1. Home
2. Easy Dehydrated Food Recipes
3. Savory Pork Jerky Recipe

share!FacebookPinterestRedditXMessengerWhatsAppTumblr

Savory Pork Jerky Recipe:
Sweet, Salty & Smoky Perfection

Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Enjoy a chewy, flavorful, and protein-packed snack with this savory pork jerky recipe! Pork jerky offers a slightly sweeter, richer, and more tender taste than beef, making it a favorite among jerky lovers who enjoy a bit more natural juiciness.

When you make it at home, you control the ingredients, the texture, and the flavor profile, ensuring a fresher, preservative-free alternative to store-bought options.

Whether you prefer a classic savory bite or a bold, spicy twist, homemade pork jerky is a satisfying, long-lasting snack that’s perfect for road trips, hiking, or simply enjoying at home.

This easy pork jerky recipe strikes a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors with its rich marinade featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, and an irresistible blend of spices.

The slow dehydration process enhances the flavors while maintaining the ideal chewy yet tender texture.

Prefer it with a bit of heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey sriracha for an extra kick. Looking for a smoky BBQ twist? A touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke can take this jerky to the next level.

No matter how you customize it, this homemade pork jerky will keep you coming back for more!

Savory Pork Jerky Recipe

This bold and flavorful pork jerky marinade is perfect for on-the-go fun, camping, or home snacking and the blend of sweet, salty, and spicy elements turns ordinary pork into a chewy, savory treat.

With soy sauce, garlic, and spices infusing every bite, this is a DIY snack you won’t want to miss!

When dried, the pork develops a chewy texture and a rich, concentrated flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 pounds pork loin, sliced thinly against the grain

Instructions

1. Combine Marinade: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Prepare Pork: Slice the pork loin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help the marinade penetrate more effectively.
3. Marinate: Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Dry the Pork: After marinating, remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the strips on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dehydrate: If using a dehydrator, set it to 160°F (70°C) and dry for 6-8 hours until the jerky is dry and chewy. If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature (around 160°F) and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape, drying for 4-6 hours.
6. Store: Once the jerky is done, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade pork jerky as a delicious and protein-packed snack!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 6 hours
• Drying Time: 6-8 hours
• Minimum Time: 12 hours

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 10 servings
• Calories: 150kcals
• Fat: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

How to Keep Pork Jerky Fresh

Pork jerky has a natural sweetness, but it can also be slightly more moisture-sensitive than beef or chicken. The best way to store it is in a vacuum-sealed bag for long-term storage because we remove excess air.

If kept in a cool, dark place, your pork jerky should last two to three weeks, but refrigeration extends its freshness significantly.

Consider using Mason jars for daily snacking needs! These jars look great on pantry shelves or in a row on your kitchen counter top, plus you can easily see what's in them.

Also because the Mason jars are stored at room temperature, add an oxygen absorber packet inside the jar which helps prevent excess moisture. Lean which size absorber to use here. This is especially useful in humid climates, where jerky may spoil faster.

How to Make EASY MEALS with Dried Food

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes

Containing dehydrated food... that even your kids and spouse will eat!

🍕 Pizza! 🥧  Shepherd's Pie! 🥘  Beef Stew!
plus Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Mash, along with crazy Carrot Soup!

Decadent Desserts:
Carrot Cake and Cranberry Pineapple Pie!
and more...

Fresh food ingredient amounts are included for when you have fresh food on hand.
See which recipes are included here.

How to Cook with Pork Jerky

Beyond snacking, pork jerky makes a great ingredient in fried rice, soups, or as a crispy topping for baked potatoes.

Chop it into small pieces and stir it into scrambled eggs for a smoky breakfast upgrade!

You can even use it as a topping for ramen or pho, adding an extra umami boost.

Customizing Your Pork Jerky Recipe

One of the best things about making homemade pork jerky is customizing the flavors.

Try adding maple syrup for a smoky-sweet bite or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed chipotle peppers or cayenne to your marinade.

Now that you’ve mastered this savory pork jerky recipe, why stop here? Try your hand at other homemade jerky varieties to keep your snack game fresh!

Head over to the homemade jerky hub page to find easy recipes for beef, chicken, turkey, and fish jerky—each packed with bold, delicious flavors.

Thanks for stopping by to read my savory pork jerky recipe! If you wish to learn how to dehydrate pork safely, read this page.

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Food!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.