Description

Indulge in the savory delight of homemade beef jerky! This protein-packed snack is easy to make and customizable with your favorite spices. Perfect for outdoor adventures or cozy nights at home, this jerky promises a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck roast
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 drops liquid smoke (optional)

Instructions

Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Slice it against the grain into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and liquid smoke until fully combined.
Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat your dehydrator to the manufacturer's instructions or set your oven to 160°F (70°C).
Remove beef from marinade and shake off excess liquid. Arrange strips flat on dehydrator trays or on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Dehydrate for 4-6 hours until dry but pliable; it should crack when bent but not break.
Allow jerky to cool completely before storing in airtight containers or zip-top bags.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrating
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 28g
Calories: 116
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 586mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Choose lean cuts for better texture and flavor. Patting the beef dry before dehydrating enhances flavor absorption. Get creative with marinades by adding spices like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper.