10 Surprising Ways To Use Jerky Beyond Snacking

Jerky is more than just a tasty, healthy and convenient protein snack.  It’s a really handy ingredient in your kitchen too.

We’ve put together a list of some of the creative ways you can use jerky in different cuisines and on different occasions – so whether you’re preparing a simple weekday meal or a feast for friends, check out the many ways you can chop, dice, slice, grate or shred this protein powerhouse into your dish to add a delicious depth of flavour and goodness.

Our only recommendation is that you use DJays jerky in your cooking!  Every chef knows that quality ingredients are key to superior dishes, so you can trust Australia’s best jerky to take your cooking to the next level of taste and flavour!

Why you should add jerky your dishes

Jerky packs a pile of concentrated flavour into a small bite and because it keeps for ages without needing refrigeration, it’s the ultimate pantry ingredient in terms of taste and convenience. 

Use it as a tasty topping, an umami bomb, savoury protein boost or to add some smoky, spicy or fiery complexity – even as a garnish for your favourite cocktail!  You’ll be amazed at the difference that this meaty treat makes to any dish.

Here’s why jerky works so well in cooking:

• Big on flavour
• Protein power
• Convenience and portability
• Versatile texture
• Cross-cuisine adaptability

It’s time to think out of the box (or shall we say the packet) and use this meaty treat to amp up your culinary prowess.  Whether you rate yourself as a confident cook or are a nervous novice, you’ll find that jerky is a surprising ally when it comes to elevating dishes to a new level of taste, flavour and protein-powered healthy goodness.

10 surprising ways to use jerky beyond snacking

1. Jerky pizza topping – swap out the salami and add slices of your favourite jerky flavour to power up your meatlovers pizza
2. Jerky fried rice – add depth and chew to this traditional favourite by substituting bacon or ham with a handful of chopped jerky
3. Jerky eggs – power your day by adding finely diced jerky to your brekkie omelette or scrambled eggs
4. Jerky salad topper – ditch the carbs and swap croutons for shredded jerky to make a tasty, protein-rich topping for leafy greens and salads
5. Spread the love – blend finely chopped jerky into cream cheese or hummus to make a savoury dip or spread
6. Jerky elevates two-minute noodles into gourmet goodness – thin strips of jerky added into instant noodles will gently rehydrate to add a chewy twist to everyday convenience
7. Simmer in soups and stews – add shredded or finely chopped jerky to soups and stews for extra depth to ‘slow-cooked’ flavour
8. Jerky powered fillings – mix grated jerky into sour cream to make a delectable filling for baked potatoes or topping for roasted veggies
9. Butter up – grate a small amount of jerky into softened butter for a savoury sandwich spread
10. Umami stock base – steep jerky in boiling water to make a quick meaty stock base for soups or stews

Where to use jerky in your cooking

Jerky is a versatile addition to a huge range of dishes and it goes well with just about any setting or occasion.  From culinary creations to simple everyday dishes, from one-pot campfire meals to picnic platters, from group gatherings to single servings, cooking with jerky adds something special.

It also works well in all different types of cuisines, so whether you’re cooking Asian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Middle Eastern, Western, Indian, Vietnamese or fusion – you can be confident that jerky is at home in the global gastronomic world!

Here are some of the ways to use jerky in your cooking:

• Appetisers and quick bites (add to dips, grazing boards etc)
• Comfort food twists (swap traditional meats for jerky for smoky, salty or spicy savouriness)
• Salads and veggies (add jerky for chewy texture or a protein-powered topping)
• Travel and camping hacks (use jerky for a one-pot stew or soup base or to elevate instant noodles and pasta)
• Creative extras (swap carrot or celery batons for jerky sticks, use as a garnish – cheeky Bloody Mary anyone?)

A last word on using jerky in ways other than as a snack

Jerky can be your secret weapon to elevating any dish into something truly special.  Best of all, you don’t need to be a culinary whizz to take advantage of this versatile ingredient.  Simply chop, dice, grate, slice or shred jerky into your favourite dish – and taste the difference.

If you aren’t ready to add your own creative twist to dishes, why not start with some of our tried-and-tested jerky recipes to see how well this versatile cooking ingredient fares in just about anything?  From Asian Papaya and Jerky Salad and jerky and kimchi quesadillas to a jerky breakfast burrito and a beef jerky pasta carbonara, check out the tasty treats that the DJays team has served up.

Essentially, jerky is a flavour bomb, a protein boost and a handy pantry staple in one convenient ingredient.  It works as a seasoning, a topper, a base, a snack or a garnish – so go on, jerky-up your culinary repertoire and reap the benefits in terms of taste, texture and healthy goodness.

Order your jerky online from DJays and enjoy fast, convenient door-to-door delivery right around the country.  It’s Australia’s best beef jerky, made from 100% home-grown beef and all-natural ingredients, so put it to the taste test in your cooking and reap the rewards!