Description
Homemade beef jerky is a delicious and protein-packed snack that’s easy to make. By using lean cuts of beef and a flavorful marinade, you can create jerky that’s both tender and full of rich, smoky taste. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a savory treat on-the-go.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lean beef (Top round, London broil, or similar cuts)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon curing salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Partially freeze the beef for 1-2 hours. Slice it into thin strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Make the Marinade: Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and curing salt in a bowl.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the beef slices in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, remove excess air, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Dry the Beef: Preheat oven to the lowest setting (175°F) or set a dehydrator to 160°F. Remove beef from marinade, pat dry, and arrange in a single layer on a baking rack over a baking sheet or on dehydrator trays.
- Dehydrate the Beef:
- Oven: Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Dehydrator: Follow manufacturer’s instructions, typically 4-6 hours.
- Cool and Store: Let jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for a few months, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use curing salt for better preservation and a classic cured flavor.
- Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g