Love the taste of sweet and savory treats with a bit of a kick? Look no further than this Dr Pepper Jalapeno Beef Jerky recipe! This jerky is a fantastic snack that combines the unique flavors of Dr Pepper with the heat of jalapeno peppers for a truly delicious and satisfying treat. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed snack or a flavorful addition to your next road trip, this homemade beef jerky is sure to hit the spot.
**Dr Pepper Jalapeno Beef Jerky Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 pounds of beef (such as top round)
– 1 cup of Dr Pepper
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Beef:** Place the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. This step helps achieve uniform jerky thickness. Once chilled, slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
2. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a bowl, combine Dr Pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, jalapeno peppers, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, and liquid smoke (if using). Whisk the marinade until all ingredients are well combined.
3. **Marinate the Beef:** Place the beef strips in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. **Preheat the Dehydrator or Oven:** Preheat your dehydrator or oven to 160°F (70°C) to prepare for drying the marinated beef.
5. **Drain and Pat Dry:** Remove the beef strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the beef jerky to dry more efficiently.
6. **Dehydrate or Bake:** Arrange the beef strips on the dehydrator trays or cooling racks for oven drying, making sure to leave space between each piece for proper airflow. Dehydrate the beef for 4-6 hours, or bake in the oven for 3-4 hours, until the jerky is dried but still slightly pliable. Check the jerky periodically and flip the pieces halfway through the drying process for even dehydration.
7. **Cool and Store:** Once the beef jerky is dried to your desired consistency, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely. To store, place the jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags for up to two weeks, though it’s sure to be devoured well before then!
And there you have it! Delicious, homemade Dr Pepper Jalapeno Beef Jerky ready to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re snacking on it at home or taking it on your outdoor adventures, this flavorful jerky is bound to impress with its unique blend of flavors. So, fire up your dehydrator or oven and treat yourself to a tasty treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
