Homemade Beef Jerky

Ingredients

Beef top round steak

2 pounds, sliced into 1/4 inch strips

Soy sauce

1/2 cup

Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup

Liquid smoke

1 tablespoon

Honey

2 tablespoons

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Onion powder

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference)

Instructions

1. Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. It's easier to slice if the beef is slightly frozen.
2. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and honey. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all strips are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation.
5. Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
6. Arrange the beef strips on the wire rack, leaving space between each strip to allow for even drying.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is dried and chewy. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time for even drying.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let the beef jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.