Beef jerky is a beloved snack known for its satisfying chewiness and rich, meaty flavor. This oven-baked beef jerky recipe brings together the classic taste of jerky with a homemade touch. The result is a snack that's not only healthier than its store-bought counterpart but also customizable to your own taste preferences.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your pantry. However, liquid smoke flavoring and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may not be as common. Liquid smoke imparts a smoky flavor to your jerky, mimicking the taste of traditional smoking methods. MSG is a flavor enhancer that boosts the umami or savory taste of the jerky. These can be found in the spice or international aisle in most supermarkets.
Essential Ingredients for Oven-Baked Beef Jerky
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef and helps preserve it.
Liquid smoke flavoring: Gives a smoky flavor, replicating the taste of traditionally smoked jerky.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer that boosts the umami taste.
Onion powder: Gives a depth of flavor and slight sweetness to the jerky.
Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami taste and a dark color to the jerky.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds tanginess and a bit of spice to the jerky.
Ground black pepper: Gives a slight heat to the jerky.
Sirloin: A lean, flavorful cut of beef perfect for making jerky.
One reader, Caroljean Aleman says:
This oven-baked beef jerky recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the meat turns out tender and flavorful. Plus, the aroma while it's baking is absolutely mouthwatering. I love how easy it is to make and how delicious the end result is. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Oven-Baked Beef Jerky
How to marinate the beef: The beef slices should be thoroughly coated with the mixture of salt, liquid smoke, garlic powder, monosodium glutamate, onion powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper. This will ensure the flavors are evenly distributed and absorbed by the meat.
How to bake the beef jerky: The beef slices should be arranged in a single layer on baking dishes and baked at 200°F (95°C) for 8 hours. This slow and low-temperature baking process will help to dehydrate the meat, resulting in flavorful and chewy beef jerky.
How To Make Oven Baked Beef Jerky
You don’t need a smoker or a dehydrator to make this beef jerky recipe. Just take some beef strips, season them, and take it low and slow in your oven.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspliquid smoke flavoring
- ⅓tspgarlic powder
- ⅓tspmonosodium glutamate,MSG
- 1tsponion powder
- ¼cupsoy sauce
- ¼cupWorcestershire sauce
- ground black pepper,to taste
- 1½lbssirloin,or London broil, cut to inch thick slices
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
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In a medium, nonporous bowl, combine the salt, liquid smoke, garlic powder, monosodium glutamate, onion powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and ground black pepper to taste.
-
Place meat slices in this mixture and coat well. Then place the meat slices onto two 10 by 15-inch baking dishes in a single layer.
-
Bake at 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) for 8 hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390.32kcal
- Fat: 24.41g
- Saturated Fat: 9.82g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.97g
- Carbohydrates: 5.19g
- Fiber: 0.40g
- Sugar: 1.84g
- Protein: 35.35g
- Cholesterol: 132.68mg
- Sodium: 1183.48mg
- Calcium: 71.47mg
- Potassium: 749.68mg
- Iron: 3.72mg
- Vitamin A: 1.03µg
- Vitamin C: 2.38mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Oven-Baked Beef Jerky
When preparing your beef jerky, it's crucial to slice the sirloin as thinly as possible. This will not only allow the marinade to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the flavor, but it will also ensure that the meat dries out evenly in the oven. If you're having trouble slicing the meat thinly, try placing it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up before slicing.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Beef Jerky in the Oven
Prep ahead: Prepare the marinade and slice the beef the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a dehydrator: Consider using a food dehydrator instead of the oven for a faster and more efficient jerky-making process.
Thin slices: Ask your butcher to slice the beef thinly for you, or use a sharp knife to ensure even and thin slices for quicker dehydration.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of beef jerky at once to have plenty on hand for future snacking, saving time in the long run.
Organize workspace: Set up a designated workspace with all the ingredients and tools you need to streamline the preparation process.
Substitute Ingredients For Oven Baked Beef Jerky Recipe
salt - Substitute with low-sodium soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can provide the salty flavor while also adding a hint of umami to the jerky.
liquid smoke flavoring - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor to the jerky without the need for liquid smoke.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor compared to garlic powder.
monosodium glutamate - Substitute with umami seasoning: Umami seasoning, such as mushroom powder or nutritional yeast, can provide a savory, umami-rich flavor similar to MSG.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onion: Finely chopped fresh onion can provide a more pronounced and aromatic onion flavor compared to onion powder.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can provide a similar salty and savory flavor to soy sauce, making it a suitable substitute for those avoiding soy products.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to Worcestershire sauce, adding depth to the jerky marinade.
ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can provide a similar level of heat and a hint of smokiness to the jerky.
Best Way to Present Oven-Baked Beef Jerky
Elevate the jerky with a gourmet plating: Arrange the beef jerky slices in a visually appealing manner on a sleek, rectangular plate. Ensure that each slice is delicately placed to showcase its texture and flavor.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with garnishes: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped chives and sesame seeds on top of the beef jerky to enhance its visual appeal and add a pop of color.
Present the jerky on a wooden serving board: For a rustic yet sophisticated touch, serve the beef jerky on a polished wooden board. This adds a natural element to the presentation and elevates the overall aesthetic.
