Fresh Honey Beef Jerky
Indulge in the sweet and smoky perfection of Fresh Honey Beef Jerky, a homemade treat that marries bold flavors with a tender, chewy texture. This recipe takes succulent slices of beef – sirloin or flank steak – and soaks them in a mouthwatering marinade of honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, enhanced by a punch of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Optional red pepper flakes add just the right kick for spice lovers. Oven-dried at a low temperature, this jerky achieves the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky, creating a high-protein snack that’s as satisfying as it is rewarding to make. Ideal for road trips, hiking adventures, or a snackable pantry staple, this homemade beef jerky delivers unbeatable freshness and flavor in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef (sirloin or flank steak)
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 0.5 cup Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
Place the beef in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to make slicing easier.
While the beef chills, prepare the marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.
Retrieve the beef from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat and slice the beef into thin strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut against the grain for a tender texture or with the grain for a chewier jerky.
Place the sliced beef into a large resealable plastic bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Once marinated, preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or the lowest setting your oven allows. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Lay the marinated beef slices in a single layer across the wire racks, ensuring they do not overlap.
Place the baking sheets in the oven and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Using a wooden spoon or similar object to prop the door open can help.
Bake for 4 to 5 hours, flipping the jerky halfway through, until the meat is dry but pliable. Thicker pieces may require additional time.
Remove the jerky from the oven and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2672 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.9 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.6 g | 273% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 680 mg | 227% | |
| Sodium | 5999 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.3 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.7 g | ||
| Protein | 249.1 g | 498% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 245 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 30.5 mg | 169% | |
| Potassium | 4508 mg | 96% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
