Silverside is a good cut of meat to use for beef jerky as it is lean with little fat which means it is less likely to spoil. It is also a cheaper cut of meat which is beneficial as the meat will lose a good amount of its weight once dried. Some like to slice the beef with the grain rather than against it to help it stay in one piece; however, slicing against the grain gives a more tender result. If you don’t have access to an expensive dehydrator don’t worry – it’s easy enough to make the jerky in your oven at home as long as it is able to go to temperatures as low as 70°C.

The ingredients used to marinate the beef can be varied in a number of ways. For a Mexican flavoured jerky, add lime and jalapenos. For a an Asian twist use lemongrass, ginger and fish sauce in the marinade or for a smoky taste try marinating the beef in barbecue sauce or adding a touch of liquid smoke.