Little Chief Beef and Game Jerky
Discover the ultimate snack with this "Little Chief Beef and Game Jerky" recipe—a smoky, protein-packed treat perfect for outdoor adventures or midday cravings. Using lean cuts of beef or game meat, this jerky is infused with a bold marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a hint of liquid smoke for authentic flavor. Whether you prefer a tender texture or a chewy bite, the recipe allows flexibility by slicing against or with the grain. Smoked to perfection in a Little Chief smoker with rich wood chips like hickory or mesquite, each piece absorbs deep, savory aromas. For spice lovers, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while optional curing salt ensures extended freshness. Perfect for seasoned jerky enthusiasts or first-timers, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a batch of irresistibly flavorful and preservable snacks.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Beef or game meat (trimmed of fat and sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips)
- 1 cup Soy sauce
- 0.5 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Cure salt or Prague Powder #1 (optional, for preservation)
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Trim all visible fat from the beef or game meat, as fat can spoil during the drying and smoking process. Slice the meat into 1/4-inch thick strips, cutting against the grain for a more tender jerky or with the grain for a chewier texture.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cure salt (if using), and water to create the marinade.
Place the meat strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a glass container. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, then refrigerate for 8-12 hours or overnight, turning occasionally to evenly marinate the meat.
After marinating, remove the meat strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the jerky develop a better texture and smoky flavor.
Preheat your Little Chief smoker. While it warms up, arrange the meat strips in a single layer on the smoker racks, ensuring they do not overlap. This ensures even smoke penetration and drying.
Insert the racks into the smoker. Add your choice of wood chips (hickory, mesquite, applewood, or cherry wood are great options) to the smoker's pan. Replace the smoker lid and let the jerky smoke for 4-6 hours, replenishing the wood chips as needed.
Check the jerky for doneness by testing a strip—it should crack when bent but not break completely. If the jerky is still too pliable, continue smoking in 30-minute increments.
Once done, remove the jerky from the smoker and let it cool completely at room temperature. Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade Little Chief Beef and Game Jerky as a flavorful and protein-packed snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.7 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.7 g | 148% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1656 mg | 552% | |
| Sodium | 17790 mg | 773% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.6 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 614.1 g | 1228% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 531 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 70.8 mg | 393% | |
| Potassium | 10448 mg | 222% | |
*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.
