Savory Honey Lemon Beef Jerky
Elevate your snacking experience with this mouthwatering Savory Honey Lemon Beef Jerky. This recipe features a flavorful marinade that balances sweet honey with zesty lemon juice, enhancing the natural flavor of the lean sirloin beef without overwhelming it. The lemon juice helps tenderize the meat, making it perfect for a chewy but satisfying texture. By opting for pre-sliced sirloin, often labeled as 'fajita beef' or 'stir-fry beef,' you'll save valuable prep time while still enjoying a high-protein snack that's great for lunches, hikes, or game days. Drying the jerky low and slow in the oven creates an irresistible snack that's packed with flavor and sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean sirloin beef
1.5 lbs (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Honey
1/2 cup (none)
Soy sauce or Tamari
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon juice
4 tablespoons (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Place the beef strips into a large plastic zipper bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag and toss to ensure all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
3
The next day, preheat your oven to 180 degrees F and line the oven rack below (optional) with aluminum foil to catch any drips for easy cleaning.
4
After preheating, remove the beef from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the strips on a baking rack in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
5
Prop the oven door slightly ajar using an oven mitt to allow moisture to escape. This helps the drying process and prevents the meat from steaming.
6
Dry the jerky in the oven for approximately 5 to 7 hours, checking at the 5-hour mark for doneness. The jerky should be firm and slightly pliable but not fragile. Blot away any excess grease with a paper towel if necessary.
7
Once dried to your liking, remove the strips from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Honey Lemon Beef Jerky?
It is a high-protein, flavorful snack made from lean sirloin beef marinated in a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, then dried low and slow in an oven.
What is the best cut of beef for this jerky?
Lean sirloin beef is recommended. You can also use pre-sliced 'fajita beef' or 'stir-fry beef' to save time.
How thick should the beef be sliced?
The beef should be sliced approximately 1/4 inch thick for the best drying results.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use a soy sauce substitute?
Yes, tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative to soy sauce for this recipe.
Why is lemon juice used in jerky?
Lemon juice provides a zesty flavor and acts as a natural tenderizer for the beef.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be refrigerated in the marinade overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
At what temperature should the jerky be dried?
The oven should be preheated and set to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prevent the jerky from steaming in the oven?
Prop the oven door slightly ajar using an oven mitt to allow moisture to escape during the drying process.
What is the purpose of propping the oven door open?
It facilitates airflow and removes moisture, ensuring the meat dries out rather than cooking or steaming.
How long does the drying process take?
Drying typically takes between 5 to 7 hours depending on your oven and the thickness of the meat.
When should I first check the jerky for doneness?
Start checking the jerky at the 5-hour mark.
What should the final texture of the jerky be?
The jerky should be firm and slightly pliable, but not so dry that it becomes fragile or brittle.
Should I remove excess marinade before drying?
Yes, shake off any excess liquid from the beef strips before placing them on the baking rack.
How should I arrange the beef on the rack?
Place the strips in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to allow even drying.
How do I keep my oven clean during this process?
You can line the oven rack below the jerky with aluminum foil to catch any drips.
What should I do if the jerky is greasy after drying?
Blot away any excess grease with a paper towel while the jerky is still warm.
How should the finished jerky be stored?
Store the jerky in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Do I need to cool the jerky before storing it?
Yes, let the jerky strips cool completely at room temperature before placing them in storage.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, because it uses lean sirloin beef, it is a high-protein snack option.
Can I make this recipe in a dehydrator?
While these instructions are for an oven, you can use a dehydrator set to a similar temperature.
Is this jerky recipe gluten-free?
It is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
What does the honey add to the recipe?
Honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce and acidic lemon juice.
Can I use other cuts of meat?
You can use other lean cuts like flank steak or eye of round if sirloin is unavailable.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: lean sirloin, garlic, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
Can I increase the spice level?
Yes, you can add more black pepper or even red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier jerky.
Is this a good snack for hiking?
Yes, its high protein content and shelf-stable nature make it perfect for hiking or long trips.
Does the salt amount need to be adjusted?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but remember that soy sauce also contains significant sodium.
What if I don't have an oven mitt to prop the door?
Any heat-safe object that can safely keep the door open a few inches will work.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, bottled lemon juice works fine, though fresh juice provides a brighter flavor profile.