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alton brown beef jerky recipe

Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe

Ok guys, this beef jerky recipe from Alton Brown is what homemade snack are all about! Easy. Tasty. Hunger satisfying!
The marinade combines salty, sweet, and smoky elements that soak deep into the meat for a salivating flavor.
When I prepare this, I make sure to freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing—it makes getting those thin, uniform strips so much easier.
Using lean cuts like eye of round helps keep the jerky from getting greasy while still being tender.
The airflow drying method might sound unconventional, but trust me, it works like magic and beats any store-bought dehydrator!
Prep Time6 hours
Cook Time12 hours
Total Time18 hours
Course: Snack
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Flank Steak
  • 2/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2/3 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Liquid Smoke
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

  • Trim any excess fat from the flank steak as it will hinder the drying process.
  • After trimming, place the meat in a zip-top bag and freeze it for about 1-2 hours to firm up.
  • Once the meat is firm, slice it thinly against the grain for tender jerky.
  • The pieces should be about 1/8 inch thick.
  • In a large resealable bag, combine Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, black pepper, onion powder, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes to make the marinade.
  • Add the beef slices into the bag, ensuring they're thoroughly coated and marinate for 3-6 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Remove the marinated beef from the fridge and arrange it on air filters, laying the strips across the grooves.
  • Then, stack the filters on top of one another.
  • Use a box fan to dry the meat by securing the stacked air filters with bungee cords.
  • Set the fan on high for 8-12 hours until the meat is dehydrated to your liking.