Spicy Jerky Recipes

Steps:

• In a small bowl or cup, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, and some cracked black pepper. Season the meat lightly, using only part of the mixture. Reserve the remaining spices. Place into an airtight plastic container or bowl, and refrigerate.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, liquid smoke flavoring and pineapple juice. Heat until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Refrigerate marinade until cool.
• Pour cooled marinade over the seasoned meat, and mix by hand to coat. Seal the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• Arrange the beef strips on the rack of a dehydrator, and sprinkle with a little bit more of the spice mixture and red pepper flakes if using. Dry for 5 hours, or to your desired dryness.

Steps:

• Place the meat in the freezer for an hour or so, until it is very firm—but not frozen—to make slicing easier.
• With a long, sharp knife, cut the meat into diagonal slices less than 1/4 inch thick.
• Lay the slices flat in a large glass or enamel baking dish.
• Combine the red wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, chili sauce and garlic.
• Pour over the meat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for about 4 hours (overnight works best), turning the slices several times to coat.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with absorbent paper towels.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer on wire racks (such as those used for cooling cakes and cookies) and set the racks on foil-covered baking sheets (to catch the drips).
• Place in a 175º oven for about 2 or 3 hours, until dry and dark brown, but still pliable.
• Watch it closely; during the last half hour or so the meat can burn quickly.
• Let cool completely, then store airtight.