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beef jerky recipe

Perfect Homemade Soy-Sherry Beef Jerky

Create tender, chewy beef jerky at home with a savory soy-sherry marinade, customizable and free from additives.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 18 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds beef round, rump, sirloin tip, or London broil for best results
  • 1/3 cup dry sherry
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Roasting rack
  • shallow dish
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towels
  • airtight container
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Remove all visible fat from the beef, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for about 2 hours until almost solid.
  2. Slice the partially frozen beef with the grain into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices and arrange in a shallow dish.
  3. In a saucepan, combine dry sherry, soy sauce, chicken or beef stock, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cool completely.
  4. Pour the cooled marinade over the beef slices, turning to coat. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator, stirring once or twice.
  5. Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Pat the beef slices dry with paper towels.
  6. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a roasting rack and place in the oven. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 150°F.
  7. Dry the jerky for about 8 hours, or until stiff but still bendable, ensuring the oven temperature stays at or above 145°F for food safety.
  8. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Pat the beef slices completely dry before drying to ensure a chewy texture and prevent spoilage.