Description
Authentic old west beef jerky recipe with simple ingredients and traditional methods. This homemade jerky delivers deep smoky flavor and perfect chew without artificial additives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lean beef (top round, bottom round, or flank steak)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Start with partially frozen meat for easier slicing. Trim all visible fat and slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
- Create the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, and spices in a medium bowl.
- Marinate the Beef: Place beef strips in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over them, and massage gently. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Drain and Pat Dry: Remove beef from marinade and pat strips dry with paper towels to ensure proper drying.
- Arrange for Drying: Place strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays or oven racks, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap.
- Dry the Jerky: In dehydrator at 160°F for 4-6 hours, or in oven at lowest temperature (170°F) with door slightly ajar for 4-6 hours. Jerky is done when it bends without breaking and has firm, leathery texture.
- Cool Completely: Transfer jerky to cooling rack and let come to room temperature before storing.
Notes
Store in airtight containers in cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for 1-2 months or freeze for up to 6 months. Add food-safe silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg