Tired of store-bought snacks that are packed with preservatives and sodium? Craving a flavorful and satisfying treat that you can feel good about? Then look no further! This homemade Beef Jerky Teriyaki recipe is the perfect solution. It's surprisingly easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a fantastic healthy alternative to commercially produced jerky. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this simple, yet incredibly rewarding, recipe. This recipe offers a delicious fusion of savory beef jerky with the sweet and tangy notes of teriyaki, making it a truly irresistible snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Marinating the Beef:
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, mirin, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. This creates the flavorful teriyaki marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the bowl, ensuring all the slices are well coated in the marinade. For even flavor distribution, use your hands or tongs to gently mix everything together.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your jerky will be!
Dehydrating or Baking the Jerky:
Option 1: Using a Dehydrator (Recommended):
- Preheat your food dehydrator to 160°F (71°C).
- Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the jerky is completely dry and chewy. The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of your beef slices and your dehydrator’s settings.
Option 2: Using an Oven (Alternative Method):
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, ideally around 170°F (77°C). If your oven doesn't go that low, aim for the lowest temperature possible. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet to ensure even airflow.
- Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer on the wire rack. Avoid overcrowding.
- Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is completely dry and chewy, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This method requires more attention and might not yield perfectly even results compared to using a dehydrator.
Cooling and Storage:
- Once the jerky is completely dry, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely.
- Store the cooled beef jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from becoming stale. It should last for about 2 weeks when stored properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding other ingredients to the marinade such as liquid smoke, soy sauce alternatives (like coconut aminos), or different types of sweeteners (like maple syrup).
- Use different cuts of beef: While sirloin works well, you can also experiment with other lean cuts like flank steak or eye of round. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
- Adjust the drying time: Always check for dryness. The jerky should be completely dry and chewy, not moist or leathery.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific cuts of beef and ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving (about 1 ounce) might contain:
- Calories: 70-90
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Sodium: Varies greatly depending on soy sauce used
Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Jerky Teriyaki! It's a perfect snack for hiking, road trips, or simply enjoying a flavorful treat at home. This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative to commercially prepared jerky, allowing you to control the ingredients and savor the taste of homemade goodness.