Homemade Beef Jerky
Everyone is trying to eat better these days. I know I am. I really do try to feed the family real food everyday. I know this is hard for a lot of you out there. Some days you just can’t help it! It’s life. But sometimes little changes can make a big difference.
Sometimes you just want some beef jerky. It’s good protein right? But read your label folks! Yuck! And the good stuff is so expensive! Well enter my recipe for homemade beef jerky! This is not hard guys and it tastes so much better and is so much better for you. I think the kids would enjoy this one too. Maybe even take it to school? Maybe not. It’s hard to compete with chips.
I use beef stir fry meat here. You can get this already cut at the grocery store. It’s a great time saver! I have used it cut super skinny and cut a little thicker. I decided I prefer it cut thicker. It just holds up better because it will shrink when it dehydrates. You can always just cut the meat yourself. I have done it plenty of times. I use top round sirloin for this. Its the same meat as my Quick and Easy “Thin Steaks”
Anyway, the marinade here is really simple. In fact, this is my go to marinade for flank steak (minus the crushed red pepper), so feel free to use it for other things! I do suggest the meat marinate overnight so it really soaks in. This marinade is sweet and spicy! The spicy can be adjusted of course, or left out completely. Your choice.
This does take about 4-5 hours in the oven to get that jerky texture and dehydrate properly. You’ll know when its done. Everyone’s oven is different, so keep checking on it. It make take less time or more time!
I hope you try this one. It’s worth it!
Homemade Beef Jerky
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stir fry beef top round if you want to cut it yourself
- 1 cup soy sauce I use low sodium
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 tablespoons crushed red pepper optional
- 4 tablespoons honey use more if you like it sweeter
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the soy sauce, honey, garlic and crushed red pepper to a bowl or large measuring cup and wisk together.
- Transfer the marinade to a ziptop bag and add the meat. Try to get as much air out of the bag as possible. Marinate overnight, flipping the bag once or twice.
- The next day. Pre-heat you oven to 170 degrees. Lay the beef strips in a baking rack over a baking pan lined with foil.
- Let the meat dehydrate for 4-6 hours depending on you oven. Let the meat cool and enjoy! Seal any leftovers in an airtight container.
