Learn how to make your own tender and flavorful teriyaki beef jerky at home with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients and a food dehydrator, you can enjoy this protein-packed snack anytime. The marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey adds a savory-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky beef. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for a convenient and healthy on-the-go snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the thinly sliced beef into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it is fully coated. Press out any excess air and seal the bag.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the beef marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
- Place the trays in the dehydrator and set the temperature to 160°F (71°C).
- Dry the beef for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness. Check periodically to ensure it doesn't over-dry.
- Once fully dried, remove the beef jerky from the dehydrator and let it cool completely.
- Store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Interesting Facts
Beef jerky is one of the oldest forms of preserving meat and has been enjoyed for centuries.
Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking technique which involves grilling or broiling foods glazed with a soy sauce-based marinade.
Beef jerky is a high-protein snack that is low in fat, making it a healthier alternative to many processed snacks.