15 Jerky Recipes To Get Your Chew On (2024)

Are you looking for tasty jerky recipes to snack on? Look no further because we’ve got you covered! If you think a jerky is boring and tastes the same in every recipe, think twice! This roundup of jerky recipes will change the way you think about jerky.These are chewy and savory jerky recipes to satisfy your salty cravings! Guaranteed worth the chew!

Flavorful Jerky Recipes To Make At Home

1. Hot and Spicy Homemade Beef Jerky

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This hot and spicy beef jerky recipe is a classic and has just the right flavor to turn this one-time snack into a lifetime obsession.Still not spicy enough for you? Add a few cayenne pepper and ground black pepper for the perfect kick of spiciness! Plus a few minced garlic too, for extra flavor.

2. Spicy Teriyaki Beef Jerky

If you like your meaty treat a bit sweeter and spicier, this is the jerky recipe for you! The secret to amoist, tender, and not too tough to chew on texture is in the teriyaki sauce marinade. While we love ripping apart strips of jerky, our jaws don’t, so this recipe provides a nice little break for it. You can opt to add red pepper flakes to make it even spicier.

3. Salmon Jerky

We love seeing unusual proteins get turned into jerky strips and salmon is one of them! This recipe turns a classic snack into one packed with omega-3s, protein, and essential amino acids. You can even add crunchy minced garlic for an extra flavor. So, now you can snack guilt-free and to your heart’s content!

4. Bak Kwa (Chinese Pork Jerky)

Instead of beef, this jerky recipe uses pork.Bak Kwa or dried meat is a Malaysian/Chinese-style jerky made of pork. It has a moist texture and is grilled to perfection by a charcoal fire. Bak Kwa is usually pricey, so the homemade version is definitely the best way to enjoy this delectable delicacy.

5. Duck or Goose Jerky

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Not many people know about this but duck or goose meat is a great alternative to beef! Duck meat has a very distinct taste and texture allowing it to easily absorb whatever spices and herbs you choose. To make this recipe, be sure to get the ratio of salt right. Marinate the meat for at least 24 hours to ensure your jerky is the best it can be!

6. Spicy Sriracha Tofu Jerky

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How about making jerky for vegetarians? While most vegan jerky recipes are made with wheat gluten, this recipe switches it up a bit by making it with tofu strips! The mixture of sriracha with soy sauce and garlic seasoning in this homemade recipe gives this tofu jerky the perfect ratio of sweet, spicy, and sexy all over.

7. Venison Jerky

Want to learn how to make venison jerky? Sweet – let’s get to it then! Deer meat tastes a lot like beef except it is leaner. This deer jerky recipe tastes just like the beef jerky you buy at the store except healthier, tastier, and without all those weird preservatives. Isn’t home cooking fun?

8. Korean Beef Jerky

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If you’ve ever tried Korean BBQ, you know how ridiculously delicious it is. That’s why Korean BBQ beef jerky is a must on our list. If your taste buds are looking for something new and exciting, then switch it up a bit and try this Korean BBQ beef jerky recipe.

9.Candied Bacon Jerky

A bacon jerky recipe packed with sweet, crunchy, bacon goodness. This candied bacon jerky recipe yields crispsalty-sweet baconstrips with a kick of cayenne pepper. It has a nice balance of sweet and salty thanks to brown sugar. Compare to other jerky recipes, this one is relatively easy to put together.

10. Old-Fashioned Deer Jerky

Make your favorite jerky recipe the old-fashioned way without a meat grinder, dehydrator, or jerky press. This authentic jerky recipeis a classic mixture of soy sauce and various seasoning. It’s delicious and will remind you of all the reasons you love jerky.

11. Teriyaki Chicken Jerky

Beef is great but sometimes poultry is even better. Be warned though, because this recipe is one of the best chicken recipes ever! These sweet, spicy, and chewy jerky strips will make you forget about beef or any other kind of jerky.

12. Cauliflower Jerky

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Cauliflower is actually a great meat substitute and can be used in recipes for buffalo chicken, pizza crust, and steak. In this recipe, cauliflower is drenched in a rich tahini and other flavors. This jerky treat is a brilliant way to enjoy veggies and will leave you happy and satisfied.

13.Sweet and Spicy Beef Jerky for Purim

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Purim is a Jewish festival held in spring and this is a recipe made specifically for it. This beef jerky uses three kinds of sweeteners – honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar! If you’re not into sweets, this recipe also packs some heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Have a bite and we bet you won’t be able to stop at just one.

14.Eggplant Jerky

This jerky is made with eggplant and acorn squash and tastes so similar to the real thing! Think of bacon and beef but in a wholesome form. If you’re looking for a healthier meat alternative for jerky, then this may just be the recipe for you.

15.Kentucky Bourbon Beef Jerky

Excite your taste buds with this unique beef jerky recipe packed with flavor plus a mild punch from whiskey. This is such a manly snack perfect for aget-together,picnics, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or even just for an ordinary day.

