Craving a delicious and healthy snack that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This easy teriyaki beef jerky recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend project. Forget store-bought jerky packed with preservatives – this homemade version lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a flavour explosion in every bite. It’s a fantastic healthy meal option, perfect for those following a high-protein diet. Get ready to elevate your snack game!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean 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 sake (optional, adds depth of flavour)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
Marinating the Beef:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the marinade, ensuring each slice is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavourful the jerky will be.
Dehydrating the Jerky:
- Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use a low oven (around 170°F/77°C) with the oven door slightly ajar. This requires closer monitoring to prevent burning.
- Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don't overlap. Overlapping will prevent even drying and may lead to mold.
- Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until the jerky is completely dry and chewy. The drying time will depend on the thickness of your beef slices and the humidity of your environment. Check regularly, especially during the last couple of hours.
Storage:
Once the jerky is completely dry, let it cool completely. Store the jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Beef Jerky:
- Thinly sliced beef: The thinner the beef, the faster and more evenly it will dry. Using a meat slicer is ideal, but a very sharp knife will work as well.
- Don't overcrowd the trays: Ensure adequate airflow around each slice for even drying.
- Check for dryness: The jerky should be dry and chewy, not pliable or sticky.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices to your marinade, such as chili flakes for a spicy kick, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.
Variations:
- Spicy Teriyaki Jerky: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Sweet and Savory Jerky: Increase the honey to 1/3 cup for a sweeter jerky.
- Garlic Lovers Jerky: Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic to the marinade.
Nutritional Information (per ounce, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Fat: Approximately 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-3g
This easy teriyaki beef jerky recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a healthy and delicious snack or meal addition, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!