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beef ready for homemade smoked beef jerky

Smoked Beef Jerky

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Slow-smoked beef jerky, packed with deep smoky flavor and a tender, satisfyingly chewy texture.

  • Total Time: 17 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs top round beef (or eye of round), thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  • Trim all visible fat from the beef and slice into thin 1/8–1/4 inch strips against the grain.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and red pepper.

  • Add sliced beef to the marinade, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

  • Preheat your smoker to 160°F. Use hickory, applewood, or your preferred wood chips.

  • Pat beef slices dry with paper towels and lay them flat on the smoker racks.

  • Smoke for 4 to 6 hours, flipping once midway. Jerky is done when it’s dry but still slightly pliable.

 

  • Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container or vacuum seal.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, freeze beef 30 minutes before slicing.

  • Want it less salty? Cut soy sauce to 1/3 cup and replace with beef broth.

 

  • Add 1 tbsp liquid smoke to the marinade if not using a smoker.

  • Author: Megan Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 12 hours
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg