Oven Dried Jerky
Oven dried jerky offers a savory, smoky treat with bold flavors of Worcestershire, soy, and liquid smoke. Perfect for snacking or outdoor adventures, this homemade jerky is lean, economical, and customizable. Its chewy texture and rich taste make it a favorite among meat lovers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim semi-frozen meat and slice into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick strips.
- In a bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, water, soy sauce, pepper, salt, and liquid smoke.
- Stir until the mixture is well dissolved.
- Add the meat strips to the marinade and coat thoroughly.
- Let stand for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight to absorb flavors.
- Remove excess liquid from the meat strips.
- Arrange the strips close together on oven or cake racks in shallow pans.
- Dry the meat in the oven at the lowest temperature (150° to 200°F) until it turns brown and feels hard, about 4 to 7 hours.
- Pat off any beads of oil from the dried meat.
- Cool the jerky and store in airtight bags or jars for indefinite keeping.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose a lean cut of meat like flank steak or round roast to minimize fat, which can spoil. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or eliminate it altogether. You can substitute liquid smoke with smoked paprika for a different smokiness. Make sure the meat is trimmed well to avoid chewy pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Oven dried jerky makes an excellent snack on its own or paired with cheese and crackers for a satisfying appetizer. It also pairs beautifully with a cold beer or can be used as a protein-packed addition to salads or trail mixes. For an entertaining twist, serve with Sourdough Dip to complement the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the jerky in airtight bags or glass jars to keep it fresh. It can last for several months in a cool, dark place. If you prefer, you can refrigerate or freeze the jerky to extend its shelf life even further. To reheat, simply place in a low oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Dried Jerky contains roughly 473 calories, with 27g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (836% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2966mg per serving (129% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the jerky is done drying?
The jerky is done when it has turned brown and feels hard to the touch. It should bend slightly without breaking. A good test is to cut a piece in half; there should be no moisture visible inside. If it looks juicy, it needs more time in the oven.
Is it necessary to marinate the meat overnight?
While marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly, you can also marinate for just one hour if you're short on time. However, the longer you marinate, the more pronounced the flavors will be in your jerky.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).