Homemade Spicy Beef Jerky

Preparing the Marinade In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

Marinating the Beef Place the thinly sliced beef top round in a resealable plastic bag or marinating container. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Optional Adding Heat If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes and chili powder over the marinated beef and mix well to incorporate the additional heat.

Dehydrating the Beef Jerky Preheat the dehydrator to 160°F (70°C). Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Arrange the beef slices in a single layer on the dehydrator racks, leaving space between each slice for air circulation.

5.Dehydrate the beef for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry but still slightly pliable. Check the jerky periodically for desired texture. Thicker slices may require longer drying time.

Storing the Beef Jerky Once the beef jerky is dehydrated to your liking, allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or resealable bags. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze the jerky.