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Making Beef Jerky in a smoker, in my opinion, is the BEST way to make beef jerky. There is no adding liquid smoke, you let the wood of your choice infuse an intense flavor into your jerky.
This way of making jerky is as close to how it was done hundreds of years ago. Plus you get to sit outside, drink beer, and stare at a smoking box all day. What's better than that?!
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🥩 Choosing and slicing the meat
Start by buying a lean piece of meat, I am using a beef eye of round roast for this recipe.
Trim any visible fat from the meat. Fat will make your jerky spoil, so cut off as much as possible.
Wrap the meat in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 1-2 hours to partially freeze. This step is not mandatory, but does make slicing the meat at a consistent width easier. A VERY sharp knife will also work well on non frozen beef. Slice against the grain at around ⅛″-¼″ thick for an easier chew or with the grain for more chew.
You can also skip the freezing stage and slice your jerky using a jerky slicer. I use a Weston Jerky Slicer. It makes sure all your strips are the same width which allows them to dry evenly. Having a slicer is great when making a lot of jerky.
🧂 Marinating the meat
Place the slices of beef to the side and assemble your jerky marinade. This recipe has a great black pepper flavor. Simply combine all of the ingredients and mix until everything is fully incorporated. Once you have made your marinade, place the beef slices in your marinade and make sure they are covered evenly. Marinate the jerky in the refrigerator for 6-24 hours.
♨️ Prepping the smoker
Cover the drip pan with aluminum foil to avoid cleaning up drippings after the drying process. It will make a mess if you do not put a layer of protection down. If you are like me, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour cleaning your smoker because you skipped a 30 second step in the process!
Put a small sheet of foil above the heating element to make clean up easier as well. Use a small piece of foil to allow air to easily flow from the bottom of the smoker up and out of the top.
⏲️ Drying the jerky
Dry the jerky strips on paper towels to remove any excess marinade and either lay your jerky pieces across the metal racks of the smoker or use toothpicks and hang your strips. I have decided to use toothpicks to hang my strips. After drying the strips on paper towels, I slide one toothpick through one of the ends of each piece of jerky.
Place the top metal rack on the highest slot in your smoker, and hang your strips. The Dehydrator that is shown in the photos is my Masterbuilt Electric Smoker.
Open the top vent on the smoker 100% and dry for 1 ½ hours at 170°F. *Do not put water in the water pan when making jerky if you soaked your strips in a "wet" marinade. If you used a dry rub to season your meat without any liquid, put a little water or vinegar in the pan during this 1 ½hrs.*
Bring the temperature up to 180°F to 200°F and add a handful of wood chips to the smoker. Before adding the wood chips, soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes. Smoke at this temperature until the wood chips have quit smoking (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). A blue smoke should be coming out of the smoker if the wood is burning at the right temperature. If the smoke is a heavy white, increase the temperature of the smoker. This white smoke can give the meat a bitter taste and ruin the jerky.
Lower the temperature back to 160°F and DO NOT add any more wood chips. Too much smoke will also ruin the jerky; 30 minutes to an hour of smoke is just perfect in my opinion. Leaving the wood tray door halfway open (after all the wood has finished burning) to allow airflow through the smoker also helps dry the jerky faster.
🍽 Pellet Smoker
If using a pellet smoker / pellet grill, simply turn the smoker to 200°F and lay the strips on the grill grates.
Smoke for 3-5 hours until finished. Beef jerky will finish a lot faster in a pellet smoker than an electric smoker. Start checking around the 3 hour mark.
🌡️ How to determine when it's finished drying
Continue to smoke at 160°F until your jerky bends and cracks but does not break in half. Periodically pull a piece out of the smoker and let it cool. Check to see if it is done by bending it AFTER it has cooled down (let cool for 5-10 minutes, this helps not to over dry).
It should bend and crack but not break in half. White fibers are also a good indication that the jerky is finished drying.
It should take a total of between 5 to 10 hours depending on the thickness of your jerky and the brand of smoker you have. With my Masterbuilt Smoker, jerky normally takes between 6-8 hours to dry to my liking. (Make sure to stop BEFORE you think it is totally done.
I have over dried more jerky in my smoker than any other drying method) During this final smoking step, I also leave the wood tray door open a small bit on the bottom of the smoker to allow air to circulate from the bottom of the smoker up and out of the fully opened top vent; this helps speed up the drying process.
That's it! You just made your first batch of smoked beef jerky. Let me know how your jerky turns out in the comments below!
👨🏻🍳 Pro Tips
- A pellet smoker is the easiest smoker to use for jerky
- Hickory and Apple woodchips infuse the best flavor
- If you have thick white smoke, increase the temperature to achieve a nice clear/blue smoke and avoid any unpleasant flavor.
