Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Beef Jerky
This homemade beef jerky is a flavorful and protein-packed snack that's perfect for hiking trips, road trips, or simply as a tasty treat at home. With its smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, this jerky is sure to satisfy any craving. Beef jerky has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was used by Native Americans and later adopted by pioneers as a way to preserve meat during long journeys. Now, you can create your own version with this easy recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, sliced into 1/4 inch strips Beef top round steak
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference) Red pepper flakes
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Snack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. It's easier to slice if the beef is slightly frozen.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the beef strips on the wire rack, leaving space between each strip to allow for even drying.
- 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.
- 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.
Tips
- For a sweeter jerky, increase the honey to 3 tablespoons.
- Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a unique flavor.
- If you have a dehydrator, you can use it instead of the oven for drying the jerky.