Spicy Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe:
Bold & Flavorful DIY Snack

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

Try your hand at his spicy homemade beef jerky recipe. There’s nothing like the bold, smoky heat to satisfy your snack cravings.

Whether you're heading out on a road trip, gearing up for a hike, or just need a protein-packed pick-me-up, this recipe delivers!


By making your own jerky, you can control the spice level, skip the preservatives, and enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Spicy Beef Jerky Marinade Recipe

This spicy beef jerky recipe features a rich marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and just the right kick of heat.

Follow the step-by-step recipe below to create jerky that’s chewy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking anytime.

Top of Recipe

Spicy Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe

Get ready for a flavor-packed snack with this spicy beef jerky recipe!

This chewy, high-protein treat is loaded with bold flavors that you can customize from mild to fiery hot. Making your own jerky is easier than you think—just a few ingredients and some patience, and you’ll have a homemade snack that rivals any store-bought version.

This spicy homemade beef jerky recipe is a combination of soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and spices that enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

The result is a chewy, satisfying snack with a delightful kick.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean beef (like flank steak or sirloin)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef and freeze it for about 1-2 hours until firm but not frozen solid. This will make it easier to slice.
  2. Slice the Meat: Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the strips, the quicker they will dry.
  3. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all strips are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better flavor.
  5. Dry the Jerky: Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C) or your oven to the lowest setting. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or wire rack.
  6. Dehydrate: Dry the beef jerky for 4-6 hours until it is firm yet slightly pliable. The jerky is done when it bends without breaking.
  7. Store: Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 4 hours
  • Dehydrating Time: 4-6 hours
  • Minimum Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 10 servings
  • Calories: 70kcals
  • Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
Bottom of Recipe

After making this spicy homemade beef jerky, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! The bold flavors and perfect chew make it an unbeatable snack for any occasion.

Want to try different jerky varieties?

Check out the homemade jerky hub page to explore recipes for chicken, pork, turkey, and fish jerky—each with its own delicious twist!

Best Ways to Store Beef Jerky

To keep your spicy homemade beef jerky fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dry place.

If you plan to eat it within a couple of weeks, the pantry works fine. For long-term storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer—it will stay good for several months if properly sealed. Be sure to label your batches with the date you made them so you can track freshness.

If you love making big batches of beef jerky, consider investing in a food vacuum sealer. This removes air from the bag, preventing moisture buildup and extending shelf life significantly.

If using resealable bags, learn how to use an adapter and best cleaning methods.

How to Rehydrate Beef Jerky for Recipes

Rehydrating beef jerky is simple and helps bring back its tenderness for use in soups, stews, and other dishes.

To do this, soak the jerky in warm water, broth, or even beer for 15-30 minutes until it softens to your desired texture.

For extra flavor, use beef broth or add seasonings to the soaking liquid.

Once rehydrated, chop or shred the jerky and mix it into your favorite recipes like omelets, pasta, or chili for a protein-packed boost!

How to Make EASY MEALS with Dried Food

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Best Drinks to Pair with Beef Jerky

Beef jerky has a bold, smoky flavor that pairs well with dark roast coffee, spicy ginger beer, or even red wine like a Malbec.

If you want something non-alcoholic, black tea or sparkling water can also balance out the richness of the meat. A cold craft beer, particularly a porter or stout, enhances the deep umami flavors of the jerky.

Making Your Own Jerky Variations

One of the best things about homemade beef jerky is the ability to experiment with flavors. Try adding smoked paprika for a BBQ-style twist, or honey and sriracha for a sweet-heat kick. If you love heat, ghost pepper flakes for the brave, or a dash of cayenne can turn your jerky into an intense, fiery snack.

Thank you for reading my spicy homemade beef jerky recipe page.

If you want to learn how to safely dehydrate beef, check out 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.

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