Jerky - Cut with or against the grain?

[Michael]

I'm trying my hand at some beef jerky.  I did a quick search but I couldn't find anything suggesting if I should cut my beef slices with the grain or against the grain. 

[MRH]

I have always cut with the grain.  I think it will tend to fall apart if you cut across it.


Mark

[pfowl01]

I cut it wich ever way it will fit in the slicer. Done jerky about five times now and I can't tell a difference across the grain or with it.

[nsxbill]

I have done it both ways, and I like the tenderness of the cuts across grain myself.  Cutting with the grain makes it far more chewy than I like with these old teeth!

Bill

[Smudge]

The traditional method is to cut it with the grain. I sometimes jerk eye of round and of course it only makes sense to cut against the grain with that particular piece. making nice round slices.

[whitetailfan]

The answer will mostly lie with the shape of the meat you are starting with.  If you want to jerk a round steak you need to go with the grain because it was cut against the grain when it was steaked.  If you have a roast, you can choose.

My strong preferrence is against the grain.  It produces a jerky that easily snaps off in your teeth and almost melts in your mouth. :P  I personally hate chewy with-the-grain jerky.  Makes me feel like a dog working on a chew toy.

My 2 cents.

[Smudge]

I'll eat jerky like potato chips when it's cut against the grain. Cutting it with the grain slows me down and I find myself savoring the product more.

[Dougsts]

i have done it both ways,, but i guess im a mutt,  i like the chewing part,, so my vote would be with the grain

[agent provocateur]

my fingernails are turning brown...

[Chez Bubba]

I'm trying my hand at some beef jerky.

Done jerky about five times now and I can't tell a difference

I have done it both ways, and I like the tenderness

I sometimes jerk

The answer will mostly lie with the shape of the meat you are starting with.  If you want to jerk...My strong preferrence is...It produces a jerky that easily snaps off in your teeth and almost melts in your mouth.

and I find myself savoring the product more.

i have done it both ways,, but i guess im a mutt,  i like the chewing part

my fingernails are turning brown...

Can you guys seriously expect me to refrain from pointing out you have lobbed 8 fatties down the center of the plate?!! ;D

I could go on for paragraphs with the material here. Too funny! ;D

And John, that's just hair. Your mother warned you.

Kirk

[Habanero Smoker]

Kirk,

Me thinks you are turning this thread into a spammer's dream. ;D