Beef Jerky

Makes ½ lb beef jerky

Ingredients

  • 10 cups water
  • ¾ cup whiskey
  • 12 oz beer
  • 12 oz ginger ale
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ¾ cup hot sauce
  • ¼ cup liquid smoke
  • 4 tbsp red pepper flakes
  • 5 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 lb light brown sugar
  • 3½ lbs top round lean beef, thinly sliced

How-to

  1. Mix all ingredients (except for beef) in a large bowl or tub until sugar is dissolved
  2. Add thinly-sliced beef and mix to coat each piece. Cover, transfer to refrigerator and allow to brine 36-48 hours
  3. Remove strips of beef from brine. If using a conventional oven, preheat to 150º - 155º. Remove oven all oven racks except for the top rack. Line the bottom of the oven with a piece of foil or a heat-proof container to catch moisture dripping to the bottom. Skewer each piece of beef with a toothpick, and hang from the top rack. Allow to dehydrate 8-9 hours. If using a commercial dehydrator, preheat according to manufacturer's instructions. Lay tightly on racks and process 8-9 hours
  4. Transfer to air-tight containers or bags, or enjoy immediately