Barbecue Beef Jerky Recipe

Barbecue Beef Jerky is a nutrient-dense munching snack made from lean beef cuts that are sliced into strips and dried to preserve their flavor. BBQ jerky is highly processed, low in sugar, high in fiber, and made from all-natural ingredients. It's a perfect chewy pick-me-up after a long day of work. You can keep it in pantry and office drawers. A satisfying bite of protein-rich jerky keeps your energy up and gives a burst of barbeque and sticky sweetness. Many people enjoy jerky driving, playing outdoor sports, attending meetings, and doing other activities on the go! 

What are the Ingredients of Barbecue Beef Jerky?

Here are the main ingredients for making protein-rich, flavorful BBQ beef jerky.

• 3 lbs beef top round steak

•  1 cup of ketchup

•  1/2 cup water

• One teaspoon of organic soy sauce

•  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

•  One-fourth cup of vinegar

•  2 Tbsp of brown sugar

•  Two tablespoons of sugar

•  1 teaspoon ground mustard

•  1 tsp black pepper

•  1 teaspoon onion powder

•  1 teaspoon garlic powder

•  One teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice

• A tiny pinch of cayenne

Marinade Preparation

Let’s wrap the meat strips in the smoky-sweet glaze. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of ketchup and 1/2 cup of water to form a velvety base, then add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of organic soy sauce for a deep umami flavor. Combine 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice for a tangy twist. Sweeten the marinade with a blend of 2 tbsp brown sugar and 3 tablespoons honey, making a rich caramelized tone. Now add the spices: 1 teaspoon ground mustard, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for layers of warmth and smoke. Add 1/4 teaspoon of earthy oregano and a pinch of cayenne for a lingering heat. This dressing is the perfect marinade for BBQ jerky. 

Cutting & Preparation

Cut the meat diagonally into two thin steaks. Slice the meat into a broad quarter-length piece. Mix all of the ingredients properly, then put the blend and the beef in an airtight bag or plastic box with a protective cover. Refrigerate the marinade for four hours, preferred overnight. Get the meat out and place it on racks. Don't crowd or overlap the meat strips. Dehydrate, bake, or smoke in your preferred equipment at 160-180°F (depending on its capabilities) till your desired texture is done.

Drying and cooking are the next important phases in preparing barbecue beef jerky.

Tip: Adding salt to the drying process helps avoid growth of bacteria.  

What are the Drying/Cooking Methods for Barbecue Beef Jerky?

Preheat your smoker to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. After the jerky is taken out of the marinade, pat off any leftover marinade with a paper towel. Cook the jerky strips for two to three hours on the grill grates of your smoker. Once a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your jerky is done. Jerky needs to be slightly pliable without breaking if you bend the meat in half.

Dehydrating is the most common way to prepare jerky. Dry jerky strips with a paper towel before setting them on the rack. Spread each piece of marinated jerky evenly over the dehydrator. The dehydrating temperature in Fahrenheit ranges from 165 to 185 degrees. Dehydrate the beef jerky for 4-6 hours. Once cooked, jerky has an unbreakable, chewy texture.

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit when you're cooking the jerky in it. Layer a baking sheet on top of a wire cooling rack. Put the prepared meat on the wire racks in an even layer. Bake for approximately four hours, or until the beef jerky is dry, firm, and slightly soft. 

What is the Storage & Shelf Life of Barbecue Beef Jerky?

Proper storage prolongs the flavor and shelf life of BBQ beef jerky.
Jerky is 100% shelfable. It can be stored for a few days in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap. This keeps its freshness and texture intact. Jerky can be refrigerated for a maximum of two weeks, when properly wrapped. 

What is the Nutritional Value of Barbecue Beef Jerky?

Nutritional information of barbecue beef jerky per 1 oz is:

Calories: 90-12 kcal, based on the amount of brown sugar and honey used in the mixture.
Protein: 11-14 grams, a lean and satisfying source of protein perfect for sustaining workouts and long workdays.
Carbohydrates: 4-7 grams, primarily from honey, sugar, and sauces used in the glaze.
Sugar: 3–5 grams of honey and brown sugar combined to create a sweet and spicy barbecue flavoring.
Fat: 1-2 grams; use lean cuts such as top round steak for low fat.
Sodium: 500-750 mg. Worcestershire and soy sauce add savory saline.

The values vary based on the recipe, particularly if honey (higher sweetness) or soy sauce (lower sodium) are added.