Spicy Beef Jerky Recipe (Easy Homemade & Healthy)

Spicy beef jerky is an excellent snack that you don’t have to buy at the store for premium prices. Making beef jerky at home saves significant money while delivering superior flavor and quality control over ingredients. This homemade spicy beef jerky is surprisingly easy to make and tastes dramatically better than store-bought varieties. With lean rump roast and a perfectly balanced marinade featuring soy sauce, teriyaki, sweet chili sauce, and aromatic spices, you’ll create a protein-packed snack that’s ideal for travel, hiking, or anytime you need sustained energy.

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Why Make Homemade Beef Jerky?

Homemade spicy beef jerky offers multiple advantages over commercial versions. You control every ingredient, especially sodium levels, and preservatives while saving substantial money. A pound of premium store-bought jerky can cost $15-20, while making the same amount at home costs roughly $8-10. The flavor customization possibilities are endless, and you’ll know exactly what goes into your healthy snack. Plus, the satisfaction of creating this traditional preserved meat at home connects you to centuries of food preservation techniques.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• Lean rump roast – Provides the ideal lean-to-fat ratio for jerky, with enough marbling for flavor but low-fat content for proper drying

For the Spicy Marinade:

• Soy sauce – Creates the umami base and helps tenderize the meat while providing essential saltiness
• Teriyaki sauce – Adds sweet and savory complexity with hint of ginger and garlic flavors
• Sweet chili sauce – Contributes heat level and tangy sweetness that balances the salty elements
• Garlic salt – Enhances savory depth with aromatic garlic notes and additional seasoning
• Liquid smoke – Provides authentic smoky flavor without requiring actual smoking equipment
• Brown sugar – Balances heat and saltiness while helping create attractive color during drying
• Black pepper – Adds aromatic heat and spice complexity that complements other seasonings

How to Make Spicy Beef Jerky

1. Slice beef into thin strips.
2. Mix soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, garlic salt, liquid smoke, black pepper, and brown sugar together.
   

   

3. Pour marinade over beef strips.
   

   

4. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Place the beef strips in a food dehydrator.
   

   

6. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for drying jerky.
   

   

How Thick to Cut the Beef?

Slices of beef between 1/8–1/4 inch thick will give your jerky a good texture and make it easy to thoroughly dry your jerky.

For small batches of jerky, all you need is a jerky board and a sharp knife. Watch this short video that shows you how to slice beef this way. 

• Tip: Partially freezing your meat for at least 1-2 hours firms it up and makes it easy to cut. Do not allow the meat to become completely frozen.

If you plan to make large batches of jerky regularly, you might want to invest in a jerky slicer. A slicer gives you same-sized meat strips that will dry evenly.

• Don’t want a spicy jerky? Try this regular beef jerky recipe.

How to Make Spicy Beef Jerky in the Oven

If you do not have a food dehydrator, you can use this oven method:

1. Heat oven to 175 degrees.
2. Place the marinated beef strips on a wire rack that has been set on a jelly roll or sheet pan.
3. Dry the strips in the oven for 6 to 8 hours, turning two or three times during drying.

Don’t want a spicy jerky? Try this teriyaki beef jerky recipe.

Chef’s Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose the leanest cuts possible. Fat doesn’t dry properly and causes rancidity. Rump roast, eye of round, or bottom round work best.
• Slicing Technique: Partially freezing meat makes slicing easier and more uniform. Always slice against the grain for tender jerky.
• Safety First: Maintain proper drying temperatures. Too low temperatures can allow bacterial growth, while too high temperatures cook the meat instead of drying it.
• Doneness Test: Properly dried jerky should bend and crack but not break completely. No moisture should be visible when bent.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Room Temperature Storage: Properly dried jerky stored in airtight containers lasts 1-2 weeks at room temperature in cool, dry conditions.
• Refrigerator Storage: Extend shelf life to 1 month by storing in refrigerator in airtight containers or sealed bags.
• Vacuum Sealed Storage: Vacuum-sealed jerky lasts 1-2 months at room temperature and up to 6 months refrigerated for maximum freshness.

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Check out my easy snack recipes and the best beef recipes here on CopyKat!