💭 FAQ
3-5hrs in a pellet smoker and 5-10 in a traditional or electric smoker
No. There is no need to flip it
200°F is the ideal temperature for smoking jerky
Other Recipes & Information
Ingredients
Lean Meat
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Optional
- ¼ teaspoon Curing Salt (Prague Powder #1)
Equipment
Instructions
- Trim all visible fat from the beef, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for an hour or two to partially freeze.
- While the meat is in the freezer, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ground black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, & onion powder in a bowl or ziplock bag and mix well.
- Remove the meat from the freezer and slice ¼" strips against the grain for an easy chew. Slice with the grain for a chewier jerky. Or skip the freezing phase and use a Jerky Slicer.
- Add sliced beef to the mixture and marinate for 8-24 hours in the refrigerator.
- After the meat has finished marinating, remove from refrigerator and strain excess marinade.
- Pat dry the strips with paper towels.
- Dry with your Dehydrator, Smoker, or Oven. Click the links or read the post above for more detailed drying information.
- The jerky is finished when it bends and cracks, but does not break in half.
Pro Tips
- Use any type of smoker
- Make sure the smoke is a nice clear/blue color, NOT white. If you have white smoke, increase your temperature. The white smoke can alter the taste of the jerky... not in a good way!
- When testing the jerky to see if it is finished, let it cool for 5 minutes before testing it. Once cool, bend a piece, it should bend and crack but not break in half.
- Best wood chips to use are apple wood and hickory.
Nutrition
Rick says
When I saw that you were using the same electric smoker as myself, I got really excited to try out this recipe. About an hour in, my smoker decided to stop working haha! What are the odds? I quickly got out my dad's propane upright smoker and wouldn't you know, the racks were a different size. I quickly cleaned up his racks, transferred the meat over and got the smoke going. All of a sudden, I noticed that I couldn't keep the temp low enough. I'm thinking that maybe I need to give up this project altogether. I grabbed a piece of wire and opened the door a little bit and was able to maintain at the finishing temps that I needed. I think I drank too many beers out of nervousness that this jerky wasn't going to turn out...
Well, the good news is that this recipe will be the ONLY recipe I use from now on. Just to spice things up, I may add some blended jalapenos or some cayenne. Otherwise, I highly suggest this recipe for a phenomenal jerky. I used venison and have already began to thaw out a couple of more backstraps to do more this weekend. Thank you for reading!!
Will says
Glad you were able to get the jerky finished with all the smoker problems you encountered! It always feels good when you find a recipe you love, glad you really enjoyed it. I think some jalapenos or cayenne will give it a nice kick. Let me know how it turns out!
Jerky enthusiast says
Great recipe. I've learned it depends on time of year, smoker quality, temperature (wind, moisture, etc) for how well and overall timing to complete a batch of jerky. I usually make more in the summer since it's warm and weather is consistent. I can rely on a mostly predictable
smoke session. A tip that works for me is getting the thin cut meat normally used for Carne asada but ask the butcher to slice it really thin for jerky. Quick smoke for thin cuts. Smoke setting (about 160-180) on Pit Boss and normally done in 2-2.5 hours.
Mike Kourofsky says
Did jerkey for the first time. Turned out great. Taste was a little bland but was moist. Think I needed to marinate longer. Only went 10 hrs. Had to double marinate recipe to cover all my meat. No big deal. Took 6 hrs at 170. Thanks for the recipe. Will definitely use this method again.
Mark Lange says
Made 3 lbs. on Sunday. Wow. It turned out perfect. This is my second time trying to make jerky and last time it wasn't great. Will's recipe, directions and tips made the process fool proof. I added some red pepper flake for an added kick. Thanks Will!
Jimmy Walker says
This is the first time I used this recipe it was great, I did over cook some of the jerky. Was still great.
Tony says
This is a great recipe. I have tried a few kits, but this is still the preferred one. Why don’t I need sodium nitrite as a preservative?
Will says
You can use curing salt with any beef jerky. I make some recipes with it and some without, it's up to you.
Dan says
The smoke itself carries nitrites needed for curing. You typically do not need to add any curing salts when smoking. They did not have curing salts hundreds of years ago, and their smoked meats worked just fine.
Rodney Smith says
I've been making jerky in my pellet smoke but I have only been smoking it for 2 to 2 and a half hours at 250 depending on thickness. It comes out way less dry and is way easier to chew. It's more of a smoked cured meat but I still call it jerky.
Rodney smith says
Also, I slice it after smoking.
Will says
Sounds like you have it dialed in Rodney. Pellet smokers are great for jerky, or smoked cured meat in your case!
Steve Lovering says
Love it always have done a steady temp with my Masterbuilt. Really like the low temperature at the end. Less "chance of cooking by.
Deb says
First time making jerkey.
This turned out to be delicious.
Did it on a pellet smoker, added a little hot pepper flakes. Smoked at 200 degrees for only 2 hours. I think the beef was sliced a little on thin side. Again, it was delicious.
