03/14/2026
Make your own flavorful beef jerky at home!
It’s savory, chewy, and packed with bold seasoning. Perfect for snacks, road trips, or protein on the go.
Homemade Beef Jerky
Best Meat Cuts
Use lean cuts so it dries well.
Good options:
• Top round
• Bottom round
• Eye of round
• Flank steak
• Sirloin tip
Fat can spoil jerky, so trim as much as possible.
Ingredients
2 lbs lean beef
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp curing salt
1️⃣ Slice the Beef
1. Freeze meat 30–45 minutes (makes slicing easier).
2. Slice ⅛–¼ inch thin strips.
3. Cut with the grain for chewy jerky or against the grain for softer jerky.
2️⃣ Marinate
1. Mix all marinade ingredients.
2. Toss beef strips in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate 8–24 hours.
3️⃣ Dry the Jerky
Oven Method
1. Preheat oven to 170°F (75°C).
2. Place strips on wire rack over baking sheet.
3. Bake 3–5 hours, turning once.
Dehydrator Method
1. Set dehydrator to 160°F (70°C).
2. Dry 4–6 hours until firm but flexible.
4️⃣ How to Know It’s Done
Jerky should:
• Bend but not snap
• No visible moisture
• Slightly chewy
Storage
• Room temp (sealed): 1 week
• Fridge: 3–4 weeks
• Freezer: 3 months