Homemade Spicy Beef Jerky – Delicious, Nutritious, and Easy to Make

Beef jerky is an irresistibly tasty snack that’s not only flavorful but also packed with protein and essential nutrients. With just a bit of patience and care, you can make your own batch of beef jerky at home—ensuring it’s fresh, hygienic, and tailored to your personal taste. Let’s explore how to prepare this savory treat step by step!

1. Ingredients

• Fresh beef: 500g (choose lean cuts such as shoulder or tenderloin with little fat)

• Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (or minced fresh chili for stronger heat)

  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger

  • 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass

  • 1 tablespoon annatto oil (for a rich golden-red color)
    
    

Tip: You can adjust the spice level according to your preference—adding more chili for a fiery kick or more sugar for a slightly sweet balance.

2. Preparing the Beef

Wash the beef thoroughly and slice it thinly along the grain. Cutting with the grain ensures the jerky holds together nicely when shredded later.

Pat the meat dry using a paper towel—this step helps the seasoning absorb evenly and enhances the drying process.

3. Marinating the Beef

Place the sliced beef in a large bowl. Add all the prepared seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, turmeric, chili, pepper, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto oil.

Mix everything well, using your hands to gently massage the spices into the meat. This helps each slice soak up the flavors.

Cover and let the beef marinate for 2–3 hours. For the best flavor, refrigerate it overnight—this allows the spices to penetrate deeply, giving your jerky a rich, full-bodied taste.

4. Cooking and Drying the Beef

Step 1: Pre-cook the beef
Place the marinated beef in a pan over low heat. Stir-fry until the beef becomes firm and most of the liquid evaporates. This step both tenderizes the meat and helps it keep its natural color.

Step 2: Drying the beef
There are several methods you can choose from:

• Using an oven:
  Arrange the beef slices on a baking tray. Bake at 100°C (212°F) for about 1 hour, flipping the slices halfway through for even drying.

• Using a pan:
  Toast the beef over low heat, stirring continuously until completely dry. This method gives a slightly smoky aroma.

• Using an air fryer:
  Spread the beef evenly in the fryer basket and dry at 100°C (212°F) for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

When the beef is fully dried and slightly chewy, let it cool before storing.

5. Storage and Serving Ideas

Store your homemade beef jerky in an airtight container or zip bag to keep it fresh. It can last for 1–2 weeks at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated.

Homemade beef jerky makes a perfect snack for road trips, movie nights, or weekend gatherings. It also pairs wonderfully with beer or can be used to top green papaya salad or mango salad for a refreshing twist.

With its bold mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, homemade beef jerky is a treat that’s hard to resist—and once you’ve tried making it yourself, you might never go back to store-bought!

Enjoy your delicious, homemade beef jerky and impress your friends and family with this flavorful snack!