Savory Spiced Homemade Beef Jerky
Discover the art of crafting your own beef jerky with this delectable recipe that outshines store-bought varieties. With each bite, you’ll savor the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors enhanced by a medley of spices and sauces. This recipe not only saves you money but also allows you to customize the taste to suit your unique preferences. Ideal for a protein-packed snack or a hearty lunch option, this homemade jerky is sure to impress family and friends. Batch it up and explore various spice blends for endless delicious options!
N/A
Servings
213
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
London broil beef or flank steak
4 lbs (Trimmed of fat, sliced into 4-inch strips)
Black pepper
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons (Ground (adjust to taste))
Onion powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (Can use low sodium)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup (N/A)
Frank's Red Hot Sauce
1/2 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming all visible fat off the beef to ensure a longer shelf life.
2
Slice the steak into strips approximately 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. For easier slicing, consider partially freezing the meat for 1-2 hours beforehand.
3
Gently pound the meat with a mallet to slightly soften it, being cautious not to overly thin it out.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, liquid smoke, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank's Red Hot Sauce.
5
Add the sliced beef strips to the marinade, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
After marinating, preheat your oven to the lowest setting, typically between 150°F and 175°F.
8
Prepare baking sheets by lining them with tin foil for easy cleanup.
9
Arrange the beef strips on the sheets, ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even drying.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 hours, turning the strips once halfway through.
11
The jerky is ready when it’s dried out but still slightly chewy. Monitor closely as oven temperatures may vary.
12
Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container, and enjoy your homemade creation!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
2g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spiced Homemade Beef Jerky?
It is a protein-packed snack made by marinating and oven-drying thin strips of beef with a blend of savory and spicy ingredients.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe recommends using London broil beef or flank steak for the best results.
How much beef do I need?
You will need approximately 4 lbs of beef to make this batch of jerky.
Why should I trim the fat off the meat?
Trimming all visible fat is crucial to ensure a longer shelf life for your homemade jerky.
How thick should the beef strips be sliced?
The beef should be sliced into strips approximately 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Is there a tip for easier slicing?
Yes, partially freezing the meat for 1 to 2 hours before slicing makes it much easier to cut into uniform strips.
Why do I need to pound the meat with a mallet?
Gently pounding the meat softens it slightly, which helps with the final texture, but be careful not to make it too thin.
What spices are used in the marinade?
The spice blend includes black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the jerky?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Frank's Red Hot Sauce to suit your taste preferences.
What sauces are included in the marinade?
The marinade uses soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Frank's Red Hot Sauce for a deep, savory flavor.
How long should I marinate the beef?
You should marinate the beef for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you want to reduce the salt content.
At what temperature should I set my oven?
Set your oven to its lowest setting, typically between 150°F and 175°F.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with tin foil to make the cleanup process much easier.
Should I overlap the beef strips on the baking sheet?
No, arrange the strips so they do not overlap to ensure even drying for every piece.
How long does the jerky take to bake?
The jerky should bake for approximately 6 hours in the preheated oven.
Do I need to flip the beef strips while baking?
Yes, you should turn the strips once halfway through the baking time to ensure even drying.
How do I know when the beef jerky is done?
The jerky is ready when it is completely dried out but still maintains a slightly chewy texture.
What should the texture of the finished jerky be?
It should be dry to the touch but still flexible and slightly chewy, not brittle or rock hard.
Is it necessary to cool the jerky before storing?
Yes, allow the jerky to cool completely before placing it in a container to prevent moisture buildup.
How should I store homemade beef jerky?
Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container to keep it fresh and maintain its quality.
What are the nutritional benefits of this jerky?
This jerky is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack that is perfect for healthy eating.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 213 calories per serving of this homemade beef jerky.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, with only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, this jerky is an excellent low-carb snack option.
How much protein is in this beef jerky?
Each serving provides about 37g of protein, making it very hearty.
Can I experiment with different spice blends?
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable, and you can explore various spice blends for different flavor profiles.
Why is homemade jerky better than store-bought?
Homemade jerky is often more cost-effective, allows for flavor customization, and avoids the preservatives found in commercial brands.
Is liquid smoke necessary for this recipe?
Liquid smoke provides a traditional smoky flavor, but it is listed as an ingredient to enhance the savory profile.
Can I use Frank's Red Hot Sauce in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of Frank's Red Hot Sauce is used to provide the signature spicy kick.
Is this recipe suitable for a protein-packed snack?
Absolutely, its high protein content and savory flavor make it an ideal snack for anyone needing a protein boost.