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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky Recipe Perfect for Snack Lovers

easy homemade teriyaki beef jerky - featured image

A simple and flavorful homemade teriyaki beef jerky recipe that delivers tender, sweet-savory jerky perfect for snacking, made with pantry staples and easy techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean beef (top round or sirloin tip)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Trim off any excess fat from the beef, then slice it into thin strips about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Partially freeze the beef for 1 hour before slicing for clean, even cuts. This takes about 15 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. This takes about 5 minutes.
  3. Place the beef strips into a large zip-top bag or airtight container and pour in the marinade. Seal and massage the bag gently to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
  4. Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays or on a wire rack if using an oven, avoiding overlap.
  5. Set dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dry for 4 to 6 hours. If using an oven, preheat to the lowest setting (~170°F or 77°C), prop the door open slightly for air circulation, and dry for 4 to 6 hours. Jerky is done when dry but still flexible.
  6. Let the jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps about a week at room temperature or up to a month refrigerated.

Notes

Partially freezing beef before slicing helps achieve thin, even strips. Marinate overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Pat beef dry before drying to speed up the process. Maintain drying temperature around 160°F to avoid cooking or bacterial growth. Store jerky in airtight containers; lasts about 1 week at room temp or 1 month refrigerated. Reheat gently with steam or microwave wrapped in damp paper towel to soften.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef jerky, teriyaki, homemade jerky, snack, easy recipe, dehydrator, low-sodium, protein snack