How to Rehydrate Jerky: Bring Dried Beef and Pork Snacks Back to Life

Quick Answer

The best way to rehydrate jerky is to steam it briefly. Place the jerky in a steamer basket over simmering water for 1–2 minutes, then let it rest in a sealed container. This method works for both beef and pork jerky and restores moisture without making it soggy.

Jerky is a favorite high-protein snack because it's portable and shelf-stable, but sometimes it comes out drier than you'd like. Whether you've opened a new bag of KRAVE Sea Salt Original beef jerky or you're reviving a forgotten pack of Black Cherry BBQ pork jerky, knowing how to rehydrate jerky can turn a tough chew into a tender bite.

The good news is you don't need special equipment or complicated techniques. With a few common kitchen tools, you can soften beef jerky and rehydrate pork jerky in just a few minutes. This guide walks you through the safest and most effective methods, plus common mistakes to avoid.

Why Jerky Gets Dry and How Moisture Helps

Jerky is made by removing moisture from meat, which concentrates flavor and preserves it. That's why it's such a great snack for hiking, road trips, or office drawers. But the same process that gives jerky its long shelf life can leave it tough and chewy, especially if the package has been opened for a while or stored in a dry environment.

Rehydrating jerky is about adding back a small amount of moisture to soften the texture without turning it into a soggy mess. The goal is to make the jerky tender enough to enjoy while keeping its concentrated flavor. Different cuts and thicknesses respond differently, so you may need to experiment with timing.

• Thinner slices rehydrate faster than thick cuts.
• Pork jerky often has a slightly different texture than beef, so check it frequently.
• Always reheat jerky to a safe temperature if it has been at room temperature for a long time.

Steaming: The Most Reliable Method

Steaming is the most effective way to soften beef jerky and rehydrate pork jerky because it adds moisture evenly without soaking the meat. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the jerky in a steamer basket or on a heatproof plate that fits above the water. Cover the pot and steam for 1 to 2 minutes.

After steaming, remove the jerky and let it cool for a minute. The steam will have softened the fibers, making it easier to chew. If the jerky is still tough, steam for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it—jerky that's steamed too long can become mushy and lose its characteristic texture.

• Use tongs to handle hot jerky.
• Pat the jerky dry with a paper towel if it looks too wet.
• Steam in small batches for more control.

Alternative Methods: Damp Paper Towel and Microwave

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a damp paper towel and a microwave. Wrap the jerky in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave on low power for 10 to 15 seconds. Check the texture and repeat if needed. This method is quick but can easily overdo it, so use short bursts.

Another option is to place the jerky in a resealable bag with a damp paper towel and leave it for a few hours. This is a gentler method that works well if you're planning ahead. It's especially useful for reviving dried jerky that's been sitting in the pantry for a while.

• Microwave in 10-second intervals to avoid overheating.
• The paper towel method takes longer but gives you more control.
• Never use a wet paper towel that's dripping—just damp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake when rehydrating jerky is adding too much moisture. Soaking jerky in water or broth will make it soggy and wash away flavor. Instead, use steam or a damp cloth to add just enough moisture to soften the texture.

Another mistake is reheating jerky at too high a temperature. High heat can cook the jerky further, making it tougher. Always use low heat or steam, and check frequently. Finally, don't forget to store rehydrated jerky in the fridge if you're not eating it right away—moisture can encourage bacterial growth.

• Avoid boiling jerky in liquid.
• Don't microwave on high—use low power.
• Refrigerate any rehydrated jerky you don't eat immediately.

Step-by-Step: How to Rehydrate Jerky

1. Prepare the steamer: Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket or heatproof plate above the water. Check that the water isn't touching the jerky—steam, not water, is what you want.
2. Steam the jerky: Place the jerky in a single layer in the steamer. Cover the pot and steam for 1–2 minutes, then check the texture. If it's still tough, steam for another 30 seconds. Don't walk away—it can quickly become too soft.
3. Rest and serve: Remove the jerky from the steamer and let it rest for a minute on a plate. Pat dry if needed, then enjoy. For best results, eat right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.

KRAVE Jerky Flavors to Try Rehydrating

• Sea Salt Original: BEEF UP with tender slices of our deliciously indulgent Original Style jerky. Sweet, savory, and perfectly sea-salty...it's sure to satisfy all your KRAVINGS! This beef jerky's balanced sweet and savory profile makes it a great candidate for rehydration—steaming brings back its tender texture without dulling the sea salt flavor.
• Black Cherry BBQ: KRAVE Black Cherry BBQ Pork Jerky delivers tender slices of pork infused with a sweet and peppery black cherry barbecue sauce. This protein-packed snack is crafted for those who enjoy a bold, savory bite with a hint of fruity sweetness. Pork jerky can dry out faster than beef, so knowing how to rehydrate pork jerky helps you enjoy the bold black cherry barbecue flavor at its best texture.

Rehydrating jerky is a simple skill that can save a dry snack and make it enjoyable again. Whether you prefer beef or pork, steaming is the most reliable method to soften beef jerky and rehydrate pork jerky without compromising flavor. Try it with your favorite KRAVE flavors and enjoy a tender, satisfying snack.