Proper Blokes Beef Jerky Dehydrator Edition

Proper Homemade Beef Jerky in a Dehydrator Blokes Best

By Amara Vitalis October 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Proper Bloke's Beef Jerky Dehydrator Edition

Fancy making something utterly brilliant? Have you ever tried proper Homemade Beef Jerky in a dehydrator? Honestly, once you've tasted this stuff, you'll never look at shop bought jerky the same way again.

I was blown away at how to make beef jerky in dehydrator the first time I tried it.

This is a classic recipe. It uses a dehydrator for that perfectly chewy texture. The best beef jerky marinade makes all the difference.

Think savoury, sweet, and a little bit spicy. This recipe brings that home and will have you thinking "what have I been doing buying shop jerky?"

A Taste of the Wild West, From Your Kitchen

Jerky has roots in ancient cultures preserving meat. Today, it's a brilliant snack. This beef jerky recipe dehydrator is straightforward.

It takes about 20 minutes to prep, with 4- 24 hours for marinating, and 4- 8 hours in the dehydrator.

This yields about 6 servings. It depends on how thick you slice it, mind.

Why This Jerky Rocks

This jerky is packed with protein, ideal for a post workout snack or a hiking trip. I love taking some with me on long walks with the dog.

It's also great for parties, especially when your mates are watching the footy. Plus, it's Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe , so you know exactly what's going in it.

No dodgy additives here, thanks very much.

Before We Get Going...

Right then, before we dive into the ingredients, a quick word of warning. Make sure you use a good quality lean beef, like flank steak.

It's also worth noting to check the jerky every now and then to ensure that you know How Long To Dehydrate Jerky for your specific equipment, as dehydrators can vary.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, so you wanna get stuck in to making some proper Homemade Beef Jerky in a dehydrator, eh? Excellent choice! First, let's gather the bits and bobs you'll need.

Don't worry, it's not like building a spaceship; it's dead easy, honestly. Let's talk about what you actually need to do this beef jerky dehydrator recipe easy .

Main Ingredients

Lean Beef: 2 lbs (900g) of flank steak, sirloin, or round. Partially frozen.
Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Go for low-sodium if you're watching the salt.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . That’s the magic touch for that savoury kick!
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , packed.
Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, if you like it hot!).
Liquid Smoke: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, for that extra BBQ vibe).

Quality counts, especially with the beef. Look for a nice, lean cut with minimal fat marbling. Trust me, it makes a difference.

We want tender flank steak jerky recipe , not chewy garbage.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the seasoning is where you can really play around! Soy sauce and Worcestershire are your base; they bring that umami bomb.

The brown sugar and honey balance it with a touch of sweetness. Smoked paprika is an absolute must, trust me.

It adds a smoky depth that you can't get any other way. The best beef jerky marinade is all about balancing the flavours, innit?

If you want to get creative, try adding a dash of chilli powder or some coriander seeds. If you don't have liquid smoke (no worries if you don’t, mate), you can skip it or add a bit more smoked paprika.

Boom, done!

Equipment Needed

Dehydrator with Trays: Obviously. Check out how to make beef jerky in dehydrator .
Sharp Knife: For slicing the beef thinly. A meat slicer is even better if you’ve got one.
Large Mixing Bowl or Ziplock Bag: For marinating.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Standard stuff.
Cutting Board: For safe slicing.

You don’t need any fancy gadgets. You can even use your oven if you don't have a dehydrator, but the dehydrator jerky temperature is easier to control, giving a better result.

Now, I Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe , is a simple delight. Let's get this party started!

Cooking Method: Dehydrating for the Gods

Alright, let's talk dehydrating , yeah? It's not just for hippies making fruit leather, you know. We're diving headfirst into the world of Homemade Beef Jerky in a dehydrator , turning humble cuts of meat into chewy, flavour packed snacks.

Forget the overpriced, chemical laden stuff from the shops.

Honestly, once you get the hang of it, you'll be making Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe after beef jerky dehydrator recipe easy .

And trust me, people will be begging you for it. I've had friends stage full-on interventions because of my flank steak jerky recipe .

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised, Shall We?

Essential mise en place: Right, first things first, get everything ready. We're talking slicing the beef, measuring out the marinade ingredients, and having your dehydrator prepped and ready to rock.
Time saving organization tips: I like to mix my marinade the night before. It gives the flavours a chance to really get acquainted.
Then, slice the beef while it's still partially frozen. Makes life so much easier.
Safety reminders: Don't be a muppet, wash your hands and equipment! We don't want any dodgy bugs ruining our best beef jerky marinade .
Plus, use a sharp knife. A dull knife is a dangerous knife, you know?

step-by-step Process: From Slab to Snack

Slice 2 lbs of partially frozen beef against the grain into thin, even strips. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick.
Whisk together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). This is the basis of your epic Homemade Jerky Seasoning .
Marinate the beef in the mixture for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer, the better.
Arrange the beef in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate at 160° F ( 71° C) for 4- 8 hours.
Check for doneness bend a piece, it should crack but not break.
Cool completely.
Store in an airtight container.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Jerky Game

Slice against the grain : It's not just a suggestion; it's a rule . Otherwise, your jerky will be tough as old boots.
Don't overcrowd the trays : Give those slices some breathing room. Otherwise, they'll steam instead of dehydrate.
How long to dehydrate jerky ? Depends on your dehydrator, but start checking after 4 hours.

