Sweet and Spicy Pork Jerky Recipe (Delectable Dehydrator Delight)
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with our Sweet and Spicy Pork Jerky. This homemade treat, crafted with a dehydrator, offers a flavorful journey with tender pork strips infused with a delicious blend of sweet and spicy seasonings.
Equipment
- Food dehydrator
- sharp knife
- Ziplock bags or airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 900g lean pork loin or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sesame seeds for garnish - optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Begin by slicing the pork loin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. A sharp knife will make this process much easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
- Place the thinly sliced pork into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Dehydrator
- Preheat your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Arrange and Dehydrate
- Lay the marinated pork slices on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece.
- Dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for approximately 6–8 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired level of dryness.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
- The jerky is done when it bends without breaking. It should have a slightly chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
- Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing.
- Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added visual appeal.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
- Store the Sweet and Spicy Pork Jerky in airtight containers or Ziplock bags.
- Enjoy this delightful snack whenever the mood strikes!
Notes
Customization
Feel free to experiment with different marinade ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile. You can also use different cuts of pork or even wild boar to mix things up. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can still make your jerky in the oven or smoker. Chinese pork jerky is a popular variation that uses different spices and seasonings. You can also use a jerky gun to create your jerky strips with ground pork.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.