How to Make Delicious Homemade Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a tasty and protein-packed snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily make your own homemade beef jerky right in your own kitchen. This allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste

Ingredients Needed

To make homemade beef jerky you will need

• Lean beef: Top round, eye of round, or flank steak work best since they are lean cuts. Choose a cut that is 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inches thick.

• Soy sauce Provides salty flavor Use 1 cup

• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor. Use 3 tablespoons.

• Brown sugar: Helps retain moisture and gives sweetness. Use 1 cup packed brown sugar.

• Spices: Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes add flavor. Use 1-2 teaspoons of each.

• Meat tenderizer: Contains enzymes that help tenderize the beef. Use 1 teaspoon.

Prep the Meat

• Trim off any excess fat from the beef. Any remaining fat can turn rancid during the drying process.

• Place the beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours until slightly firm but not completely frozen. This makes it easier to slice thinly.

• Slice the beef against the grain into long 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch thick strips. Cutting against the grain helps the jerky chew easier.

Make the Marinade

• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, meat tenderizer, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

• Whisk well until the sugar dissolves to make a smooth marinade.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

Marinate the Meat

• Place the sliced beef into a resealable plastic bag or into a bowl.

• Pour the marinade over the beef. Make sure all the pieces are well coated.

• Seal the bag or cover the bowl and place in the fridge for 8-24 hours. Occasionally flip or massage the bag to redistribute the marinade.

• The longer it marinates, the more flavor infuses into the meat.

Dehydrate the Meat

• Line baking sheets with foil and place wire racks on top. This allows air circulation for even drying.

• Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer on the racks. Discard excess marinade.

• Bake at 175°F for 3-4 hours, rotating the trays halfway through. Prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.

• The beef jerky is done when it appears stiff, leathery, and dry to the touch. It should bend without breaking.

• Let cool completely before storing.

Storage

• Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing or it can mold.

• Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature up to 1-2 weeks.

• For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the jerky in airtight packaging.

With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can easily make your own delicious homemade beef jerky. Customize the flavors to your taste by experimenting with different spices and levels of sweetness and heat. Make a big batch to have on hand for snacking anytime!

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Beef Jerky

Follow these tips for getting the best results when making homemade beef jerky:

• Use lean cuts of beef. Flank steak, eye of round, or top round work best. Trim off all visible fat which can go rancid.

• Partially freeze the meat before slicing. This makes it easier to slice the beef very thinly, between 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick.

• Slice against the grain. Cutting against the grain makes the jerky easier to chew once dried.

• Marinate 8 hours or overnight. Allowing time for the marinade to penetrate the meat results in more flavor.

• Use a sweet marinade. The sugar helps retain moisture, resulting in a tender, not brittle, jerky.

• Dry thoroughly. Bake at 175°F for 3-4 hours until stiff and dry to prevent mold growth during storage.

• Allow to cool before storage. Letting the jerky cool completely before storage prevents sweating and moisture build up.

• Store in an airtight container. Whether storing at room temperature short-term or refrigerating or freezing long-term, use an airtight container.

• Use within 1-2 weeks. For best quality and safety, use homemade beef jerky within 1-2 weeks when stored at room temperature.

• Customize the flavors. Experiment with different spices, salt levels, sweeteners, and heat to customize to your taste.

Following these handy tips will help you achieve delicious, flavored beef jerky every time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create your own secret family recipe in no time!

Favorite Beef Jerky Marinade Flavor Ideas

One of the best parts of making your own beef jerky is that you can customize the flavor. Here are some delicious marinade ideas to try:

Teriyaki – soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar

Bourbon – bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, onion, liquid smoke

Spicy Sriracha – sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic

Southwest – chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic, oregano, lime juice, salt

Root Beer – root beer, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, liquid smoke

Honey Maple – maple syrup, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, cinnamon

Margarita – lime juice, orange juice, tequila, salt, chili powder

Garlic Pepper – coarse black pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, Worcestershire

Honey Sriracha – sriracha, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic

Get creative and come up with your own signature flavor! Let the marinated jerky sit for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator so the flavor can really get infused into the meat before dehydrating.

Serving Ideas for Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is the perfect high-protein snack for hiking, road trips, camping, and more. Here are some ideas for eating and serving your homemade jerky:

• Pack in snack bags or small containers for easy grab-and-go snacking. Take it hiking, to work, or keep some in your car for anytime.

• Make jerkywrapped rolls by spreading cream cheese or peanut butter on the jerky then wrapping around crisp vegetables like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips.

• Sprinkle crumbled jerky over salads, pasta dishes, rice bowls or soups as an extra protein boost.

• Stuff pieces into sandwiches and wraps for a tasty filling along with cheese slices, veggies, and condiments.

• Pair jerky with fresh fruit like apple and pear slices for a balanced snack.

• Garnish Bloody Mary cocktails with a homemade jerky swizzle stick.

• Chop jerky into small bits to use as a salad topping in place of bacon or croutons.

• Make a jerky snack mix by combining chopped jerky with nuts, pretzels, popcorn, cereal and dried fruit.

With so many options, you’ll never get bored eating your homemade beef jerky! It makes a satisfying high-protein snack you can feel good about.

Storing Leftover Beef Jerky

Properly stored, leftover homemade beef jerky will keep for 1-2 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, here are some tips:

• Let the jerky cool completely before packing to prevent moisture accumulation.

• Use airtight containers like mason jars, plastic containers, or zip top bags, pressing out excess air.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. The cooler temperature helps extend the shelf life.

• For storage up to 6 months, place packed jerky in the freezer. Allow to thaw before eating for best texture.

• Check leftovers periodically for any mold growth, which signals spoilage. Discard any jerky with mold.

• For maximum food safety and quality, use homemade beef jerky within 1-2 weeks. Discard any leftovers that exceed this timeframe.

With proper storage in airtight packing, you can enjoy your homemade beef jerky for weeks and months to come. Just be diligent about checking for signs of spoilage before eating.

Is Dehydrated Beef Jerky Safe To Eat?

Yes, dehydrated homemade beef jerky is safe to eat if it is properly prepared and stored. Here are some tips:

• Use only fresh, high-quality lean beef. Do not use meat that is expired or questionable.

• Slice the beef thinly, between 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick, to facilitate thorough drying.

• Marinate the beef in the refrigerator, never leaving it out at room temperature.

• Completely dehydrate the jerky, until stiff and leathery with no moisture left. This prevents bacterial growth.

• Allow jerky to cool fully before packing for storage to avoid moisture accumulation.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 6 months refrigerated or frozen.

• Discard any beef jerky that develops mold, as this indicates spoilage.

• Adhere to the 1-2 week room temperature storage timeline for food safety. Do not eat jerky stored any longer.

As long as these food safety guidelines are followed, homemade beef jerky is a safe snack choice to include in your diet. Be diligent and discard any questionable jerky.