sweet and hot jerky recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sweet and hot jerky recipe
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The Best sweet and hot jerky recipe

I am absolutely in love with this sweet and hot jerky recipe that I like to make for my family. It’s a perfect snack for any occasion, whether it’s a quick bite before heading out the door or a tasty treat during a family game night.

The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is just right, not too overpowering but still exciting enough to keep everyone engaged. My kids just love helping me prepare the ingredients and watching the jerky come together in the oven.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also creating a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s super easy to make and requires minimal preparation time, which is always a bonus for busy families like mine.

I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress my family and friends alike. The best part?

It’s actually really good for you too – packed with protein and low in sugar, making it a guilt-free snack option. I’ve even started making it for my husband’s lunchbox when he heads out the door, so he can have a tasty treat at work too.

Sweet and Hot Beef Jerky

Sweet and Hot Beef Jerky

4.8 from 617 votes

This homemade beef jerky balances brown sugar sweetness with chili heat for a satisfying snack. It is marinated overnight and dried in the oven until chewy and flavorful.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Beef

1 1/2 pounds beef top round or flank steak, trimmed of fat
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
2For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for 30 minutes before cutting.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
4Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
5Place the beef strips in a large resealable bag or glass dish and pour the marinade over them.
6Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
7Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
8Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
9Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
10Arrange the strips on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
11Bake for 3 to 4 hours, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
12The jerky is done when it is dry and firm but still slightly pliable, bending without cracking.
13Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the rack.
14Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Large resealable plastic bag or glass dish
Baking sheet
Wire rack
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or a few drops of liquid smoke. Always slice against the grain for a tender bite.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Hot Beef Jerky Works

I always recommend making extra batches of this sweet and hot jerky recipe because it stores so well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

You can also freeze it for up to three months – just thaw as needed before serving.

For an added touch, try slicing the cooled jerky into thin strips and serving them on crackers or crostini with your favorite dip or spread.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Hot Beef Jerky

Q: What type of meat should I use for this jerky recipe?

A: You can use any type of meat you prefer, but I find that beef or turkey work best. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting it into thin strips.

Q: How do I ensure that my jerky is evenly cooked?

A: To achieve even cooking, it’s essential to make sure that all the meat strips are uniform in size and thickness. You can also try using a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to allow air to circulate under the jerky while it cooks.

Q: Can I add other seasonings or spices to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to give your jerky a unique flavor profile. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin.

Q: How long does it take to make this jerky recipe?

A: This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare – you can have it ready in about 20 minutes! Just be sure to plan ahead and let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Q: Is this jerky recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately, no – this recipe contains animal products. However, you can easily adapt it by substituting plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

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