Ultimate Savory Beef Jerky Marinade
Unlock the full flavor potential of your beef jerky with this Ultimate Savory Beef Jerky Marinade. This rich blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, elevated by garlic and onion powder, creates an irresistible depth of flavor. The marinade is specially designed to enhance the natural flavors of the meat while imparting a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. Perfect for those who enjoy bold tastes, this marinade will transform your jerky into a snack that's simply unforgettable. Timing is crucial—allow your meat to soak in this savory concoction for 24 to 48 hours to achieve maximum flavor infusion before you begin the drying process.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
soy sauce
1/2 cup (Measure directly into the marinade bowl.)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (Measure directly into the marinade bowl.)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Add directly to the marinade bowl.)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (Add directly to the marinade bowl.)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the marinade bowl.)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (Add directly to the marinade bowl and mix until dissolved.)
liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the marinade bowl.)
red pepper flakes
to taste (optional) (Add to the marinade bowl if desired for heat.)
Instructions
1
Begin by calculating the amount of marinade you'll need based on the pre-trimmed weight of your meat—typically, you’ll want this marinade for every pound of beef.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, whisking them together until fully blended and the brown sugar is dissolved.
3
Place the sliced beef into a resealable plastic bag or a large airtight container. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every piece is generously coated.
4
Seal the bag or container tightly, shaking gently to distribute the marinade evenly. Refrigerate and let the meat marinate for a minimum of 24 hours, but 48 hours is recommended for deeper flavor.
5
Once marinated, you are ready to proceed with your preferred drying method, whether it's an oven, dehydrator, or smoking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Ultimate Savory Beef Jerky Marinade?
The marinade offers a rich, savory depth of flavor created by combining soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, enhanced by garlic and onion powder.
How long should I marinate the beef for the best results?
For maximum flavor infusion, it is recommended to marinate the meat for 24 to 48 hours.
What are the key liquid ingredients in this recipe?
The main liquid components are soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
How much soy sauce is needed for this marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of soy sauce per batch.
Why is brown sugar included in the jerky marinade?
Brown sugar is used to create a delightful balance of sweet notes against the savory ingredients and helps the flavor penetrate the meat.
Can I make this beef jerky spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinade bowl to achieve your desired level of heat.
What should I do to ensure the brown sugar is properly integrated?
You should whisk all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
What type of container is best for marinating the meat?
A resealable plastic bag or a large airtight container is recommended to ensure the meat stays coated and fresh.
How much marinade do I need per pound of beef?
Typically, you should prepare one batch of this marinade for every pound of pre-trimmed meat.
Is liquid smoke a mandatory ingredient?
While it adds a distinct smoky flavor, you can adjust the amount or omit it if you are using a natural smoker for the drying process.
What spices are used in this savory marinade?
The recipe uses garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
How should I prepare the garlic and onion for this recipe?
This recipe uses powder forms (1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder) which should be added directly to the marinade bowl.
Should the meat be sliced before or after marinating?
The beef should be sliced before being placed in the marinade to ensure every piece is generously coated.
What drying methods can be used with this marinade?
This marinade is compatible with various drying methods, including an oven, a dehydrator, or a smoker.
How do I ensure the marinade is evenly distributed?
After sealing the bag or container, shake it gently to distribute the liquid evenly across all meat slices.
Does this recipe contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it requires 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to add depth and umami flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this marinade recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total: soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes.
Can I use this marinade for snacks other than beef jerky?
While designed for beef jerky, the savory profile works well for various meat preparation needs requiring a rich, salty, and sweet balance.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to calculate the amount of marinade needed based on the pre-trimmed weight of your meat.
Is salt added separately to this recipe?
No additional salt is listed, as the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce typically provide sufficient sodium for the jerky.
Is black pepper a key component?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is used to add a mild bite to the savory profile.
Can the marinade be reused?
For food safety reasons, any marinade that has come into contact with raw meat should be discarded and not reused for subsequent batches.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the recommended amount of brown sugar?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
How much liquid smoke should I add?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture.
Does the recipe require refrigeration?
Yes, the meat must be refrigerated during the 24 to 48-hour marinating process.
What is the purpose of onion powder in this recipe?
Onion powder (1 teaspoon) is used to provide a savory aromatic base that complements the beef.
Are the ingredients measured before or after mixing?
Ingredients should be measured directly into the marinade bowl as you prepare to whisk them together.
Is this a good marinade for bold flavor lovers?
Yes, it is specially designed for those who enjoy bold, unforgettable tastes and deep flavor infusion.
What is the final step before drying?
The final step is to ensure the meat has marinated for the full duration before moving it to your chosen dehydrator or oven.