Beef Jerky Quick And Easy Recipe

Beef jerky is one of those snacks that never gets old. It is chewy, savory, and perfect for road trips or hiking. I used to buy expensive bags at the store. Then I learned how easy it is to make at home. You can control the spice, the salt, and the texture. In this post, I will show you how to make beef jerky in 10 different ways. From the original recipe to dehydrator, oven, smoker, air fryer, and even ground beef versions. Let me help you make the best homemade jerky.

Beef Jerky Original Recipe

Beef jerky original recipe is the classic version with soy sauce, Worcestershire, and a simple spice blend. The homemade beef jerky is chewy and flavorful. This jerky recipe uses top round or flank steak. The blog has a video of the slicing technique.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds top round or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

How To Make

• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika.
• Add beef slices and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 4 to 24 hours.
• Preheat oven to 175°F or use a dehydrator.
• Place beef slices on dehydrator trays or on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Dry for 4 to 6 hours until the jerky bends and cracks but does not break.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Dehydrator Recipe

Beef jerky dehydrator recipe uses a food dehydrator for perfect results every time. The dehydrator jerky is evenly dried and chewy. This beef jerky recipe is simple and foolproof. The blog has a dehydrator temperature guide.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Mix marinade ingredients. Add beef and marinate for 6 hours.
• Arrange beef slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
• Set dehydrator to 160°F. Dry for 4 to 6 hours until jerky is done.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Oven recipe

Beef jerky oven recipe is perfect if you do not have a dehydrator. The oven jerky dries at a low temperature with the door slightly open. This beef jerky recipe is a great alternative. The blog has a tip for using a wooden spoon to keep the door open.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Marinate beef for 4 to 8 hours.
• Preheat oven to 175°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
• Arrange beef slices on the rack.

– Prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.

• Bake for 3 to 5 hours until jerky is dry and chewy.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef jerky smoker recipe

Beef jerky smoker recipe adds a smoky, wood fired flavor. The smoker jerky is incredible. Use hickory, mesquite, or applewood chips. This beef jerky recipe is a game changer. The blog has a wood chip guide.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

How To Make

• Marinate beef for 6 hours.
• Preheat smoker to 175°F. Add wood chips.
• Place beef slices on smoker racks.
• Smoke for 4 to 6 hours until jerky is dry and chewy.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Air Fryer Recipe

Beef jerky air fryer recipe is the fastest method. The air fryer jerky is ready in about 2 hours. This beef jerky recipe is perfect for small batches. The blog has a temperature setting guide.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Marinate beef for 2 to 4 hours.
• Preheat air fryer to 180°F.
• Place beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
• Air fry for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway, until jerky is dry and chewy.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Marinade Recipe

Beef jerky marinade recipe is all about the flavor. This jerky marinade uses soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. The beef jerky comes out sweet and savory. The blog has a spicy version with red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
• Add 2 pounds of thinly sliced beef. Toss to coat.
• Marinate for 4 to 24 hours.
• Dry using your preferred method (dehydrator, oven, smoker, or air fryer).

Beef Jerky Homemade Recipe

Beef jerky homemade recipe is made completely from scratch. I slice the meat myself and make the marinade from pantry staples. This homemade beef jerky has no preservatives. The blog has a meat selection guide.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds eye of round or top round
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Trim all visible fat from the beef. Place in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up.
• Slice very thinly against the grain.
• Mix marinade ingredients. Add beef and marinate for 6 hours.
• Dry using your preferred method.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Dehydrator Oven Recipe

Beef jerky dehydrator oven recipe combines both methods. You can start in the oven and finish in the dehydrator, or vice versa. This beef jerky recipe is flexible. The blog has a combination guide.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make

• Marinate beef for 4 hours.
• Preheat oven to 175°F. Dry for 2 hours on a wire rack.
• Transfer to dehydrator at 160°F for 2 more hours.
• Check for doneness. Store.

Beef Jerky Dehydrator Ground Beef Recipe

Beef jerky dehydrator ground beef recipe uses ground beef to make jerky strips. You need a jerky gun or a rolling pin. The ground beef jerky is a fun variation. The blog has a jerky gun guide.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon curing salt (optional)

How To Make

• In a bowl, mix ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and curing salt.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Using a jerky gun or rolling pin, shape the meat into thin strips on dehydrator trays.
• Dehydrate at 160°F for 4 to 6 hours until dry and firm.
• Store in an airtight container.

Beef Jerky Dehydrator Teriyaki Recipe

Beef jerky dehydrator teriyaki recipe adds a sweet, Asian inspired flavor. The teriyaki jerky is made with soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple juice. This beef jerky is a favorite. The blog has a low sodium option.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

How To Make

• Mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
• Add beef and marinate for 6 hours.
• Arrange on dehydrator trays.
• Dehydrate at 160°F for 4 to 6 hours.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of beef for jerky?

Top round, bottom round, eye of round, and flank steak are the best. They are lean and slice well.

Do I need to remove all fat?

Yes. Fat does not dry well and can make the jerky go rancid. Trim it off before slicing.

How thin should I slice the beef?

Slice about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Partially freezing the meat makes slicing easier.

How do I know when jerky is done?

It should bend and crack slightly but not break. It should be dry on the outside but still slightly chewy inside.

How long does homemade jerky last?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, keep in the fridge or freezer.

Can I make jerky without curing salt?

Yes. Curing salt is optional. Without it, the jerky will have a shorter shelf life. Store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

Making beef jerky at home is easy and rewarding. Whether you use the original recipe, a dehydrator, an oven, a smoker, or an air fryer, you can make delicious jerky. I hope you try the teriyaki recipe for a sweet twist or the ground beef recipe for something different. The homemade beef jerky is healthier and tastes so much better than store bought. Now you have everything you need to make perfect beef jerky. Happy drying.