Spunky Beef Jerky
Spunky Beef Jerky offers bold flavors with garlic, vinegar, and spices, perfect for snack lovers seeking a savory, smoky treat with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. freshly ground or coarse ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix marinade ingredients (onion, thyme, bay leaves, cloves, basil, salt, black pepper, crushed garlic, vinegar, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, liquid smoke, Tabasco) and let stand overnight.
- Add beef or deer meat to the marinade and let it stand in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
- Drain the meat well, squeezing out excess moisture by hand.
- Lay the meat slices on cookie sheets and place in an oven set at 150° to 175°F.
- After about 4 hours, drain excess moisture from the meat.
- Turn the meat slices and continue drying until desired dryness is achieved.
- If desired, sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper after draining moisture.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a tablespoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter jerky, try substituting half of the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce. Make sure to slice the meat against the grain for a more tender chew. For best results, use lean cuts like top round or flank steak, which are perfect for beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spunky beef jerky as a protein-packed snack on its own or as part of a charcuterie board with cheeses and olives. It pairs beautifully with Verna'S Summer Squash Casserole for a delicious meal. You can also enjoy it alongside fresh vegetables or as an ingredient in sandwiches or salads for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store your beef jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it. To reheat, simply place the jerky in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore some moisture without cooking it further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spunky Beef Jerky contains roughly 423 calories, with 12g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (184% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2591mg per serving (113% 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 my beef jerky is done drying?
Your jerky is done when it bends and cracks but doesn't break. It should be dry to the touch and have a leathery texture. If you prefer chewier jerky, remove it from the oven earlier. Remember, the drying process can vary based on the thickness of the meat slices.
Can I use different types of meat for this jerky recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with venison, turkey, or even chicken. Just ensure that the meat is lean and properly trimmed. Different meats may require slight adjustments in marinating time, so keep an eye on the texture as it dries.
What are some good ways to enjoy beef jerky?
Beef jerky can be enjoyed in various ways: as a quick snack, in salads for added protein, or paired with cheese and crackers for a savory platter. It's also great for hiking or road trips due to its portability. You can try using it in recipes like Meatballs Or Meat Loaf for a unique twist.
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).