Accompany with artisanal dipping sauces: Offer a selection of high-quality mustard, horseradish, and truffle aioli in elegant, individual serving dishes to provide a luxurious and customizable dining experience.
Utilize elegant plating techniques: Experiment with different plating styles, such as stacking the jerky slices in a Jenga-like formation or arranging them in a spiral pattern for a visually captivating presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers for a touch of sophistication: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers to the plating to add a touch of refinement and elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Serve with a curated selection of gourmet crackers: Pair the beef jerky with a selection of artisanal crackers and flatbreads arranged in an artful manner to complement the flavors and textures of the jerky.
Enhance the presentation with a drizzle of infused oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality truffle oil or rosemary-infused oil over the beef jerky to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the aroma.
Essential Tools for Making Beef Jerky in the Oven
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and cooking food by using dry heat.
- Medium nonporous bowl: A bowl that is not permeable to liquids or air, typically made of materials such as glass, stainless steel, or ceramic.
- 10 by 15-inch baking dish: A rectangular dish used for baking, roasting, and cooking food in the oven.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Beef Jerky
Once the beef jerky has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent moisture from seeping in.
To ensure optimal flavor and texture, consume the homemade beef jerky within 1-2 weeks when stored at room temperature. Keep the container or bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the beef jerky in an airtight container for up to 1 month. This will help preserve its quality and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
If you want to store the beef jerky for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Place the jerky in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date of preparation for easy reference.
Frozen beef jerky can last for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen jerky, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing previously thawed beef jerky. If you plan to consume only a portion of the thawed jerky, it's best to store the remainder in the refrigerator and use it within a week.
How to Reheat Leftover Beef Jerky
The best way to reheat leftover oven-baked beef jerky is to place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat it in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the jerky without overcooking it or making it too dry.
Another option is to use a dehydrator to reheat the jerky. Simply place the jerky strips on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 145°F (63°C) for about 1-2 hours, or until the jerky is warm and slightly pliable. This method is particularly useful if you want to restore any lost moisture to the jerky.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the jerky in the microwave. Place the jerky strips on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds at a time, checking the jerky after each interval to avoid overcooking. Be careful not to microwave the jerky for too long, as it can become tough and chewy.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can reheat the jerky in a skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or @butter to the pan to help restore moisture and prevent the jerky from sticking. Cook the jerky for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy.
Lastly, if you're in a hurry or don't have access to an oven or stove, you can simply enjoy the leftover jerky at room temperature. Beef jerky is a shelf-stable snack that doesn't necessarily need to be reheated to be enjoyed. However, if you prefer your jerky warm and slightly soft, the above methods should help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Random Fact About Oven-Baked Beef Jerky
The beef jerky recipe is a great source of protein and makes for a delicious and convenient snack. It is also a perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Additionally, beef jerky is a portable and shelf-stable snack, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go individuals or outdoor activities. It's a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy a savory treat while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Is Making Beef Jerky at Home Cost-Effective?
This oven-baked beef jerky recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of sirloin as the main ingredient is economical and provides a flavorful result. The long baking time may increase energy costs, but the overall cost is still reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Homemade Beef Jerky Healthy or Unhealthy?
The oven-baked beef jerky recipe, while tasty, raises some concerns from a nutritional standpoint. Here's an analysis of the recipe's healthiness:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-sodium ingredients like salt, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Excessive sodium intake can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
- The use of liquid smoke flavoring, while adding a smoky taste, may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer risk when consumed in high amounts.
- On the positive side, using lean sirloin as the main ingredient provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of salt and replace some of the soy sauce with low-sodium alternatives or natural flavorings like garlic, onion, or herbs.
- Opt for a natural smoke flavoring or use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke to minimize the potential risk associated with PAHs.
- Experiment with healthier marinade ingredients like apple cider vinegar, honey, or citrus juices to add flavor without relying heavily on high-sodium sauces.
- Incorporate some heart-healthy spices like cayenne pepper, turmeric, or ginger, which can boost the jerky's flavor profile while providing additional health benefits.
- Consider using leaner cuts of beef, such as top round or eye of round, to further reduce the fat content of the jerky.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of this classic snack while still enjoying the satisfying taste and texture of homemade beef jerky.
Editor's Thoughts on This Beef Jerky Recipe
This oven-baked beef jerky recipe is a classic and simple way to make delicious jerky at home. The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings creates a flavorful marinade for the beef. The low and slow baking process ensures that the jerky is perfectly dried while retaining its rich, meaty flavor. However, I would recommend reducing the amount of monosodium glutamate for a healthier option. Overall, this recipe is a great way to make homemade beef jerky that is both tasty and satisfying.
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Why trust this Oven Baked Beef Jerky Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients, including sirloin and soy sauce, to ensure a rich and savory flavor. The combination of liquid smoke flavoring and worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the marinade. The low and slow cooking method at a low temperature ensures that the beef is tender and flavorful, while preserving its natural juices. The use of garlic powder and onion powder enhances the overall taste, and the addition of monosodium glutamate provides an umami boost. Trust in this recipe for delicious, homemade beef jerky that's perfect for snacking or sharing.
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