Irresistible Homemade BBQ Beef Jerky
This BBQ Beef Jerky Recipe features lean beef marinated in a smoky, sweet, and spicy blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire, and spices. Easy to make in the oven or dehydrator, it's a flavorful, high-protein snack perfect for on-the-go or anytime cravings.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 4 hr
- Yield
- 1 serving
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 pound beef (preferably lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
Instructions
- 1
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. For easier slicing, you can partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing
- 2
Trim off any excess fat from the beef slices to ensure a lean jerky
- 3
Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion and garlic powders, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl. Blend thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are dispersed evenly
- 4
Transfer the beef strips to a shallow dish or a plastic bag that can be sealed
- 5
Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure each strip is coated evenly
- 6
To allow the flavors to seep into the meat, cover the dish or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight
- 7
Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or the lowest setting available
- 8
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top
- 9
Arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other
- 10
To let moisture escape, place the baking sheet inside the oven and prop the door open slightly
- 11
Bake the beef for 3-4 hours, or until it is dried out and firm to the touch. The jerky should bend without breaking
- 12
Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.