Dustyn Dahn’s love of his life purchased him a dehydrator as a gift, and then she demanded he make her beef jerky. Little did she know when Dustyn was under 4 feet tall (6’6” now!) used to help his grandfather in the kitchen, measuring out ingredients, and combining their secret family recipe with meat to create delectable jerky. When Dustyn was in high school, he wanted to be a chef, and attended an accelerated summer program at the CIA, Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York. So, unbeknownst to his wife, Dustyn marinated a batch to perfection, and being the Tetris master that he is, Dustyn did not waste a square inch of space in the new dehydrator.
After what seemed like days, the first jerky batch was finally finished. Dustyn pulled off the lid and savored that first bite. It was better than he could have imagined! Dustyn passed around the jerky to his wife and to his (then only) daughter. Both of them devoured it!
Not long after this, Dustyn started bringing his scrumptious snack into work. Co-workers began to take notice and would ask for some to try. Eventually Dustyn realized that there was a demand for what he could supply. Empire Jerky was born in 2019, and now shipping all across the U.S. Empire Jerky is distributed under the same of Empire Jerky, and they are located in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The next review on Empire Jerky will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their teriyaki flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as having a spin on it, with a little bit of this and a little bit of that! The jerky was graciously submitted for review by the founder, Dustyn Dahn.
Ingredient Review
Beef, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Rice), Sugar, Garlic Powder, Sesame Oil, Black Pepper, Miso (Soybeans, Water, Salt, Rice, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onions, Anchovies, Garlic, Cloves, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavorings, Chili Pepper Extract), Sugar, Brown Sugar, Salt, Liquid Hickory Smoke Flavor, Molasses, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat, Anchovies, Sesame
The beef used is guaranteed to have been raised ethically, meaning not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. As a result, the highest ingredient rating possible is Very Good (9/10).
The liquid marinade is comprised of a good teriyaki sauce, a good soy sauce, a super healthy sesame oil, super healthy miso, a well-respected brand of Worcestershire sauce, and liquid hickory smoke flavor.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and red hot pepper flakes.
The sugar level is respectable at 2 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is low at only 170 grams of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky qualifies to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservative. With more kudos to Empire Jerky, this jerky has no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
EMPIRE JERKY – TERIYAKI BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell soy. The pieces are medium in size, and they are sliced medium thick. The jerky is soft and chewy, and it leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors I encounter are salt, sweet, pepper, garlic, soy and some natural beef flavor as well. The jerky appears a bit stringy, but that’s really no issue. The teriyaki flavor is coming through quite well, and I must say, I am enjoying this teriyaki flavor a bit more than usual, only because the salt is coming through a bit stronger than most teriyaki flavors.
Again, it’s not blowing me away, but it is a good tasting jerky, a 9/10 in my estimation. Gentlemen?
Here is what Stéphane had to say: “I really like the Empire Teriyaki Beef Jerky; the flavor factor is way kicked up and delicious. This jerky is not so sweet and it is still reminiscent of a Teriyaki flavor. The flavor profile is well developed and balanced, tasty and somewhat of a mystery in its own right.”
“I taste such flavors as sesame, a slight spicy kick and some smokiness amongst a myriad of other great flavors. Although, I notice herbal notes in the background, I can’t specifically put my finger on it. In any way, it does wonders for the overall taste of this jerky and that’s what’s important.”
“I am duly impressed with the Empire Teriyaki Beef Jerky; it’s a real gem and a flavorful treat. The pleasant aroma, excellent flavor and texture of the Empire Teriyaki Beef Jerky screams loud and clear, Excellent 10/10 taste rating.”
Here is what Mark had to say about this teriyaki beef jerky flavor from Empire Jerky: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the detailed taste reviews. I have to lean towards Stéphane here. This is a great tasting teriyaki flavor unlike any other that we have tried in the past. If I were blindfolded, I would not have first guessed this to be a teriyaki flavor. This flavor is exactly as advertised, a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and I will add a little bit of unknown that blends in beautifully (guessing the miso).”
“The light spicy kick really liven up the other flavors. True for a teriyaki flavor that there is not all that much traditional sweetness present to dull down the natural flavor of beef, which is a plus in my books. Overall, this well-balanced flavor is a super interesting flair on a teriyaki flavor, and well worth a try. Two thumbs way up!!! 👍👍”
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of jerky sells online for 9.00. That works out to $3.00 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This black resealable plastic bag has a label attached to the front, and nothing on the back. There are several pictures depicted of various sports and activities that go along with refueling your body with jerky.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Made in the USA”, and “Handcrafted”.
The only bag category missing is a blurb printed about Empire Jerky, or this teriyaki flavor.
Order their jerky online: www.empirejerky.com
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