Watch this video tutorial from Allrecipes to learn the basic in making homemade beef jerky:

You don’t have to splurge on tasty beef jerky because you can actually make your own even without the fancy equipmentlike ajerky pressor food dehydrator. Jerky making at home does not need to be over the top. In fact,you can use an oven which can actually handle a larger amount of meat at once than an average dehydrator.We’re pretty sure you’ll find a favorite on this list and we would be delighted to hear from you!

Which of the jerky recipes on this list do you plan to try? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:12 Healthy Chips Recipes

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on January 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

15 Jerky Recipes To Get Your Chew On (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to chew jerky? ›

The short answer is that your jerky is so tough because it's too dehydrated.

How do you soften tough beef jerky? ›

To rehydrate your beef jerky with water:

Put the beef jerky in a bowl and pour some water (or your preferred liquid) over it. Ensure that the beef jerky is completely submerged in the liquid. Then cover the bowl or seal the container off. Leave the container to sit for fifteen to thirty minutes.

Why is my homemade jerky so tough? ›

In simple terms, it's the amount of moisture in a food. Low water activity means there is not enough moisture for bacteria to grow. As it relates to the softness of the jerky—the less moisture, the tougher the jerky. Too much moisture, however, and the jerky can mold.

What is the best cut of meat for homemade jerky? ›

The best meat for jerky are Top Round, Bottom Round, Lifter and Pectoral, but a variety of cuts can be used such as Flank Steak and Skirt Steak. These cuts of beef check all the boxes for beef jerky—economical, lean, and full of flavor.

What is the best cut of meat for homemade beef jerky? ›

When making beef jerky, it's important to start with a well-trimmed, lean cut of meat, as fat does not dry out and accelerates spoilage. An eye of round roast is ideal; it's affordable, accessible, lean, and easy to trim. Before slicing, pop it in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours; it will be much easier to cut.

Is jerky bad for your gut? ›

Eating too much beef jerky can indeed cause constipation. Although pure beef jerky is high in protein, it's low in fiber. And fiber promotes intestinal health by delaying digestion. So if you eat too much beef jerky, you can get constipated from the lack of fiber.

Why is jerky so addictive? ›

When you enjoy eating sugar it releases dopamine, which is a chemical associated with happiness and pleasure. (source) While our meat sticks don't have sugar (or <1g), our ranch cut beef jerky has an average of 9 grams of sugar per serving.

What happens if you eat too much jerky? ›

Consuming beef jerky in moderation is key since processed and red meats can increase the risk of health complications. Beef jerky often has high sodium content to preserve the meat. Excess sodium may lead to bloating and weight gain. American Heart Association.

Why add vinegar to jerky? ›

35ml apple cider vinegar: Acids are essential for food safety since they inhibit the growth of microbes. This ingredient will not just add a distinct taste but help ensure your jerky is safe for consumption.

Can you leave jerky in the dehydrator too long? ›

Dehydrating beef jerky for too long can lead to over-drying. While this may not pose as immediate a health risk as undercooking, the implications for your taste buds are dire.

Can you over dry jerky in a dehydrator? ›

You cannot overdry foods you plan on putting into storage. The drier it is, the better it will store. You might over dry fruit leather or jerky a little more than your taste preference is, but you cannot overdry food meant for food storage.

What is the toughest meat for jerky? ›

Bottom round

If you want to make beef jerky with a rough and rugged texture, bottom round is the cut of meat you should select. Compared to the previously mentioned top round, this cut is quite a bit tougher but it's even more flavorful.

Why is some beef jerky hard and some soft? ›

What makes it 'Soft & Tender' varies from product-to-product. It could be a different cut of meat, it could be tenderized after the slicing process, or it could be dried so it has more moisture left in it to make it more tender...or a combination of any of these things!

Why is my beef jerky bag wet inside? ›

High heat can cause condensation within the bag of jerky, both opened and unopened, which can cause mold. It's not just heat, though. Fluctuations in temperature, from hot to cold and cold to hot, can also negatively impact the jerky.

Is homemade beef jerky safe to eat? ›

The temperatures of dehydrators and oven dehydrating are not high enough to destroy harmful microorganisms that are typically present in raw meat. Even though fully dried jerky may appear done, it is not safe to eat unless it goes through an additional heat treatment. This can be done before or after the meat is dried.

Is it cheaper to make your own beef jerky? ›

Making your own beef jerky at home is not only incredibly simple, but it is also cheaper than buying quality store-bought jerky. Plus, you'll be able to control all the ingredients that go into making it; no weird stabilizers or unpronounceable additives.

Is homemade jerky a healthy snack? ›

In short, though beef jerky is a healthy snack, its best consumed in moderation. Most of your diet should come from whole, unprocessed foods. Though beef jerky is healthy, avoid eating too much of it, as it's high in sodium and may come with the same health risks that are linked to eating processed meats.

Can you shred beef jerky in a blender? ›

When shredding you can either use a food processor, or a high-powered blender. Once you realize how versatile jerky can be in cooking, you just might find yourself adding it to all your favorite recipes! You can also chop your favorite flavors together for a more complex, flavorful mix.

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