Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!
I have always been a huge beef jerky fan. When I was growing up, we would take lots of road trips and beef jerky was always a snack that we had on hand. I was always partial to the spicy beef jerky, because, well, I’m partial to all things spicy.
Despite it being one of my favorite snacks, I don’t actually buy beef jerky all that often. For one, it’s expensive for such a little bag. Second, I was always a huge fan of the jerky that you buy in the bin at the gas stations (you know the whole road trip thing), but Ryan totally ruined it for me by saying “Ewww people grab that stuff with dirty hands!” And now I just imagine that every time I reach for one.
So what’s a jerky loving girl to do? Make her own Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky.
Do you need a dehydrator to make beef jerky?
No! I have always been under the impression that beef jerky had to be made in a dehydrator. That is simply not true. In fact, you can make beef jerky in your oven. All you need is a couple baking sheets, aluminum foil, cooling racks and a wooden spoon to hold the door open.
The other hurdle was what cut of beef to use. For this Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky recipe, I use london broil. London broil is inexpensive and can go a long way, especially when you are cutting it thin. I have tried it with flat iron steak too, it was a bit chewier, but totally worked.
Speaking of cutting the jerky thin, the best way to do that is to freeze the beef before hand, like I do with this beef stir fry. This allows you to cut thin slices of beef. For this Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky, I cut the beef about 1/8 of an inch thick. It was the perfect thickness for me. If you like your jerky a bit chewier, cut it a little thicker.
The next step in the homemade jerky process, is the marinade. This Sweet n’Spicy Beef Jerky is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and chili garlic sauce overnight. Marinating it overnight, really allows the flavor to come through.
Finally, the cooking. Making your own beef jerky does take a bit of time. I cook this jerky anywhere from 3 – 4 hours at 170 degrees. After is has cooked, I let it cool on the counter for another couple of hours before putting it in a air-tight container.
But you guys, it is totally worth it.
This Spicy Beef Jerky has become a huge snack time favorite around here. I often find Preston sneaking into the container to get himself a snack. It’s amazing I was able to have enough to take these photos! ;)
Note: Originally posted 2017. Updated with new video 2019.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper (divided)
- 1 3/4 pound london broil (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, granulated garlic and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Place thinly sliced london broil in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over the top. Seal and marinate at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator one hour prior to cooking.
- Preheat oven to lowest temperature, mine is 170 degrees.
- Line 2 - 3 large baking sheets with aluminum foil. Place cooling racks on top of baking sheets.
- Lay slices of jerky, 1/4 inches apart, on the trays. Sprinkle with remaining pepper.
- Place trays on oven rack. Place the handle of a wooden spoon in the oven door just top prop it open slightly. Cook for 3 hours.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for another hour. Transfer to a air tight container. Store in the refrigerator.
Hey Marsha, you could use sambal oelek or even sriracha as a substitution. :)
Can I use something other than chili garlic sauce?
Hey Mary! I haven’t but I think that could work, you will likely need to cut down on the cooking time by quite a bit depending on the thickness of the beef.
thanks!
quick question: have you tried using pre-shaved (so super thin) beef?
Hi Joan, you could certainly try! I don’t have one so I am not sure what directions to give you but I would think you can marinade the jerky according to the recipe and simply use a dehydrator to cook it.
Can I use a dehydrator?
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Yay! I’m glad I could help you with your search Deb and I am happy that you were able to modified it to your dietary needs :)
I’ve been looking for a good beef jerky recipe for a couple of years now. After trying this one, I’ve finally ended the search! I did find it to be a tad bit too spicy for my taste, so I’ll reduce the garlic chili by 1/4 next time. I also used coconut aminos as I’m avoiding soy at this time and used xylitol instead of the brown sugar because I’m eating Keto. We smoked it on our smoker for 4 hours and it was the best jerky I’ve ever tasted. Thanks so much for an awesome recipe!
I’ve had this happen with my newer oven too!I have been able to cook this at 170 and get pretty similar results too so I think you shold be good :)
I’m not able to keep my oven door ajar – an alarm goes off and the oven is turned off when i try this. I have a convection oven but unfortunately the lowest temperature the convection setting goes to is 300. How will it effect my jerky if i bake it at 170 (lowest baking temp) with the door closed?
