How to Make Restructured Jerky with the All Around Jerky Maker
If you're looking to create that classic, gas-station-style jerky at home, but with better control over quality and consistency, restructured jerky is the way to go. The right equipment makes the process faster, easier, and more repeatable, and that is where the All Around Jerky Maker really shines.
In this guide we'll walk through the full process of making restructured jerky, from grinding to drying, and show how this attachment simplifies production and improves your results.
Restructured jerky is made by grinding meat and then forming it into uniform strips instead of slicing whole muscle cuts. This method gives you:
- Consistent texture and thickness
- Better portion control
- Efficient use of meat cuts
It is also incredibly versatile and approachable for processors at any skill level.
Select & prepare your meat
Start with a lean cut of beef, such as a sirloin roast. A little fat adds flavor, but too much can affect the final texture and shelf life.
- Use a medium grind (3/16 in plate) for ideal jerky texture
- Avoid overly fine plates (like 1/8 in), which can make the jerky too pasty
- Traditional grinder: slightly freeze the meat for 20 to 30 minutes for a cleaner grind, then run it through twice (coarse, then the medium plate)
- With a high-efficiency setup like the Walton's One Shot system, you can streamline this step without pre-freezing

Mix the jerky
Once your meat is ground, it is time to mix. Add your seasoning blend, cure, and a small amount of water. Mix until you achieve good protein extraction, a tacky, sticky consistency, and don't over-add water, since you'll need to remove it during dehydration.
Even if you plan to fully dehydrate the jerky, cure helps prevent harmful bacteria during the long drying process, preserves color and flavor, and extends shelf life.

Extrude the strips
This is where efficiency really improves. The All Around Jerky Maker attaches directly to a stuffer or grinder and extrudes uniform strips of jerky with ease. Instead of manually shaping jerky or using a jerky gun, this attachment streamlines the process and reduces mess.
- Produces consistent, flat strips every time
- Extrudes two strips at once for faster production
- Includes a parchment paper feed for easy transfer
- Helps maintain uniform thickness for even drying
- Also comes with a snack stick die for added versatility
Extrude directly onto the included parchment paper. It makes it incredibly easy to cut strips to size, transfer them to dehydrator trays, and flip them without sticking.
Dehydrate the jerky
Proper drying is essential for both safety and texture.
Know when it's done
Your jerky should be firm but slightly pliable, not overly greasy, and easy to peel from parchment or trays. Some pieces may have a bit more fat, which enhances flavor, makes them easier to remove from the trays, and adds a slightly softer bite.

You can make restructured jerky with a jerky gun or by hand, but the All Around Jerky Maker gives you:
- Greater consistency across batches
- Faster production, ideal for scaling up
- Professional-looking results
- A simplified workflow from stuffing to drying
Making restructured jerky at home doesn't have to be complicated. With the right process and tools, you can create consistent, flavorful jerky that rivals anything from the store. The All Around Jerky Maker takes the guesswork out of forming and helps you focus on what matters most: perfecting your process and producing great jerky every time.
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