Love BBQ and jerky? Why not combine the best of both worlds with a homemade BBQ beef jerky recipe that's packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors?

bbq beef jerky recipe​

This guide will walk you through every step to create beef jerky so good, you’ll swear it’s store-bought—but way fresher. Perfect for road trips, movie nights, or just a snack to keep cravings at bay, this BBQ-style jerky will soon become your new favorite.

What You’ll Need to Make BBQ Beef Jerky

Before we get started, gather all the essentials. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of lean beef: Top round, eye of round, or sirloin tip work best. These cuts provide the perfect texture for jerky without being too fatty.
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce for the base. Aim for a flavor profile you love, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy.
  • ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: For depth and richness.
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke: Essential for mimicking BBQ smokiness, especially if you're not using a smoker.
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances out the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: For bold seasoning.
  • 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic for a flavorful foundation.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances the BBQ profile with smoky undertones.
  • ½ tsp black pepper: For a touch of spice.
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Add this for a spicy kick if you love heat!

Tools:

  • Sharp knife: Essential for slicing beef into thin, uniform pieces.
  • Large resealable plastic bag: For marinating the meat.
  • Dehydrator or oven: To dry out the jerky.
  • Wire rack and baking sheet: If you’re using an oven.

The Step-by-Step BBQ Beef Jerky Recipe

Follow these six simple steps to make delicious BBQ beef jerky at home:

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Beef

Start by selecting a lean cut of beef. Fat doesn’t dry out like the meat does, which can lead to spoilage.

  • Trim away any visible fat.
  • Place the beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This makes it easier to slice thinly and evenly.
  • Once partially frozen, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick). Cutting against the grain results in tender jerky, while cutting with the grain gives you a chewier texture.

Step 2: Create the Marinade

Next, mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl:

  • Add barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
  • Whisk together until completely combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef

Place the sliced beef into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Remove excess air from the bag and seal tightly.

  • Refrigerate the bag for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer the marinade time, the more flavorful your jerky will be.

Step 4: Prep for Dehydration or Baking

Depending on whether you’re using a dehydrator or oven, here’s how to prep:

  • Dehydrator: Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Do not overlap pieces for even drying.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 170°F (or the lowest setting). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lay the beef strips in a single layer on the rack.

Step 5: Dry the Jerky

The drying process takes a few hours:

  • Dehydrator: Dry the beef at 160°F for about 4-6 hours. Start checking for doneness at the 4-hour mark.
  • Oven: Bake the beef at 170°F for 4-6 hours. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

You’ll know the jerky is done when it’s dry to the touch, firm, but still slightly pliable when bent.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once your jerky is done, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Pat away any excess oil with a paper towel.

Store your BBQ beef jerky in an airtight container or resealable bag. It can last up to a week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, or a month in the freezer.

Tips for the Best BBQ Beef Jerky

  • Adjust the sweetness and spice: Love your jerky sweeter? Add extra brown sugar or honey to the marinade. Prefer it extra spicy? Don’t hold back on that cayenne pepper!
  • Experiment with flavors: Try adding a splash of bourbon or a pinch of chili flakes for added complexity.
  • Don’t rush the process: The best jerky takes time. Patience during marinating and drying is well worth the wait.
  • Keep it fresh: If you’re storing your jerky for more than a week, vacuum-sealing it can significantly extend its shelf life.

Why Make Your Own BBQ Beef Jerky?

While store-bought jerky may be convenient, making your own comes with benefits:

  • Control the ingredients: Customize the flavor exactly how you like it without added preservatives or excessive sodium.
  • Save money: Store-bought jerky is often pricey. Making it at home is more cost-efficient in the long run.
  • Freshness: Homemade jerky will always taste fresher because you control the entire process.
  • Fun and rewarding: There’s nothing like the satisfaction of crafting your own snacks from scratch!

A Snack Worth Sharing

BBQ beef jerky isn’t just a snack; it’s a labor of love to be enjoyed and shared with friends and family. Whether you’re packing it for a road trip or eating it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this smoky, flavorful delight is sure to impress.

Want more BBQ recipes or handy tips for perfecting your jerky-making skills? Keep exploring Brand Name’s blog and discover a world of culinary inspiration!

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