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I am so happy to hear that, Martha! And thank you for the info on using the convection oven. That is super helpful!
This jerky has the most amazing flavour. I finally tried using the convection bake setting. Two things, it created more of a crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside texture and it took less time. Thank you for posting this recipe! My husband just said, “we never have to go without jerky again!”
So happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Danny! :)
The Jerry turned out great the taste was spot on.
I cut my jerky on the thick side for a softer chew, this recipe is awesome 👌
I would think about a week in the refrigerator. I’ve never tried freezing it so I can’t say for sure. I do hope you enjoy it!
How long will this jerky stay good in the refrigerator? Can it be frozen and then left in the fridge again? Please let me know. Thank you I just made a double recipe for the first time.
Hi Martha! I think that the air circulating when the oven is on the convection would be enough to help dry out the jerky without propping the door open.
We have a convection bake oven…can you use that setting and would it still require keeping the door open by a spoon?
YASSSS So excited about this recipe! I love jerky but also feel it’s just too expensive. I haven’t tried to make my own yet, but am now very excited too… thanks for sharing!
Would it be ok to use chili garlic paste, I don’t have sauce? Thanks so much,
I love the fact that you’ve used simple ingredients which give the best balance of flavors. Always looking out for some fun recipes like these.. Thanks for sharing
Yum! I’ve actually been dreaming about making my own jerky for quite some time now and your recipe was exactly the kick in the tushy I needed to finally do it! Thanks so much for sharing :).
I’ve never been a big beef jerky fan, but I have friends who absolutely love it. I’ll definitely share this with them
This sweet and spicy beef jerky looks so good! Easy to make too so I can skip the store brought stuff next time.
We used to make beef jerky by the pounds. Hubby was great at making it. All it takes is some thick top rounds and a great marinade and the jerky is better than the store-bought. Yours looks great. And I wouldn’t buy one of those that you pick out yourself for love nor money. Ewwwwww! I’ll have to show Hubby your recipe, we haven’t made jerky in a long time.
I always thought you had to have a dehydrator to make jerky so I’m so excited to hear that that’s not the case! We’ll definitely be trying this recipe soon!
This beef jerky looks PERFECT! I have never even thought to make my own, but it looks so easy. Thank you for sharing!
Looks sensational! I’d love to try this, definitely a huge hit in our house!
I love it! Looks so easy to make!
My family loved this recipe- THANKS!
This is a great snack option for my family! I have to make it this week!
I am in love! Who knew this whole time that I could be saving a ton of money by making my own jerky in the OVEN! Mind blown… Heading to the grocery store now.
I, too was under the impression I needed a dehydrator to make beef jerky! Yay! Now I can make it. Your recipe looks both easy and delicious and I can’t wait to try it out!
My husband is a beef jerky snob and he can’t stop talking about this jerky! Great recipe!
I make my own jerky all of the time! Your version sounds delicious, I will definitely have to give it a try the next time we need a meaty snack ;)
I’m totally addicted to beef jerky, look forward to trying this one!
LOL…I totally feel you! There are a number of things I no longer eat because of my husband and his fear of germs! Looks like you have a winner of a homemade beef jerky! Love the sweet and spicy combo!
I can’t wait to make these for my husband. He absolutely love it!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you!
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! FAVORITE recipe so far!
So happy to hear that Jools! Thank you!
Love this jerky recipe! We have tried a few now and this is definitely our favourite so far. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
My younger son is a jerky addict, but so many of the ones at the store are either really expensive or filled with a ton of questionable ingredients. I have to make this recipe for him!
Beef jerky is one of my most favorite treats EVER – love this!
Wow this is so impressive! I have never thought of making beef jerky in the oven! Awesome!!
Wow! I never knew you could make this in the oven!! This will be the perfect Father’s Day gift!
I’m so, so, so impressed! I always thought you’d need a dehydrator, too! I really want to try this! Awesome!
This looks amazing! My brother would especially love it.