Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a type of preserved food made by seasoning beef with salt and various spices, then drying it. While it is widely known in Western countries such as the United States, the history and methods of making dried meat products exist around the world. Since ancient times, such foods have been valued for their long shelf life and portability. On Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, beef jerky can be enjoyed casually as street food, featuring unique local seasonings and serving styles.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Dong
- Meal Date
- 4/30/2022
- Food Travel Log
- A story of being saved by leaving leftovers in Vietnam
Feeling tipsy and full, I couldn't finish the beef jerky and decided to leave it. Feeling quite guilty. Then the staff casually picked up the leftovers and happily munched on them, looking like they hit the jackpot. Somehow, my heart felt lighter. Thank you, tears.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Beef jerky is a representative dried meat product made by drying beef to enhance its shelf life, and it is widely enjoyed around the world. Its origins can be traced back to the Native American preserved food "charqui," but the technique of preserving meat has developed in various regions globally. Today, it is consumed in a variety of settings, such as portable snacks, emergency rations, appetizers with alcohol, and everyday treats. In tourist areas like Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, it can also be seen as street food or at food stalls, featuring unique local seasonings.
Characteristics and Production Method
The basic method for making beef jerky involves slicing beef thinly, marinating it with salt, sugar, and spices, and then drying it at a low temperature. Even without the use of chemical preservatives, drying and salt provide effective preservation, allowing for long-term storage. Traditional jerky is prepared through smoking or sun drying, but nowadays, specialized ovens and dehydrators are commonly used. In many cases, unique flavors are added through the use of various spices and sauces. The Vietnamese style is characterized by a sweet and spicy seasoning using chili, sugar, fish sauce (nam pla), lemon grass, and sometimes served with citrus fruits.
Nutritional Value and Benefits
| Component (per 100g) | Content |
|---|---|
| Energy | Approx. 410 kcal |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sodium | Approx. 1100 mg |
Beef jerky is rich in protein, contains a moderate amount of fat, and is also high in minerals. For these reasons, it has long been valued as a nutritional source during hiking, long-distance travel, or in survival situations. Due to its high salt content, it is important to adjust consumption appropriately.
Variations Around the World
Dried meats similar to beef jerky have unique names and production methods across the globe. In Peru, it is called “charqui,” in South Africa “biltong,” in Mongolia “borts,” and in western China, it is known as “dried beef.” Each region uses its own distinctive spices and drying techniques. In Vietnam, it is known as “khô bò,” and as a street food, it features a combination of saltiness and sweetness, and sometimes sour or spicy flavors as well. It is often served with fresh lime or lemon, which gives it a refreshing citrus aroma characteristic of the local style.
Cultural Significance on Ho Chi Minh’s Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City is known as a leading nightlife area, attracting tourists from all over the world. The street is lined with international restaurants and food stalls, creating an atmosphere where visitors can easily enjoy eating while walking. The beef jerky sold on this street is a standard snack to pair with beer or cocktails. Its chewy texture, local spices, and the sourness of lime make it a favorite among both tourists and locals.
In recent years, due to health consciousness, the protein trend, and portability, beef jerky has become a food item that is regaining attention worldwide.