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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky

easy homemade teriyaki beef jerky - featured image

A simple and flavorful homemade teriyaki beef jerky recipe that delivers perfect chewiness and a balanced sweet, salty, and garlicky flavor. Ideal for a healthy, protein-packed snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean beef (top round, flank steak, or sirloin tip)
  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim any visible fat from the beef, then slice it thinly about 1/8 inch thick. For easier slicing, freeze the beef for 30-45 minutes beforehand. Cut strips about 4-6 inches long.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is glossy.
  3. Add beef slices to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, then cover with plastic wrap or seal in a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight but no longer than 24 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 175°F (80°C) or set dehydrator to the same temperature. Arrange beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet or dehydrator trays, leaving space between strips for air circulation.
  5. Dry the beef for 4-6 hours, flipping halfway through if using the oven. Jerky is done when dry to the touch but still flexible. Test by bending a piece; it should crack slightly but not break.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for easier chewing. Keep oven temperature low and door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Marinate overnight for best flavor. Test jerky flexibility to avoid overdrying. Adjust seasoning after first batch to taste. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef jerky, teriyaki, homemade snack, protein snack, easy jerky recipe, healthy snack, low fat, gluten-free option