Are you ready to transform ordinary beef into an extraordinary snack that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe? Our Teriyaki Beef Jerky is not just a simple snack—it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold Asian-inspired flavors of teriyaki with the satisfying chew of perfectly dehydrated beef. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a protein-packed snack lover, or just someone who appreciates mind-blowing homemade treats, this recipe will revolutionize your jerky game forever!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef (flank steak or sirloin)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Trim any visible fat from the beef to ensure better preservation and texture. Place the beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours to make slicing easier.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even drying.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add beef strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Remove beef strips from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Discard remaining marinade.
- Arrange marinated beef strips on dehydrator trays, ensuring pieces do not overlap. Leave small spaces between strips for proper air circulation.
- Set dehydrator temperature to 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety and proper meat preservation.
- Dehydrate beef for 4-6 hours, checking periodically. Jerky is done when it bends without breaking and appears dry but still pliable.
- Let jerky cool completely at room temperature. Store in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Freezing Hack: Always partially freeze your beef before slicing to achieve those perfectly uniform, thin strips that dry evenly.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process! Letting the beef sit in the teriyaki mixture overnight allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Food Safety First: Maintaining the 165°F dehydrator temperature is crucial to eliminate potential bacteria and ensure safe consumption.
- Texture Test: The perfect jerky should bend without breaking—flexible but not soft, dry but not brittle.
- Storage Wisdom: Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maximize your jerky's shelf life and maintain its incredible flavor and texture.Pro Tip: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a touch of sesame oil to make this recipe uniquely yours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
