Homemade Beef Jerky
A delicious and chewy homemade beef jerky recipe that brings the perfect balance of flavor and texture without overwhelming efforts.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pounds beef (flank steak or top round or sirloin — pick a nice slab) Flank is cheaper, sirloin is nicer.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional) Tames the salt but can be omitted.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adds heat for those who like it spicy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the beef strips in the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and let it dry on paper towels.
Dehydration
- Place the strips in a dehydrator, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and chewy.
- Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Slicing against the grain is crucial for texture. If using an oven, ensure airflow by propping the door open slightly. Pat dry the strips to avoid steaming.