Des

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Sweet n’ Spicy Beef Jerky

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.

Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!

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.

Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!

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.

Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!

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.

Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!

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.

Sweet n' Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!

Sweet n' Spicy Beef Jerky

Spicy Beef Jerky is our new favorite snack! You can make it at home, without a dehydrator!
5 from 20 votes
Prep Time 8 hrs
Cook Time 3 hrs
Total Time 11 hrs
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

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.

Notes

It has been brought to my attention that the cooling fans in some ovens kick on if it is propped open and it won't cook the jerky as well. If that is the case with your oven, simply cook it with the door closed. It will still cook well! 
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: beef, beef jerky, jerky, man food, snack, spicy

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Deb
    March 10, 2024 at 3:02 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 12, 2024 at 11:06 am

      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 :)

  • Reply
    Shelby L Bayo
    February 13, 2024 at 9:35 am

    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?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 13, 2024 at 10:40 am

      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 :)

  • Reply
    Martha
    April 29, 2022 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    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!”

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 30, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      I am so happy to hear that, Martha! And thank you for the info on using the convection oven. That is super helpful!

  • Reply
    Danny
    January 14, 2022 at 12:37 pm

    5 stars
    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 👌

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 14, 2022 at 9:53 pm

      So happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Danny! :)

  • Reply
    Gail
    December 29, 2021 at 9:37 am

    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.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 30, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      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!

  • Reply
    Martha Jordan
    February 4, 2021 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    We have a convection bake oven…can you use that setting and would it still require keeping the door open by a spoon?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 4, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      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.

  • Reply
    Aleta
    May 11, 2019 at 6:01 am

    5 stars
    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!

  • Reply
    Donna
    May 3, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    Would it be ok to use chili garlic paste, I don’t have sauce? Thanks so much,

  • Reply
    Alisha Rodrigues
    April 1, 2019 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    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

  • Reply
    Daniela
    March 31, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    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 :).

  • Reply
    Karyl
    March 31, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never been a big beef jerky fan, but I have friends who absolutely love it. I’ll definitely share this with them

  • Reply
    Sharon
    March 31, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    5 stars
    This sweet and spicy beef jerky looks so good! Easy to make too so I can skip the store brought stuff next time.

  • Reply
    Marisa F. Stewart
    March 31, 2019 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    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.

  • Reply
    Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
    March 29, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    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!

  • Reply
    Colleen
    March 29, 2019 at 10:16 am

    5 stars
    This beef jerky looks PERFECT! I have never even thought to make my own, but it looks so easy. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    Melanie Bauer
    March 27, 2019 at 1:33 am

    5 stars
    Looks sensational! I’d love to try this, definitely a huge hit in our house!

  • Reply
    Toni | Boulder Locavore
    March 26, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    5 stars
    I love it! Looks so easy to make!

  • Reply
    Allyson Zea
    March 26, 2019 at 10:16 am

    5 stars
    My family loved this recipe- THANKS!

  • Reply
    Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie
    March 26, 2019 at 8:02 am

    This is a great snack option for my family! I have to make it this week!

  • Reply
    Jacque
    March 26, 2019 at 7:05 am

    5 stars
    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.

  • Reply
    Elaine Benoit
    March 26, 2019 at 6:02 am

    5 stars
    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!

  • Reply
    Steph
    March 25, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    My husband is a beef jerky snob and he can’t stop talking about this jerky! Great recipe!

  • Reply
    Katherine | Love In My Oven
    March 25, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    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 ;)

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    March 25, 2019 at 6:29 pm

    I’m totally addicted to beef jerky, look forward to trying this one!

  • Reply
    Sherri
    March 25, 2019 at 4:15 pm

    5 stars
    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!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    March 25, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to make these for my husband. He absolutely love it!

  • Reply
    Jess
    March 16, 2019 at 3:51 am

    5 stars
    ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! FAVORITE recipe so far!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 16, 2019 at 9:36 am

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you!

  • Reply
    Jools
    February 24, 2019 at 5:43 am

    5 stars
    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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 24, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      So happy to hear that Jools! Thank you!

  • Reply
    CookinCanuck
    May 22, 2017 at 7:27 am

    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!

  • Reply
    Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
    May 21, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    Beef jerky is one of my most favorite treats EVER – love this!

  • Reply
    Kate@Diethood
    May 20, 2017 at 7:00 am

    Wow this is so impressive! I have never thought of making beef jerky in the oven! Awesome!!

  • Reply
    Jen
    May 20, 2017 at 6:55 am

    Wow! I never knew you could make this in the oven!! This will be the perfect Father’s Day gift!

  • Reply
    Patricia Conte
    May 19, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I’m so, so, so impressed! I always thought you’d need a dehydrator, too! I really want to try this! Awesome!

  • Reply
    Delaney | Melanie Makes
    May 19, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    This looks amazing! My brother would especially love it.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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