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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Smoky Beef Jerky

This homemade beef jerky recipe has a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that will satisfy any craving for a high protein snack. Made with lean beef, soy sauce, honey, and a blend of spices, this jerky is dried to a chewy and tender texture that's perfect for on-the-go snacking or adding to your favorite dishes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Marinating4 hours
Total Time10 hours 15 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 213kcal

Equipment

  • Dehydrator or oven

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank or skirt steak sliced thin, ⅛- to ¼-inch thick

Marinade

  • 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper up to 1 teaspoon
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder or dried onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, black pepper, onion powder, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  • If needed, place the steak in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to firm it up. Slice the beef into ⅛- to ¼-inch-thick strips, either with the grain for a chewier jerky or against the grain for a more tender texture.
  • Place the sliced beef in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, tossing to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 6 hours, turning the meat once or twice if possible.
  • Remove the beef from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Pat lightly with paper towels if desired.
  • Arrange the beef strips in a single layer on your dehydrator trays, leaving a little space between each piece for airflow.
  • Dehydrate according to your dehydrator manufacturer's instructions (mine takes about 6 hours on a medium-low setting). Begin checking after about 4 to 5 hours. The jerky is done when it is dry to the touch, bends without breaking, and cracks slightly when folded.

Oven Method

  • Preheat the oven to 170°F, or the lowest temperature your oven will maintain.
  • Arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the meat. If you don't have a wire rack, place the strips directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning them halfway through drying.
  • Bake for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and your oven. If your oven doesn't vent well, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to help moisture escape.
  • Begin checking after about 3 hours. The jerky is finished when it is dry but still slightly pliable, bending with small cracks rather than snapping in half.

Notes

Partially freezing the beef before slicing makes it much easier to cut thin, even strips. 
Lean cuts such as flank or skirt steak work best because excess fat can shorten the shelf life of homemade jerky. 
Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. 

Storage

Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1459mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 4mg