Carne Seca Enchilada (Spicy Beef Jerky)

Carne Seca, or spicy beef jerky, is a beloved snack hailing from northern Mexico known for its rich, savory flavor and satisfying chew. This delectable treat is perfect for those who enjoy a kick, thanks to its use of Chiltepin or Arbol peppers. It makes for a great bar snack or quick protein fix, and with the right preparation, it can be stored for a long time. Let’s dive into how you can craft this delicious snack at home.

Ingredients

🥩 2 lbs lean beef (preferably beef chuck or beef tenderloin, fat removed)
🧂 Salt (necessary if dehydrating below 150°F)
🌶️ Chiltepin or Arbol peppers (ground)
🍋 Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Preparation of the Meat:
Cut the beef into large chunks and wrap them in plastic. Freeze for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms the meat, making it easier to slice.
Once firm, use a sharp knife or meat slicer to slice the beef into pieces that are not too thin or too thick—aim for a balance that will dry well without becoming too brittle.

Seasoning:
Lay the sliced beef uniformly on a tray.
Season generously with ground Chiltepin or Arbol peppers. For spicy enthusiasts, use more; adjust to your desired heat level.
Sprinkle salt over the meat if planning to dehydrate at temperatures below 150°F to prevent harmful bacteria growth.

Dehydration Process:
Preheat your food dehydrator to a temperature between 140°F and 180°F.
Arrange the seasoned beef slices in the dehydrator, ensuring they are not overcrowded. The air must circulate freely around each piece.
Dehydrate for approximately 12 hours. Monitor the process to ensure the meat becomes hard and dry.
If using an oven or air fryer, set the temperature similarly and keep an eye on the dehydration process, adjusting time as needed.

Storage and Serving:
Once the jerky is completely dehydrated, let it cool.
Store in ziplock bags, placing them in a cool, dark area to maximize shelf life.
Serve with a squeeze of lime for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including freezing time)
Cook Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
Equipment Needed: Food dehydrator (or oven/air fryer), plastic wrap, sharp knife or meat slicer, tray.

Cooking Tips:

• Invest in a dedicated coffee grinder or mortar for grinding peppers and spices; it greatly enhances the flavor profile.
• Always ensure even slice thickness for uniform dehydration.
• Adjust pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance.

#cosoricooks #carneseca #beefjerky #mexicanfood #snack #spicy #fooddehydrator #chiltepin #recipe

YouTube channel - No Way José Cuisine: https://www.youtube.com/@NoWayJoseCuisine

NoWayJoseCuisine
Carne Seca Enchilada (Spicy Beef Jerky)