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–+ servings

Doc's Best Beef Jerky

An easy, homemade beef jerky marinade made with soy sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and spices creates the most flavorful protein-packed snack — maybe even the best you'd ever had!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean beef flank steak or top round, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients and thin-slice beef against the grain for tender jerky.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Place beef strips in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over, and massage to coat evenly.
  4. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight for deep flavor infusion.
  5. Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C) or oven to 175°F (80°C) with the rack in the middle position.
  6. Remove beef from marinade, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  7. Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays or wire racks set over baking sheets.
  8. Dehydrate or bake for 3–4 hours, checking every hour for desired chewiness and dryness.
  9. Once done, let jerky cool completely; it should bend and crack but not break.
  10. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 2 weeks.
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