.

Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 5: Add the cooked jerky to the pasta and toss until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Cook for one more minute, allowing the heat to cook the eggs without scrambling.

Step 7: Remove from heat and serve the jerky pasta carbonara immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

3. Jerky-Stuffed Chicken Breast

What You Need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup finely chopped jerky
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking olive oil 

How to Make It:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast, creating a pocket for stuffing.

Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the chopped jerky, shredded cheese, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff each chicken breast with the jerky and cheese mixture, pressing the opening closed.

Step 5: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. 

4. Jerky Quesadillas

What You Need:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
  • 1 cup diced jerky
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat (if required)
  • Cooking spray or butter for cooking

How to Make It:

Step 1: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 2: Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over one-half of the tortilla.

Step 3: Add a layer of diced jerky, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and any desired spicy elements.

Step 4: Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.

Step 5: Lightly coat the skillet or griddle with cooking spray or melt butter.

Step 6: Place the folded tortilla onto the heated surface and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

Step 7: Remove from the heat, let it cool slightly, and cut into wedges.

Step 8: For dipping, serve the jerky quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

5. Jerky-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

What You Need:

  • 4 large Portobello mushrooms
  • 1 cup diced jerky
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: minced garlic or herbs for added flavor

How to Make It:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Clean the Portobello mushrooms and remove the stems.

Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened.

Step 4: Add the diced jerky to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until heated.

Step 5: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any desired additional herbs or garlic.

Step 6: Stuff each Portobello mushroom cap with the jerky and vegetable mixture.

Step 7: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

6. Jerky Fried Rice

What You Need:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
  • 1 cup diced jerky
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 2 minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (if required)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • Salt and pepper as per taste
  • sliced green onions for garnish (if required)

How to Make It:

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and diced onions, and roast until fragrant and onions are translucent.

Step 3: Add the diced carrots, frozen peas, and bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the other.

Step 5: Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the sautéed vegetables. Add the diced jerky to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 6: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated and well-coated with the other ingredients.

Step 7: Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using them) over the rice and stir-fry for another minute to incorporate the flavors.

Step 8: Season with salt and pepper as per taste.

Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Step 10: Serve the flavorful jerky fried rice as a main dish or as a side to accompany your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

Conclusion

These six unique recipes demonstrate the versatility of jerky in transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. 

Whether you want to enhance your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, jerky adds a savory and smoky twist to your favorite dishes. Whatmore, you can even add jerky dishes to fun parties to spice up the enjoyment. 

In short, each recipe we’ve shared above showcases the endless possibilities, and delicious combinations that add jerky can achieve. 

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