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Beef Jerky Recipe

Beef Jerky

This Beef Jerky Recipe is a quick, healthy homemade snack that’s perfect for road trips, lunchboxes, or anytime you crave savory, protein-packed dried meat strips.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean beef (top round, flank steak, or eye of round) trimmed and cut into 1/4" strips
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
  • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for paleo)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Place meat on a cutting board; slice against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. (Tip: Partially freeze for 30 minutes so it doesn’t tear.)
  • In a large bowl, whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves.
  • Add beef strips to the bowl; toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Remove strips from marinade; pat with paper towels to remove excess liquid. This helps jerky dry evenly.
  • Lay strips in a single layer without overlapping. If using an oven, place them on wire racks over baking sheets.
  • Dehydrate at 160°F for 4–6 hours until firm but slightly pliable. (Check at 4 hours—thinner strips finish faster.)
  • Let cooled jerky rest for 10 minutes before transferring to airtight containers or resealable bags.

Notes

I learned that slicing thickness is key: too thin and jerky turns brittle; too thick and it stays chewy inside. Letting it rest for 10 minutes post-drying helps the fibers relax, giving that perfect bite. If you prefer a sweeter snack, bump the brown sugar slightly, but be mindful—more sugar can slow drying by holding onto moisture. For extra safety, especially if you’re oven-drying, pat the strips really dry before placing them on racks.
Keyword Beef Jerky, Healthy, Homemade Snack, Protein-packed
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