Homemade Smokey BBQ Beef Jerky Recipe
Indulge in the robust flavors of Homemade BBQ Beef Jerky—an irresistible blend of smokiness, sweetness, and savory goodness. This delightful snack combines the rich flavors of beef with a smoky, tangy BBQ marinade. Perfect for satisfying your snack cravings with a protein-packed punch, this homemade treat is a delicious testament to the art of jerky-making.
Equipment
- sharp knife
- Airtight container or ziploc bags
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of lean beef - flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - adjust for spice preference
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well-combined.
Step 2: Slicing the Beef
- Trim excess fat from the beef and slice it thinly against the grain. Aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick for optimal drying.
Step 3: Marinating the Beef
- Place the beef slices in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the BBQ marinade over the beef, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Dehydrating
- Preheat your dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the beef slices on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 4-6 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Step 5: Storage
- Allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bags to maintain freshness.
Notes
Additional Information:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes (excluding marinating and dehydrating time)
- Servings: This recipe yields about 8–10 servings.
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 calories per 1-ounce serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.