I’ve always been a fan of sweet and spicy jerky, and I’ve finally perfected a recipe that my family and I love. It’s a perfect snack for any occasion, whether we’re heading out for a hike or just need a quick pick-me-up after school.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is just right, not too overpowering but enough to keep us coming back for more. I’ve experimented with different types of meat, from beef to turkey, but this recipe works best with beef.
The key is to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices before slicing it thin and drying it in the oven. The result is a tender, flavorful snack that’s perfect for munching on the go.
I’ve also found that it’s a great way to get some protein into our diet without feeling like we’re eating plain old jerky. My kids love helping me make it, too – they get to mix up the marinade and slice the meat into thin strips.
It’s become one of our favorite family activities, and we always have fun making it together. One thing that sets this recipe apart from others is the addition of a bit of cayenne pepper – it gives the jerky just enough heat without being overwhelming.
And because we dry it in the oven instead of dehydrating it, it stays nice and chewy even after several days in storage. Overall, this sweet and spicy jerky recipe has been a game-changer for our family snacks – we can’t get enough of it!
Sweet and Spicy Jerky
4.8 from 581 votes
This homemade beef jerky balances sweet honey with spicy chili flakes for a bold snack. It is dried in the oven at a low temperature to achieve a chewy, meaty texture.
1 1/2 pounds beef top round or flank steak, trimmed of fat
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
👨🍳Directions
1Partially freeze the beef for about 1 hour until firm but not frozen solid.
2Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick for a tender jerky.
3Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
4Place the beef strips in a large resealable bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and massage to coat evenly.
5Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
6Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C) or the lowest possible setting.
7Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
8Remove the beef strips from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and pat dry with paper towels.
9Arrange the strips in a single layer on the wire rack without overlapping.
10Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the jerky is dry and firm but still pliable when bent.
11Check for doneness by tearing a piece; it should show fibers but not snap.
12Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and let cool completely on the rack before storing.
For a milder jerky, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Watch Video Of How Sweet and Spicy Jerky Works
One thing that makes this sweet and spicy jerky recipe so great is its versatility – whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or something to spice up your next family gathering, this recipe delivers.
And because we dry it in the oven instead of dehydrating it, we can easily store leftovers in an airtight container for up to several days without worrying about them going stale.
Reheating is easy too – just pop some slices in the microwave or toaster oven until they’re crispy again.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Spicy Jerky
Q: What kind of meat works best for this recipe?
A: I’ve found that beef works best for this recipe – it’s tender enough to be sliced thin without falling apart. However, you can also use turkey or other lean meats if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the meat in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and drying it in the oven.
Q: How do I know when the jerky is done?
A: You’ll know it’s done when it reaches your desired level of dryness – if you prefer a chewier texture, cook it for less time; if you prefer a drier texture, cook it for longer.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?
A: Absolutely – some ideas include adding diced onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor or using different types of hot sauce to give the jerky an extra kick.
Q: Is this recipe safe for people with food allergies?
A: Unfortunately, no – due to the presence of soy sauce and brown sugar, this recipe is not suitable for individuals with gluten or soy allergies.
Q: Can I use a dehydrator instead of my oven?
A: Yes – if you have access to a dehydrator, feel free to use that instead; simply adjust the temperature according to your dehydrator’s instructions.
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