For a sweeter jerky, increase the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. If you prefer a spicier jerky, add an additional ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. To prolong the shelf life of your jerky, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. For a deeper smoke flavor, consider using a smoker instead of a dehydrator. Follow the smoker's instructions for jerky preparation.
Matt's Jerky Recipe
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME8 hrs
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TOTAL TIME26 hrs 35 mins
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SERVING10 People
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VIEWS36
Transform humble cuts of beef into a deeply savory and subtly spiced jerky with this foolproof recipe. Perfect for outdoor adventures or a satisfying snack, this jerky boasts a rich, smoky flavor with a delightful kick.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate6 g
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Cholesterol68 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein27 g
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Saturated Fat2 g
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Sodium1084 mg
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Sugar3 g
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Fat5 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepChill the beef in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes. This will firm it up, making it significantly easier to slice thinly and evenly. (Prep time: 20 minutes)
02
StepUsing a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into strips approximately ¼-inch thick. Consistent thickness is key for even drying. (Prep time: 20 minutes)
03
StepIn a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is homogenous. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
04
StepAdd the beef strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours, stirring at least twice during the marination process to ensure even flavor penetration. (Marinating time: 18-24 hours)
05
StepPreheat your dehydrator to 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), following the manufacturer's instructions. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
06
StepRemove the beef strips from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Arrange the strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not overlapping. Discard the remaining marinade. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
07
StepDehydrate the beef strips until they are dried but still pliable, about 8 hours. The exact time will depend on your dehydrator and the thickness of the strips. Check for doneness by bending a strip; it should crack but not break completely. (Dehydrating time: ~8 hours)
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Tessie Blick
Jun 25, 2025The freezing tip made slicing so much easier. Thank you!
Jeanne Dach
Apr 25, 2025I love the level of spice in this recipe. It's just right!
Dianna Roob
Apr 20, 2025I added a bit of honey for sweetness and it was amazing!
Mac Legros
Apr 10, 2025The marinating time really makes a difference. So flavorful!
Golda Beahan
Apr 10, 2025This is now my go-to jerky recipe. Highly recommend!
Christa Skiles
Mar 1, 2025This recipe is fantastic! The flavor is spot-on, and the jerky turned out perfect.
Letha Graham
Feb 25, 2025I use this recipe for both beef and venison with great success.
Junior Howe
Dec 25, 2024Followed the recipe exactly and it was delicious!