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Thin strips of smoked beef jerky stand upright in a glass jar, with more healthy homemade beef jerky scattered on a wooden surface.
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5 from 56 votes

Smoked Beef Jerky

Homemade jerky doesn’t need to be complicated. With a simple marinade and a few hours in the smoker, you’ll get a chewy, smoky snack that’s full of bold flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a healthier, high-protein option.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Marinating Time3 hours
Total Time7 hours 30 minutes
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: smoker
Servings: 3 Pounds

Ingredients

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

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

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