How to Make Delicious Beef Jerky at Home Without a Dehydrator

Beef jerky is a tasty and protein-packed snack that is easy to take on-the-go. While store-bought jerky can be expensive and loaded with preservatives, making your own jerky at home is simple, affordable and allows you to control the ingredients. The best part is, you don’t need any fancy equipment like a dehydrator. With just a few simple steps, you can make delicious homemade beef jerky using your oven or even a basic box fan.

Benefits of Making Homemade Beef Jerky

There are many benefits to making your own beef jerky at home

• It’s cheaper. Store-bought jerky can be expensive, with costs ranging from $5 to $10 for just a few ounces. Making your own allows you to prepare jerky in large batches for a fraction of the price.

• You control the quality. By making jerky yourself, you get to choose premium cuts of meat and fresh spices and ingredients. No questionable preservatives or artificial flavors.

• Customize flavors. Tailor the flavors to your taste buds. Go classic with just salt and pepper or get creative with teriyaki, spicy Cajun or sweet maple flavors.

• Better texture. Homemade jerky often has a better chewy-crisp texture than the rubbery store-bought versions.

• Food safety. When you DIY, you control the prep and know exactly how the meat was handled.

Tips for Making Great Homemade Jerky

Follow these simple tips for making the best homemade beef jerky:

• Use lean cuts. Choose well-marbled lean meats like flank steak or eye of round roast. Trim off any excess fat before slicing.

• Slice against the grain. This makes the jerky easier to chew. Aim for 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch thick slices.

• Marinate well. Let the meat soak for at least 2 to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

• Pat meat dry. Blot off excess marinade before dehydrating for optimal texture.

• Use a thermometer. Cook or dehydrate until it reaches an internal temp of 160°F to kill bacteria.

• Let it cool. Allow jerky to air dry for 24 hours at room temp before storage for optimal crispness.

How to Make Beef Jerky Without a Dehydrator

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make great homemade beef jerky. With a simple kitchen oven or DIY dehydrator, you can make jerky easily and inexpensively.

Oven Method

Use your oven on the lowest heat setting to slowly dehydrate the jerky. Here’s how:

1. Preheat oven to 150-200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Arrange sliced jerky strips on the sheet in a single layer without overlapping.

3. Cook for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway, until dried but slightly pliable.

4. Turn off oven and prop door open to continue drying if needed.

DIY Box Fan Method

A basic box fan can effectively dehydrate jerky when air flows through furnace filters.

1. Place sliced jerky strips in the grooves of the furnace filters. Point airflow arrow down.

2. Stack filters while loading with meat. Top with an extra filter.

3. Position horizontally on a surface with airflow underneath.

4. Run the box fan on top, blowing air down through filters.

5. Dehydrate 12-24 hours, swapping filter positions halfway.

Jerky Marinade and Seasoning Ideas

One of the best parts of homemade jerky is experimenting with different flavors. Try these tasty marinades and seasoning combinations:

• Teriyaki – soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil

• Sweet & Spicy – brown sugar, hot sauce, red pepper, garlic powder

• BBQ – ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, chili powder

• Southwest – lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano

• Hawaiian – pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder

• Maple Glaze – maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder

• Cajun – hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano

Storing and Preserving Homemade Beef Jerky

Properly storing your homemade jerky will keep it fresh and tasty for weeks:

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1-2 weeks max.

• For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.

• For best preservation, freeze jerky for 4-6 months.

• Use zip top bags or vacuum seal bags when freezing to prevent freezer burn.

• Make sure jerky is completely cool before packing for storage to prevent moisture buildup.

• For optimal safety and freshness, use frozen jerky within 1 year.

FAQs About Homemade Beef Jerky

Is homemade beef jerky safe to eat?

Yes, homemade jerky is safe if prepared properly by dehydrating at 160°F to eliminate harmful bacteria and stored in an airtight container. Discard if any mold appears.

What’s the best beef cut for jerky?

Lean cuts like flank steak, top round, bottom round, sirloin tip or eye of round work best. Trim off excess fat before slicing.

How thick should I slice the meat?

For the fastest drying time, slice beef 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inches thick against the grain. Thicker cuts will take longer to dehydrate.

How long does homemade jerky last?

Properly stored, jerky will last 1-2 weeks at room temp, 1-2 months in the fridge, or 4-6 months in the freezer.

What if I don’t have a box fan for dehydrating?

You can use a convection oven on the lowest temp setting with the door propped open to allow airflow. Just keep an eye on it.

Make Your Own Healthy Snacks with Homemade Jerky

Making your own jerky at home is easy, affordable and lets you control the ingredients. All you need is a good lean cut of meat, some simple flavorings and a way to dehydrate it either in the oven or with a box fan. In just a few hours, you can make tasty high-protein jerky to enjoy for weeks. Get creative with marinades and seasonings to customize flavors to your liking.