Teriyaki Beef Jerky Recipe

Teriyaki beef jerky is a sweet and savory high-protein snack made by marinating thin strips of beef in a teriyaki marinade and slowly drying them in a dehydrator or a smoker. It has a strong blend of sweet, salty, zesty, and umami flavors, making it a popular choice among jerky lovers. Made with lean, tender beef, it keeps you full without adding redundant calories, perfect for post-workout or midday slumps. 

Why You'll Love Teriyaki Beef Jerky!

Tender beef strips glazed in a smoky and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce are a perfect option for road trips and outdoor refreshments. Teriyaki beef jerky gives you a boost of energy to get through the workday. This snack is always a hit at parties or as a personal treat owing to its tempting combo of spicy and honeyed sensations. Keep this chewy jerky in your desk drawer or bag for fast food emergencies or impromptu outings.

What are the Ingredients of Teriyaki Beef Jerky?

Here are the major ingredients for making delicious teriyaki beef jerky.

Wet Ingredients

• 5 pounds of fresh beef flank meat (or any other cut you like, and trim the fat before setting up)

• 1½ cups  teriyaki sauce

• Two cups of Worcestershire sauce (premium)

• Add 3 teaspoons of liquid smoke

• 1 cup soy sauce

• Mirin or rice vinegar
  
  

Dry Ingredients

•  2 tsp garlic powder.

•  4 tbsp onion powder

•  4 tsp black pepper

•  1 tsp of cayenne powder

•  1 tablespoon sea salt

•  4 tbsp brown sugar

•  1 ¼ tablespoons red pepper flakes

•  1 tablespoon maple syrup.

•  2 tablespoons of honey

• A ¼-pound fresh, peeled pineapple

Marinade Preparation

Mix teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.  Add honey/brown sugar and fresh, peeled pineapple to sweeten the jerky and balance the flavor with sea salt, garlic, or a bit of red pepper to boost the marinade's flavor. Add just a bit of vinegar for a tangy twist. The perfect combination of ingredients and time helps the beef to absorb the savory teriyaki seasoning.

Cutting & Preparation

Slice the beef into strips that are between ⅛ and ¼ inch thick.Cut the beef across the grain to make tender jerky. It gives the jerky more chewy consistency by narrowing the length of the muscle fibers. Then add them to the marinade bowl and mix it well with a spoon or your hands. Make sure the marinade completely coats each beef strip. Marinate the meat in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for a minimum of six hours, but ideally overnight. A longer marinating time delivers a more harmonious flavoring. 

After the beef has marinated overnight, remove it from the bowl and pat dry. The next important steps in making teriyaki beef jerky are drying and cooking to enjoy the chewy, sweet texture.

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

Here are the three drying methods:

1. Dehydrator Method

A dehydrator is commonly used by jerky lovers. The marinated beef is spread out on the dehydrator trays so it doesn't overlap. The dehydrator is set at 160 degrees Fahrenheit; drying requires a constant temperature. This method takes 4 to 15 hours. Once the jerky has dried, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

2. Oven Method

Set the oven's temperature to the lowest viable setting, usually between 170 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap a baking sheet in aluminum foil to catch drips, and place the marinated beef strips on a wire rack over it. Skewer each strip of meat, disposing of a tiny gap between slices for a dry finish. The drying time can range from three to eight hours, based on the degree of thickness of the strip. Jerky is ready to eat when it bends and cracks but it doesn't break. 

3. Smoker Method

Smoking jerky in a smoker enhances flavor while offering drying for those who prefer a smoky flavor. Preheat the smoker to around 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and set up the meat strips on the racks. Smoking time ranges between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the smoker's performance and desired crispness. The meat is kept at an adequate temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  

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

The shelf life and flavor of teriyaki beef jerky are extended by proper storage. 

Teriyaki beef jerky is wrapped in plastic wrap for short-term storage or kept in an airtight container. This preserves its texture and freshness. Jerky can be refrigerated for up to two weeks after being properly wrapped.

Freezer storage is advisable to extend the shelf life of jerky for more than two weeks. The best way to store jerky is to seal it in a freezer-safe plastic container or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and crisp in the freezer for months.

What is the Nutritional Value of Teriyaki Beef Jerky?

Nutritional information of teriyaki beef jerky per 1 oz is:

Calories: Approximately 80-110 calories, according to the quantity of honey and fat in    the beef.
Protein: 10-13 g; it is a high-protein, lean snack.
Carbohydrates: 5-8 g of pineapple, honey, or brown sugar
Sugar: 3–6 grams, based on how sweet the marinade is
Sodium: 500-700 mg, due to a blend of soy sauce, teriyaki, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

The values vary by recipe, especially if using honey (higher sweetness) or soy sauce (lower sodium).