i've got an old(ish) dehydrator, no idea what brand it is, and i plan on trying my hand at some venison jerky this weekend. I've never made jerky before and my main concern is knowing when it's done. I don't want it over done obviously but i want to know what to look for that will tell me it's done. I'd hate my kids to get sick off of it or something...

Jerky is usually cured instead of cooked. It is raw meat. "Doneness" is based on how dry you like it. Although, my sliced beef jerky is not cured nor cooked. I refrigerate it after jerking. Never been sick from it. Salt Petre can be used to cure meat.

byg,
I don't recommend using ground beef. Too much fat. The jerky will fall apart.

I use ground deer and sliced beef each with its' own recipe.

Why with the grain? Is that the jerky standard? Isn't it difficult to cut that way...i.e. it kinda falls apart? Also, what method do you use to cut the jerky THIN? Is there a particular technique or tool you use?

About how long does it take in the oven @ 150? Once jerked via this method, how long does it keep unrefrigerated? I'd hope for a very long time!!

If you cut it across the grain (like a steak) it will tend to crumble. I think it takes about 4-6 hours @150. Just check a piece every hour or so. You don't want it to be dried so hard that its brittle. You want some flex in it. I usually try to cut mine about 1/4" thick, and its best to cut it when its just slightly frozen because its easier to handle. As far as tools go, just a good sharp chefs knife. I usually vacuum seal it and throw it in the freezer. I've had over a year before and it's still good. I don't know how long it lasts without refrigeration.

Just try a small batch first and see how you like it, then you can tinker with the recipe to your liking. It's pretty simple, don't worry too much about it. If you decide you really like it, I'd buy a dehydrator. They are pretty cheap and make it easy to do.

Thanks. You'd think jerky would last a very long time without refrigeration as long as it was vacuum sealed. I kinda thought that was half the point of jerking.

without refrig, it will last a few months and start to spoil, with fridge, six - 8 months, freezer, about a year. but it you make it right you won't have to worry about it, it will be gone long before that.