Jerky is unquestionably a delicious snack all on its own. But it can be so much more! You can use jerky in almost any recipe to add protein, flavor, and texture. While jerky can be added to all your favorite dishes, we have a few recommendations for some of the best, most unique ways you can use jerky in recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be careful, though, because once you start using jerky in everyday recipes, you’ll never go back!
1. Crumbled Over a Salad
Pretty much anywhere you would use bacon, you can use jerky as a substitute. You can crumble up jerky over a salad to elevate your usual bacon bits to the next level. Jerky contains more protein and iron, less fat, and fewer calories than bacon, and it also comes in more flavors. So, if you’re putting together a Southwestern salad, you can top it with some Honey Jalapeño beef jerky to match the flavors. For an Asian salad, crumble up some Teriyaki beef jerky. There’s a flavor of jerky that will complement any salad’s flavor profile. It’s an easy addition to any salad recipe—simply chop up and mix together your favorite veggies with your dressing of choice, then chop, tear, or grate pieces of jerky before sprinkling on top.
2. On a Charcuterie Board or Snacking Board
While it’s less than traditional, it’s a great addition to any charcuterie board or snacking board for a variety of reasons. Because of the number of flavor profiles, jerky pairs well with other elements. In addition to pairing well with other items, jerky has incredible textures and nutritional profiles adding a uniqueness that you are guaranteed to enjoy. Here’s our recommendation on how to set your next jerky inspired charcuterie:
- Garlic beef jerky – for an added boost of flavor that pairs well with crackers or pita
- Cheese cubes – buy a block (or 2) and chop it up, or grab some pre-cubed in your dairy section
- Nuts – pistachios, peanuts, almonds: the choices are endless
- Tart cherries and golden raisins – dried fruit adds a naturally sweet option to your snack board
- Olives and/or pickles – because what charcuterie board is complete without these
- Crackers – you’ll need something to stack all the yumminess on, opt for shredded wheat if you’re looking for a good source of fiber
Voila! There you have it – a snacking board guaranteed to tickle the tastebuds of all your guests.
3. Tossed with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
While brussels sprouts may be one of America’s least favorite vegetables, tasty jerky can make these controversial veggies delicious enough for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy. You might normally add bacon to your brussels sprouts to make them more flavorful but adding that much fat and calories kind of defeats the purpose of eating this healthy dish. Instead of bacon, try roasting your brussels sprouts with jerky. Here’s how to do it. Slice brussels sprouts and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the baking sheet in a 400*F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the brussels sprouts and add your jerky of choice to the baking sheet. The brussels sprouts are done and ready to enjoy when they are a nice golden brown on each side. To add extra flavor to your brussels sprouts, we recommend using Blazin’ Cajun beef jerky, or use Original Buffalo jerky for a tender, heart-healthy option.
4. In an Omelet
You’ve probably never thought to eat jerky for breakfast, but you should! Replacing bacon with jerky in recipes at the start of your day can leave you feeling more energized and keep you full longer so that you are better equipped you for the day ahead. Jerky has a lot of protein packed into relatively few calories and only a small amount of fat, which makes it ideal for providing long-lasting energy. To start your day off with jerky, try adding it to an omelet along with your favorite veggies and cheeses. Our favorite jerky for an omelet is Steakhouse beef jerky. This adds a savory flavor that will make it taste like a satisfying steak omelet. Add in some sauteed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese to make a delicious Philly cheesesteak omelet without all the hassle of cooking a steak.
5. Added to Soup
One of our favorite jerky uses is as a protein in soup. Any soup can benefit from the addition of jerky. A hearty stew, fresh vegetable soup, and even corn chowder can all be made better with some jerky. Any soup to which you would add bacon, beef, or even chicken can be improved with jerky. Make your favorite soup recipe how you normally would but chop up some of your favorite jerky instead of using your usual protein. Different flavors of jerky can complement different soups. For instance, a creamy soup like chowder could benefit from the earthy flavors of Peppered beef jerky. If you’re daring, add some spice to your soup recipe with Fire beef jerky.
6. Topped on Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are another common staple that can be made tastier with jerky. If you show up to a party with a tray of jerky-topped deviled eggs, you won’t be bringing home any leftovers! If you don’t already have a tried-and-true deviled eggs recipe, here’s a simple one that only requires 4 ingredients: eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and jerky. Hard boil the eggs, then let them cool before peeling off the shells. Cut each egg in half and scoop the yolks into a bowl. Mash up the yolks and mix with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (and salt and pepper to taste), then spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle each deviled egg with chopped jerky of your choice to add extra flavor and texture. Most people will top their deviled eggs with smoked paprika, but you can just use Bayou Boil beef jerky, which is coated in a mixture of paprika and other exciting spices.
7. As a Bloody Mary Garnish
Your brunch just got a lot more interesting! The perfect cocktail to pair with any brunch menu is a jerky Bloody Mary. It’s not uncommon to add bacon as a Bloody Mary garnish, but once again, jerky is better than bacon. Depending on the recipe, a Bloody Mary can have a variety of different spices, including cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and more. All of these spices are found in Blazin’ Cajun beef jerky, making it the ideal garnish to add to your brunch cocktail.
Use Crockett Creek Jerky in All Your Favorite Recipes
These are just a few of our favorite ways to use jerky in recipes, but there are endless possibilities out there. Try adding different flavors and types of jerky to all your favorite recipes to see how they can become even better. Jerky is a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and other minerals, plus it tastes great and adds another textural element to make any meal more interesting. Here at Crockett Creek, we add jerky to just about anything at any time of day—it even works as a dessert when dipped in chocolate! There are so many delicious ways to eat jerky, and with our 15 different jerky flavors, you’ll surely find one that fits with the flavor profile of your meal. Check out all our Crockett Creek home style jerky flavors and buy your favorites online today!