Cant wait to try some different twists of flavor.
Will says
Nice! Welcome to the world of making jerky!
John D says
Hi, I have a setup and a recipe very similar to your method that I have been using for years. The only differences is; I always smoke at 134° and I go totally dry brine without the soy. Also, the time of year determines the dry time. Humid vs dry weather is a big factor. I'm trying to figure out how to cook leather-like "cowboy" jerk. The texture of this style is more rough on the outside, darker color and splinters when ripped. Any help with this style would be appreciated. I am also going to try raising my temperture to your recommended 107°. Thanks
Will says
Hey John! From what you are describing I'm picturing a large thin sliced elephant ear shape type jerky. It tends to be very tough and almost breaks in half when bent. You chew on it for about 10 minutes before you can eat it. Ha. If that's what you are looking for, I have found that slicing it really really thin helps get that more leathery tough texture. The best thing to use is a meat slicer like the one you see at the deli counter at your supermarket. Smoke it until there is 0 moisture left. Using a dehydrator is also a great way to finish it off. Smoke for a couple hours to get that smoke flavor and then move to a smoker to get a lot of air moving around and really drying it out. Let me know how it turns out!
Damian Cox says
Third time I’ve made this recipe and I have to say it is amazing. Everyone that tries it is astonished and absolutely loves it. We vacuum seal it and give it as part of a gift basket for occasions and it’s always the one thing people comment on the most. Occasionally we like it to be a little spicier so I add red pepper flakes to the marinade and don’t pat them off before smoking. Thank you and well done!
Will says
Nice! It's definitely a great tasting recipe. Can't go wrong adding a little spice either! Thanks Damian.
TM says
I've smoked Texas brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and turkey for years, but this was my first time making my own jerky. Wow, this is a great recipe, so much better than anything I've bought in a store, even the 'gourmet' jerky! Not to mention, tremendous cost savings.
I did make some modifications though due to certain health conditions I have, and I'm curious about your thoughts? It tasted great and had almost no carbs. I removed the brown sugar (diabetic) and reduced the sodium (high blood pressure) by using lower-sodium soy sauce and omitting the additional salt. The peppery flavor really comes through. Pellet smoker 200 degrees set it and forget it, super easy.
Thank you.
Will says
Awesome, glad it turned out great. Using low sodium and omitting the salt is fine. I like salty jerky, it also helps preserve it longer.
Martini says
Great recipe. Not too salty, but a nice spice from the pepper. If you or your kids don’t like it spicy, simply tone down the amount of pepper.
I have a Masterbuilt Pro and followed the instructions for 2 lbs of eye round sliced at 3/16”. 90 min at 170 degrees, then 200 degrees for 60 min, then 160 degrees for 2 hours. I used mesquite and cherry because I was out of hickory and it was bangin. This recipe is a keeper and easy to modify. Thanks Jerkoholic!
Will says
Those masterbuilts are great! Glad you like it. Sounds like you have it dialed in to perfection.
Mary says
My husband was given a smoker from our oldest son for Fathers Day. Made this jerky today and it is delicious. Will definitely be making it again and again
Will says
That’s the BEST gift ever! Glad you are enjoying the jerky.
DOUG CASE says
First time smoking anything. I did goose breasts. I don't like them. Even the best recipes are mediocre. Your recipe exceeded all my expectations. It was excellent! I know where I can get plenty. I will no longer give them away. Very good site! Excellent tips from beginning to end. THANK YOU!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks insanely, incredibly good. Sooo yummy!
Addie says
Such a great recipe!
Will says
It sure is! Glad you liked it Addie.
Jere Cassidy says
I know nothing about smoking meat, let alone making jerky. For a novice, I appreciate your easy-to-follow steps with pictures so I understand what you are doing.
Chef Dennis says
We love Beef Jerky so much! Making it in a smoker is a delicious idea.
Raquel says
These look amazing! Cannot wait to make these this week!
Amy Roskelley says
OMG!! Now I really need to get a smoker! This beef jerky looks so good!
Will says
Yes, yes you do! Ha. Thanks!
Kyleigh says
Great recipe! Thank you!!
Amie says
I had no idea you could make jerky in a smoker, but now my husband is excited to try it. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
NickySmokes says
First timer! Awesome, added some meat church voodoo to the marinade and after patting dry I did an additional light sprinkling before headed to the pellet smoker. About 2.5 hrs at 200 degrees. So damn good
Will says
Nice! I love meat church rubs. The voodoo is my go to for chicken, love that stuff!
Chris Davis says
This recipe is a great.
I doubled everything since I was doing 2 lbs and substituted some of the soy sauce with coconut amino.
I also threw in a teaspoon of curry powder.
laura hammerton says
YOUR METHOD IS PERFECT IN MY MASTERBUILT SMOKER.