when is it done

[dtjim]

Ive done two batches of jerky and i have a hard time telling if its done or not. Im doing another batch this weekend. im doing 5 lbs of bottom round. Everything ive read says its done when it bends but doesnt break. What does that mean. Does it mean its done when you bend it and the fibers start to pull apart and break  or when it breaks in half. It seems like i could cook it forever and it wouldnt break in half.

[dtjim]

but i found out that after i pull it out and it cools down it breaks apart but the stuff in the smoker still bends but the fibers break apart when i bend it

[Tenpoint5]

When you bend it and you see white between the meat fibers it is done

[pikeman_95]

This is the bend test cold. It bends but does not break.



also if you cut across the grain there is no pink inside.



This is ground beef jerky but the same thing applies.

[dtjim]

thanks the pics help

[12AMNSX]

Unless you use a meat cutter and every strip is exactly the same thickness, you need to check them over a period of time and take out the ones that are done while leaving the others in to finish.  I put mine into a paper grocery bag to absorb the surface grease overnight while shaking them around every once in a while.

[dtjim]

ok i got the jerky strips figured out but now i have 5 lbs of muebe nuggets in the smoker. Whats a good way to determine when they are done

[classicrockgriller]

When you like the texture of the way they chew.

[dtjim]

thats the problem i had with strips if i took it out when the texture felt right after they cooled off they got extremely hard

[classicrockgriller]

Use an IT of 145*. That should work.

If they are too though this time reduce the IT next time.

[dtjim]

just pulled the nuggets out and they are awesome