Chew On This Jerky - Korean Style BBQ

Chew On This Jerky is a new brand of jerky launched in April 2018 by Eric Bowlus and Grace Bowlus, based out of Corona, CA.

Veteran-owned and operated, the Bowlus' history in craft jerky goes back over 40 years working in the food manufacturing industry. Eric began making jerky as a hobby just within the last five. After a couple of years making dehydrated meats, he decided to turn it into a business.

This Korean Style BBQ variety doesn't come with any further description or claims by the company.

Ingredients

Beef, soy sauce, water, white sugar, lemon juice, chili paste, onion powder, ground ginger

Review

The first flavors that I identify is a light sweet along with a light meat flavor. There's a faint ginger that comes in later. The chewing brings on a light soy sauce that soon shifts into something more teriyaki-like. The onion and garlic pick up towards the end.

For being labeled, "Korean Style BBQ" this offers a Asian-like palate, but not quite what I associate with Korean Style BBQ or Korean "Bulgogi". It does have a loose resemblance to bulgogi, but still misses the mark. It's actually more similar to Japanese Teriyaki, but I still don't see this true teriyaki either. The chili paste ingredient doesn't really come through well.

Otherwise, the primary taste profile is a lightly sweetened soy sauce, but seasoned with onion and garlic. The soy sauce itself remains light, not well defined. The natural meat flavors are also light. In terms of heat, there is none, it's totally mild.

The meat consistency is excellent. These are soft, tender strips of meat that chew easily and burst with flavor. Only small amounts of fat are noted, and little stringiness. Once chewed down, they take on a meaty texture but closer chewing like soft prime rib.

Verdict

This Korean Style BBQ from Chew On This Jerky offers up a Asian-esque profile centered mainly around a light soy sauce flavor, gently sweetened with garlic and onion seasonings. The Korean Style BBQ component is there, perhaps reminiscent of Korean bulgogi, yet with shades of Japanese teriyaki. It's certainly Asian-inspired, but more like an American-style crossover with its balance between savory, sweet and salty. It's totally mild and suitable for all tolerances. The meat consistency is perhaps the biggest draw with its tender slices, easy chewing, and meaty, steak-like texture. Overall, it's quite snackable and targeted for American meat snackers who want something different without going overboard.

Rating: Good (4/5)