Description
This smoked beef jerky recipe offers a flavorful, tender jerky with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Made with thinly sliced round steak marinated overnight in a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, sugar, and crushed red peppers, then slowly smoked to achieve a deliciously smoky taste and chewy texture. Ideal for a protein-packed snack or camping treat.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1½ pounds thinly sliced round steak (cut into 1 inch slices)
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon crushed red peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, white granulated sugar, and crushed red peppers. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the Steak: Add the thinly sliced round steak into the bowl with the marinade. Mix and toss until every piece of steak is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 8 to 12 hours to absorb all the flavors deeply.
- Preheat the Smoker: When ready to cook, preheat your smoker to 165°F (74°C). Prepare your smoker racks or trays suitable for jerky.
- Smoke the Jerky: Lay the marinated steak strips evenly on the smoker racks, avoiding overlap for uniform smoking. Place them in the smoker and cook for approximately 4 hours or until the jerky reaches your preferred texture.
- Check for Doneness: For the best storage life, allow the jerky to develop a shiny sheen on the outside, indicating proper drying. If you prefer it softer for immediate consumption, dry until your taste preferences are met.
- Cool and Store: Remove jerky from the smoker and let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy as a flavorful, protein-rich snack.
Notes
- Ensure steak slices are consistently about 1 inch thick for even marinating and smoking.
- Adjust crushed red peppers quantity to control spice level according to your preference.
- Store jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to maintain freshness.
- Use a reliable smoker thermometer to maintain steady temperature for optimal drying.
- Jerky can be kept refrigerated or frozen for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
