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If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack with bold flavor and a smoky edge, this smoked beef jerky is for you. Made with flank steak and a deeply seasoned marinade, it’s the kind of recipe that works for road trips, meal prep or weekend projects. It’s savory, satisfying and far easier to make than most people think. Once you try it, you’ll see just how addictive homemade jerky can be.
This smoked beef jerky is packed with smoky flavor, easy to make at home and the perfect thing for snacking on the go, road trips or meal prep.
More tasty recipes you might like include smoked beer can chicken, bacon cheddar stuffed burgers and Greek chicken gyros.
Why You’ll Love It
Big flavor: Smoky, savory and packed with bold spices.
Great texture: Chewy and satisfying without being tough.
Protein-rich snack: Ideal for long days or post-workout fuel.
No junk: No preservatives, fillers or unnecessary extras.
Traeger Beef Jerky Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Coconut aminos: Adds umami and sweetness without soy.
Hoisin sauce: Brings depth, balance and a hint of sweetness.
Spices: Garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, black pepper and ancho chili powder add warmth and a slight kick.
Flank steak: Lean and flavorful, it gives the perfect jerky bite.
How to Make Beef Jerky
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the marinade: Whisk coconut aminos, hoisin and spices in a bowl.
Slice the steak: Cut against the grain into thin, even strips.
Marinate the meat: Coat in the marinade and chill for several hours.
Dry the beef: Layer with paper towels to absorb moisture.
Smoke the jerky: Arrange on smoker racks and cook until pliable but firm.
Cool and store: Let cool fully before transferring to storage.
Substitutions and Variations
Use soy sauce instead: If not avoiding soy, low sodium soy sauce works.
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Try a sweet twist: Add honey or maple syrup for balance.
Swap the cut: Sirloin or top round are good alternatives to flank steak.
Serving Suggestions
With a salad: Crumble it over a mason jar taco salad for a portable protein boost or serve with charred zucchini salad for a smoky-summer combo.
With other snacks: Whip up million dollar deviled eggs and smoked shrimp too. Something else I recommend is this TikTok viral smoked cream cheese!
Other ways to enjoy jerky: Simmer it in marinara sauce then serve over spaghetti and meatballs, mix it into skillet cornbread to add meatiness, toss it into Brussels sprouts instead of bacon, or add it to cowboy beans or plain beans along with a pinch of cumin.
How to Store Smoked Beef Jerky
Store: If you store homemade beef jerky in an airtight container at room temperature, it will last about a week. If you store your jerky in the refrigerator in an airtight container, it should last 1 to 2 weeks.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing your jerky, as it doesn’t really have enough moisture to freeze properly and doing so will just dry it out even more.
Top Tips
Slice evenly: Consistent size means even drying and smoking.
Don’t skip drying: Removing moisture improves texture and cook time.
Check for doneness: It should bend without breaking.
Cool before storing: This preserves texture and flavor.
Homemade Jerky FAQs
Oak, pecan, hickory, maple, and apple are good options.
No, you don’t need to flip your jerky during the smoking process.
Smoke the jerky until it bends but doesn’t crack. To test, take a piece from the smoker and let it come to room temperature. If it’s pliable when you fold it in half and the meat fiber is starting to break but looks chewy then it’s done. If the jerky is floppy, put it back into the smoker. If it snaps in half, then you already overcooked it.
Homemade Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe
Smoked Beef Jerky
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 Cup coconut aminos
- 2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon ginger powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 2 Pounds flank steak
Instructions
- Whisk coconut aminos, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, chili powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice steak into ¼-inch thick slices against the grain.
- Add to the bowl and cover. Place into the fridge and let marinate at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Arrange the slices of marinated meat on a cookie sheet lined with foil and paper towels. Place a layer of meat, and then add a paper towel layer. Continue this layering until you have placed all of the meat on the baking sheet. Absorbing the extra moisture will help the meat cook more evenly.
- Set smoker to 165°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Once preheated, arrange sliced steak directly on the grill grate and smoke for 4 hours.
- Check to be sure the jerky is done by lifting one end of the meat, if it holds its shape (and is a bit pliable) the jerky is ready. If it bends too much, smoke for another half hour and check again.
- Place on a wire rack lined baking sheet to cool for 30 minutes. Store any leftovers in a Ziploc bag in the fridge.
Notes
Don’t skip drying: Removing moisture improves texture and cook time.
Check for doneness: It should bend without breaking.
Cool before storing: This preserves texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Smoked beef jerky is a satisfying, high-protein snack that fits into busy lifestyles and weekend meal prep alike. With bold spices, tender flank steak and a low-and-slow smoking method, you get a snack that’s packed with flavor and far better than anything in a bag. Whether you’re planning a trip or just need something to grab between meals, this pellet smoker beef jerky recipe for a smoker like a Traeger grill is a tasty solution that stores well and tastes even better.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I love the smokiness. I’ve been snacking on this and so does my hubby!
Loved this recipe. I will be making it again for sure! 🙂
My hubby makes great beef jerky. I can’t wait to impress him with your recipe.
This is my go to jerky recipe. So simple and the results are wonderful. My wife and I can’t go back to store bought.
So glad you love it !!
I have always wanted to try to make my own jerky