Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Beef Jerky
Elevate your snacking game with this irresistible Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Beef Jerky. Infused with the rich, smoky essence of chipotle chiles and the sweetness of pure maple syrup, each tender strip of beef sirloin is meticulously marinated in a flavorful blend featuring Coca-Cola, soy sauce, and a touch of Hungarian paprika. The result is a deliciously complex jerky that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Ideal for camping trips, road trips, or simply enjoying at home, this jerky is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory.
36
Servings
40
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coca-Cola
1 cup (Regular, preferably chilled)
Soy Sauce
1/2 cup (Low-Sodium)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (Lea & Perrins)
Rice Vinegar
1/2 cup (Not Seasoned)
Maple Syrup
1/4 cup (Pure Syrup)
Fine Sea Salt
1 tablespoon (None)
Ground Black Pepper
8 tablespoons (Fine)
Bay Leaves
3 (Whole)
Chipotle Chiles
2 (Chopped, from canned)
Hungarian Paprika
2 tablespoons (None)
Onion
1/2 cup (Fine Diced)
Ground Red Pepper
1 teaspoon (Fine)
Whole Black Peppercorns
6 (Whole)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Fresh, chopped)
Beef Sirloin Steaks
2 lbs (Boneless, trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce reduces to about 1 cup.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped chipotle chiles, remaining tablespoon of chili sauce, Hungarian paprika, fine-diced onion, ground red pepper, whole black peppercorns, and minced garlic. Whisk again until everything is well combined. Let the marinade cool, then transfer it to an airtight container, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3
Prepare the beef by trimming any excess fat from the sirloin steaks. Place the trimmed steaks in a pie pan and freeze them for 10-15 minutes to make slicing easier. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut the beef into thin strips against the grain.
4
In a large resealable plastic bag, add the beef strips and pour in the chilled marinade. Remove any excess air from the bag, seal it tightly, and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Leave it in the refrigerator to marinate for 2-3 days, turning the bag once a day to ensure even coating.
5
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once heated, lower the oven temperature to 200°F and reposition the rack to the lower position.
6
Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Spread the marinated beef strips evenly across the parchment-lined pans, ensuring they are not overlapping. Dust the top of the strips with any remaining fine black pepper.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the jerky reaches your desired level of chewiness. Monitor the jerky closely towards the end to prevent overcooking.
8
Once done, remove the jerky from the oven and let it cool completely on the sheets before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
1.11g
Fat
1.11g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this beef jerky?
This beef jerky features a complex balance of sweet and spicy flavors, infused with smoky chipotle chiles and pure maple syrup.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless, trimmed beef sirloin steaks.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe produces approximately 36 servings.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains 40 calories, 1.11g of fat, 1.11g of carbohydrates, and 6.67g of protein.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be left to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days for the best flavor development.
Why should I freeze the beef sirloin for 10-15 minutes?
Freezing the steaks briefly makes the meat firmer, which allows you to slice it into thin strips more easily.
What is the oven temperature for baking the jerky?
After preheating to 350°F, lower the oven temperature to 200°F for the actual baking process.
How long does the jerky need to cook in the oven?
The jerky should bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of chewiness.
What liquids are used in the marinade base?
The marinade base consists of Coca-Cola, low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, and pure maple syrup.
Should the marinade be boiled?
Yes, you should bring the liquid mixture to a boil and then simmer it for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to about 1 cup.
How should the beef be sliced for jerky?
Use a sharp knife to cut the beef into thin strips against the grain.
What type of paprika is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika.
Can I use any type of maple syrup?
The recipe recommends using pure maple syrup for the best results.
What provides the smoky element in the recipe?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of two chopped chipotle chiles.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 fresh, chopped garlic cloves.
What should I use to line the baking sheets?
You should line two sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent the jerky from sticking.
How often should I turn the marinating beef bag?
Turn the bag once a day to ensure the marinade evenly coats all the beef strips.
Should the marinade be hot when added to the beef?
No, let the marinade cool and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before adding the beef.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt.
Is there a specific type of rice vinegar to use?
The recipe recommends rice vinegar that is not seasoned.
How should the jerky be stored once cooked?
Once completely cooled, the jerky should be stored in an airtight container.
What is the purpose of the whole black peppercorns?
Six whole black peppercorns are added to the marinade to enhance the spice profile.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
Reposition the oven rack to the lower position for the jerky to dry correctly.
How fine should the onion be diced?
The onion should be fine-diced to integrate well into the marinade.
Does this recipe use ground red pepper?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of fine ground red pepper is included for additional heat.
What role does Coca-Cola play in the jerky?
Coca-Cola serves as a sweet and acidic base for the marinade, helping to tenderize the meat.
How much black pepper is used in total?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of fine ground black pepper in the marinade and as a final dust.
Are bay leaves used in this recipe?
Yes, 3 whole bay leaves are included in the ingredient list.
Is the beef marinated in a bag or a bowl?
The recipe suggests using a large resealable plastic bag and removing excess air.
What should I do immediately after the jerky comes out of the oven?
Remove the jerky from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets before handling or storing.