Beef Jerky Recipe Smoker

beef jerky recipe smoker

Beef jerky is a delicious and protein-packed snack that is perfect for on-the-go munching or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes. Making your own beef jerky at home using a smoker is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a tasty batch of homemade beef jerky that will rival any store-bought version.

When it comes to making beef jerky in a smoker, the key is to marinate the meat in a flavorful mixture before slow-smoking it to perfection. The smoky flavor from the wood chips adds an extra dimension to the jerky that you just can’t get from an oven or dehydrator. Plus, the process of smoking the meat helps to preserve it while giving it that signature jerky texture.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds of top round beef, thinly sliced
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Wood chips for smoking (hickory or mesquite work well)

Instructions Step by Step:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the thinly sliced beef in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Preheat your smoker to 160°F and add the wood chips according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
7. Arrange the beef slices on the smoker racks, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
8. Smoke the beef jerky for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness and smokiness.
9. Check the jerky periodically and rotate the racks if necessary for even smoking.
10. Once the jerky is done, remove it from the smoker and let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Tips:

For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like teriyaki sauce, ginger, or liquid smoke.
Store your homemade beef jerky in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for longer shelf life. Be sure to use airtight containers or resealable bags to keep it fresh.
Serve your smoked beef jerky as a snack on its own, or use it to add a flavorful twist to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

In conclusion, making beef jerky in a smoker is a fun and rewarding process that results in a delicious and flavorful snack. With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a batch of homemade beef jerky that is sure to impress. So fire up your smoker and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!