Recipe Notes for Proper Bloke's Beef Jerky

Right then, before you dive into making this Homemade Beef Jerky in a dehydrator, let's go through a few crucial bits and bobs, yeah? Think of this as your pre-flight checklist before you launch your taste buds into orbit.

Seriously, don’t skip this, even if you think you know what you're doing.

Serving Suggestions for Your Dehydrator Jerky Masterpiece

Fancy a bit of a show, do you? Plating your beef jerky can be dead easy. Throw it in a rustic wooden bowl for that outdoorsy vibe.

Or, for something a bit fancier, arrange it artfully on a slate board. Add some pickles or cheese for extra noms .

As for drinks, a cold beer is always a winner. Lager or IPA, depending on your taste. Lemonade, ginger beer, or even a dry cider work well.

Cracking Beef Jerky Storage Tips

Right, you’ve made this amazing batch. Beef jerky storage is key, yeah? For short term storage, a zip-lock bag will do.

However, an airtight container is best. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This helps stop any pesky mould from getting in! It will last for several weeks, if it lasts that long!

Want to freeze? You can , but it will alter the texture ever so slightly. Wrap the jerky tightly in cling film, then bung it in a freezer bag.

Remember to label it with the date. Freezing homemade jerky lasts for several months. Reheat? Just let it thaw at room temperature.

Easy peasy!

Get Creative: Variations on this Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe

Fancy a twist? Easy! For a spicy kick, chuck in extra red pepper flakes. You could even go mad with some cayenne pepper, right? If you're not keen on beef, turkey works.

Also, coconut aminos are a great sub for soy sauce. You know?

Seasonal swaps? Nah , not really. This is an all-year rounder! The basic recipe will serve you well!

Nutrition Basics

Ok, let's break down the basics. Every serving has roughly 200 calories. A whopping 30g of protein, so you'll be well chuffed.

There's also 5g of fat, and 5g of carbs. Sodium's a bit high at 800mg. Salt is needed to make sure it does not go off but there is lots in soy sauce.

Remember, this is just an estimate. Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe is delicious, it gives you some decent energy.

Honestly, making your own beef jerky is so rewarding. You get to control every single ingredient! You'll never go back to that plastic wrapped shop stuff again.

So, get cracking, and enjoy your How To Make Beef Jerky In Dehydrator creations!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take to make homemade beef jerky in a dehydrator? Is it a right faff?

It's not as much of a faff as you might think! While the total time is around 4-8 hours in the dehydrator, plus marinating, the active prep time is only about 20 minutes. Most of the time is hands off while the dehydrator works its magic you could binge watch the Great British Bake Off while you wait!

What kind of beef should I use for homemade beef jerky? And does it really matter if I slice it thin enough?

Lean cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or round work best, as they have less fat which can go rancid during dehydration. Slicing it thin, against the grain, is absolutely crucial, though! This makes the jerky easier to chew and gives it that characteristic tenderness rather than being tough as old boots.

Can I make Proper Bloke's Homemade Beef Jerky in a Dehydrator without all those fancy ingredients like smoked paprika or liquid smoke?

Absolutely, mate! The beauty of homemade jerky is that you can tailor it to your own tastes. Smoked paprika and liquid smoke add a deeper smoky flavour, but they're definitely optional.

Feel free to experiment with other spices and seasonings you enjoy maybe a bit of chilli powder for a kick, or some mustard powder for tang.

How do I store my homemade beef jerky, and how long will it actually last before it goes off like a dodgy kebab?

Proper storage is key to keeping your jerky fresh. Once it's completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored correctly, it should last for several weeks. If you notice any off smells or mold, best to chuck it no one wants a dodgy tummy!

Is homemade beef jerky healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

Homemade beef jerky can be a good source of protein and a relatively low-carb snack. However, it can be high in sodium, especially depending on the soy sauce you use. The sodium content can vary depending on the brand of soy sauce and the marinade you use. This recipe contains an estimated nutrition value only.

I don't have a dehydrator, can I still make homemade beef jerky in a...oven?

While this recipe is specifically tailored for a dehydrator, you can make jerky in an oven, though it's a bit trickier to get the same results. Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature (ideally around 170°F/77°C), prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape, and place the beef slices on wire racks.

It will take longer than in a dehydrator, so keep a close eye on it!