Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe

This Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe is smoky and savory, which uses flank steak and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 12 hours and 10 minutes with minimal hands-on time.

Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds flank steak
• 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How To Make Alton Brown Beef Jerky Recipe

1. Freeze the steak for slicing: Trim any excess fat from the steak and place it in a gallon-size zip-top bag. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours to firm up the meat for easier slicing.
2. Slice the meat: Remove from freezer and slice thinly with the grain into long strips.
3. Marinate the beef: Place the strips in the zip-top bag with Worcestershire, soy sauce, honey, pepper, onion powder, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes. Mix to coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for 3 to 6 hours.
4. Prepare for drying: Pat the beef strips dry and distribute them evenly across 3 air filters. Stack filters with meat between and an empty one on top.
5. Dry using a box fan: Lay the fan on its side, stack the filter setup on it, and secure with bungee cords. Stand the fan upright, turn on medium, and let dry for 8 to 12 hours.
6. Store the jerky: Once fully dry, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

• Why freeze the steak before slicing?
  It firms up the meat, making it easier to cut uniform, thin slices.
• Can I use a dehydrator instead of a box fan?
  Yes, follow your dehydrator’s manufacturer instructions for jerky.
• What’s the best cut of beef for jerky?
  Flank steak is ideal, but top round or sirloin tip also work well.
• How to know when jerky is done drying?
  It should be dry but still flexible, not brittle.
• How spicy is this jerky?
  It has mild heat from red pepper flakes. Add more if you like it spicier.

What To Serve With Beef Jerky

This protein-packed snack is great on its own or paired with:

• Mixed nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers and cheese
• Pickles or olives
• Cold beer or iced tea

How To Store Beef Jerky

Room Temperature:
Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

Refrigerate:
Optional for extended freshness—store in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Freeze:
Freeze in vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage up to a year.

Beef Jerky Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~100 per ounce
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this jerky in the oven?
Yes, place slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet and dry at 175°F for 4–6 hours.

Why slice with the grain for jerky?
Slicing with the grain gives jerky a chewier texture that lasts longer.

Is this jerky safe without cooking?
Yes, drying over 8–12 hours removes moisture and preserves it. Store properly.

How do I make a sweeter jerky?
Add more honey or a bit of brown sugar to the marinade.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Fried Turkey Recipe
• Alton Brown French Onion Soup Recipe
• Alton Brown Spatchcock Turkey Recipe