Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe

Why would you make something you can buy at any corner store? Because you can, and because it's a lot cooler to pull out a bag with beef jerky that you slow-cooked yourself than to unwrap processed beef jerky. Try it, tear off a piece and hand it to a friend. See what happens.

This technique takes some time, however, so don't plan on tearing into a piece tonight. This jerky also packs some heat, so it's best enjoyed with an ice cold beer.

Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe
No Ratings
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
8
hours
Servings
8
to 10 servings
Homemade beef jerky
Total time: 8 hours, 10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds strip loin
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
Directions
  1. Place beef in the freezer until firm enough to slice but not frozen, about 45 minutes. Then using a very sharp knife, slice thinly against the grain of the meat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, 2 cups water, salt, and half each of the pepper, chili powder and onion powder. Place the beef strips in the mixture and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. Remove the beef from the marinade, pat dry, and season with the remaining pepper, chili powder, and onion powder.
  4. Heat the oven to 150°F.
  5. Place the beef strips on an oven rack set over a sheet pan. Cook in the oven for 8 hours, allowing the beef to dry out. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  6. Can be stored in a plastic bag in a cool dry place for up to 3 weeks.