Jerky can easily be prepared in your home smoker. Properly smoked jerky turns out chewy, but not tough, and has a nice smoked flavor. Jerky is a good source of lean protein and a snack choice for camping or hiking since it does not require refrigeration. Smoking your jerky at home will ensure that your jerky is made of only spices and meat, whereas purchased jerky is often full of artificial flavors and chemical preservatives.
Step 1
Combine the black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder in a large bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 2
Add the beef strips to the bowl and mix well to coat the meat with the marinade. Cover and marinate overnight.
Step 3
Prepare an outdoor smoker on low heat, preferably around 95 degrees F. Lightly oil the smoker grates with vegetable oil.
Step 4
Remove the meat from the marinade and place the strips on the grill grates, ensuring that they are not touching each other.
Step 5
Smoke the meat for eight to 10 hours. The beef jerky is ready when it is stiff, but still slightly bendable, not crisp enough to break.
Tips and Warnings
- Other meats, such as bison, turkey and venison, may be used for jerky. Adjust cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tbsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Large bowl with lid
- 2 lbs. beef flank steak, brisket or top round cut into strips
- Outdoor smoker
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
References
- "Jerky: Make Your Own Delicious Jerky and Jerky Dishes Using Beef, Venison, Fish, or Fowl"; A.D. Livingston; 2001
- "The Everything Barbecue Cookbook"; Dale Irvin, et al.; 2000
- "Get Smokin': 190 Award Winning Smoker Oven Recipes"; Editors at Cookshack; 2001
- TexasBarbecues.com: A Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe For The Classic Snack
- WideWorldofHunting.com: Venison and Beef Jerky Recipes
