I didn't take any pics earlier, but here is a shot of some of the first to come out of the dehydrator:
I am much happier with the results of this - much more tender and no grit. A few of the pieces of beef appear to be almost paper-flat in the pic above, but they're not.
What I did differently this time -
Instead of putting seasonings into a bag, adding the meat and shaking, laid the meat out on parchment and sprinkled both sides. (Still bagged and put in fridge overnight.) Started at 160F for half an hour, then popped the temp down to 145 for a couple hours. One of the sites I looked at recommended putting pork into the oven at 200F for half an hour to ensure no salmonella, so I did that to the pork but not to the beef. Returned the pork to the dehydrator at 145F for another half hour before removing the pieces above. Continued the thicker pieces in the dehydrator for another half hour after that.
Let's see if I can remember what I used for the dry rub….
Pork: Lemongrass, garlic, salt, sugar, ginger, allspice, thyme, fatalii
Beef: Cumin, cilantro, salt, sugar, garlic, ginger, allspice, coriander, thyme, aji panca
I think I'm forgetting something or other, but that was late last night so I don't remember.
So question for those of you who regularly make jerky - Do you include the step of putting pork in the oven at 200F when drying at the temps I indicate above? Note I'm looking for a not-tough texture and low in salt. I am cutting against the grain to help with the bite, which is also part of why I am going with a thicker cut. I am okay storing these in the fridge, but are there any other considerations I should keep in mind?