Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe

Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky is a savory and smoky snack made from lean beef and a blend of spices prepared with the bold flavor of hickory smoke. It's a nutrient-dense combination of traditional flavor and modern snacking. This smoky and slightly spicy jerky is made with natural maple syrup. Every bite of beef jerky delivers a protein-rich, authentic taste that's perfect for road trips, outdoor adventures, workouts, or midday snacks.

What are the Ingredients of Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky?

Here are the primary ingredients for Hickory-smoked Beef Jerky.

• 5 lbs of lean ground meat or flank

• Four and a half tablespoons of salt 

• 1 teaspoon of curing salt.

• 3 teaspoons hickory smoke flavoring or 1 1/2 tsp smoke flavoring

• One tsp of onion powder

• One teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ground sumac

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon of chili powder

• 1 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

• 5 cups iced water

Notes:

When using curing salt, make sure the jerky is properly dehydrated and safely stored.

Iced water evenly distributes spices and keeps the meat mixture firm.

Use liquid smoke or hickory smoke to add a smoky flavor to your marinade mixture.

Marinade Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, mix soy sauce, ice water, Worcestershire sauce and honey. Add the black pepper powder, garlic salt, onion powder, brown sugar, chili peppers, and sumac. Now fill it with ice water. Add hickory smoke flavoring (or liquid smoke) for an original smoky depth. This key element gives traditional smoked taste minus the need for a smoker. Sprinkle the slices with pepper or ground pepper flakes before smoking them. Whisk all the ingredients before pouring them into a zippered bag with the sliced meat. Seal the Ziplock and put it in the refrigerator after removing as much air as possible. Give the meat at least 12 hours to marinate, but prefer a full day. That gives the flavors enough time to fully absorb into the meat. 

Cutting & Preparation 

Thinly slice the meat with the grain (approx. 3/16). Freeze meat until ice crystals form to help you slice it thinly. This results in quicker drying time and more slices. Place the sliced meat into the marinade. Marinate the meat thoroughly, stirring frequently to ensure even coverage. Cover and refrigerate the meat for at least twenty-four hours, whisking it around once or twice over that time. Once marinated, smoke or dry for 6 to 8 hours at 160 degrees in some hickory. Store the jerky in the refrigerator in a sealed container after letting it cool on a cooling rack till it reaches room temperature. The next steps in preparing hickory-smoked beef jerky are drying and cooking.

What are the Drying/Smoking Methods for Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky?

Dry the jerky strips on paper towels to remove excess marinade, and then lay them across the smoker's metal racks or hang them with toothpicks. After positioning the top metal rack in the smoker's highest slot, hang your strips. Preheat the smoker to 180 degrees to 200 degrees Fahrenheit Add a handful of timber chips. Lower the temperature to 160°F. Smoke for 3 to 5 hours until done. Keep smoking it until the jerky cracks and curves but doesn't split in two. 

The dehydrating process is widely used to prepare jerky. Use a paper towel to pat dry the jerky strips before setting them up on the rack. Distribute every marinated jerky piece across the dehydrator. The dehydrating temperature in Fahrenheit ranges between 165 and 185 degrees. Dehydrate the beef jerky for 4–6 hours.

Before making the jerky, the grill is heated up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Layer a baking sheet on top of a wire cooling rack. Spread the prepared meat out evenly on the wire racks. Cook until the beef jerky is firm and dry but still slightly malleable, about 4 hours.  

What is the Storage & Shelf Life of Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky?

When the jerky is done smoking, set it on a rack to cool. Once the meat reaches room temperature, place it in an airtight bag or sealable container and keep it in the refrigerator.  This maintains its texture and freshness. It will stay fresh for a month if kept in the freezer.

What is the Nutritional Value of Hickory-Smoked Beef Jerky?

Here is the estimated nutritional information for Hickory Smoked Beef Jerky based on a 1 oz serving:
Calories: It's a low-calorie snack for active lifestyles, 70-90 calories derived from lean protein.
Protein: 12-15 grams for healthy muscle growth and energy throughout the day.
Carbohydrates: 0-2 g, perfect for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Sugar: 0 grams, no added sugar, keep it clean and healthy.
Fat: 1.5-3 grams, depending on the cut of meat (lean ground or trimmed flank).
Sodium: 600-850 mg; moderate to high sodium levels due to curing salt and smoke flavoring for taste and preservation.