Are you craving a delicious and satisfying snack that's also packed with protein? Look no further! This sweet and spicy beef jerky recipe is perfect for satisfying those cravings while being surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget store-bought jerky filled with questionable ingredients; this homemade version lets you control the flavors and ensure only the highest quality ingredients end up in your mouth. It's the perfect addition to your list of quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, or even just a delicious snack for game day. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (about ⅛ inch thick)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef sirloin, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your jerky will be!
Step 2: Prepare for Dehydration
Preheat your dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven on the lowest setting (around 170°F) with the door slightly ajar, but this will take significantly longer and requires careful monitoring to prevent burning.
Step 3: Dehydrate the Jerky
Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don't overlap. Dehydrate for 8-12 hours, or until the jerky is completely dry and chewy. The exact time depends on your dehydrator and the thickness of your beef slices. Check frequently, especially towards the end, to avoid over-drying.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy!
Once the jerky is completely dehydrated, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool completely. Store your delicious homemade sweet and spicy beef jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Jerky:
- Thinly sliced beef is key: Using thinly sliced beef ensures even cooking and prevents tough jerky. Ask your butcher to slice it for you if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
- Don't overcrowd the dehydrator: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in unevenly dried jerky.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative and add other spices or flavorings to your marinade, such as liquid smoke, brown mustard, or different types of chili powder.
Variations:
- Teriyaki Beef Jerky: Replace the brown sugar with ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce for a savory-sweet flavor.
- Garlic and Herb Beef Jerky: Reduce the chili powder and cayenne pepper and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per ounce, approximate):
- Calories: 70-80
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This sweet and spicy beef jerky recipe is a great example of delicious and easy recipes, perfect for adding to your repertoire of homemade cooking creations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe enjoyable and rewarding. The perfect healthy meal addition or standalone snack, this recipe makes for a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!