Go Back
Spicy Honey BBQ Beef jerky

Spicy Honey BBQ Beef Jerky

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Marinate Time 8 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Ziplock bag or airtight container
  • Dehydrator or oven with wire racks
  • Baking sheet if using oven
  • Parchment paper if using oven

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 1 ½ lbs beef top round, eye of round, or flank steak
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke for that classic smoky flavor

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef

  1. Place the beef in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes—this makes slicing much easier.
  2. Slice the meat into ¼-inch thick strips, cutting against the grain for a more tender jerky.

Make the Marinade

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, BBQ sauce, and seasonings.
  2. Add the liquid smoke for that authentic smoky flavor.

Marinate the Meat

  1. Place the sliced beef in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
  2. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Dehydrate the Jerky

    Using a Dehydrator:

    1. Set your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C).
    2. Lay the strips in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
    3. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, checking for doneness at the 4-hour mark.

    Using an Oven:

    1. Preheat to 175°F (80°C).
    2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
    3. Arrange the beef strips on the rack.
    4. Bake for 4 hours, flipping halfway through.
    5. Keep the oven door slightly open (use a wooden spoon to prop it) to allow moisture to escape.
      baking sheet lined with parchment paper sits on a rustic kitchen counter, with a wire rack placed on top

    Cool and Store

    1. Let the jerky cool completely before storing.
    2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to a month.