My kitchen was a disaster zone, as usual. Flour streaked across the counter, a stray onion peel clung to the bottom of my sock, and the dog was sniffing suspiciously at a dropped piece of something unidentifiable. I had just finished wrestling with a stubborn cut of beef, trying to get it thin enough for these Keto Beef Jerky Sticks, and let me tell you, that cutting board looked like a crime scene.
Just one of those days where you feel like you’ve cooked up a storm, and the storm decided to make landfall right in your cooking space. If you want a more traditional meal to balance your snacking, you should definitely check out my cheesy low-carb casserole. This recipe was inspired by the techniques found in the classic beef jerky guide.
Why You’ll Love Doc’s Keto Beef Jerky Sticks
Alright, so you want to know why this recipe for Keto Beef Jerky Sticks is worth your time. Simple. It is real food, not that stuff full of junk they sell at the store.
This is a solid, sugar-free beef jerky you can trust. It hits the spot when you need a snack that actually gives you something, rather than empty calorie nonsense.
Ingredients for Doc’s Best Keto Beef Jerky Sticks
Getting the right stuff in your bowl makes all the difference for good Keto Beef Jerky Sticks. Don’t skimp, as each part plays its role.
Wet Ingredients
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon meat tenderizer
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
Main Event
- 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into thin strips
Nothing too wild there. Just honest ingredients for a quality homemade beef jerky keto experience.
How to Make Doc’s Keto Beef Jerky Sticks
Making your own Keto Beef Jerky Sticks isn’t brain surgery, but it does take a bit of thought. Follow these steps to get it right.
Step 1: Gather Your Gear
First thing, get everything out. Bowls, measuring spoons, and the beef. It is less stressful when you are not scrambling.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Grab a glass bowl and toss in your liquids and spices. Whisk it all up until thoroughly combined. This forms the backbone of your low-carb beef jerky.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Lay your beef strips in a glass baking dish and pour the marinade over. Cover that dish tight and stick it in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
Step 4: Pound That Beef
Lay strips between plastic wrap and pound them to 1/8-inch thickness. This ensures more even drying for your healthy beef jerky recipe.
Step 5: Dehydrate
Arrange beef strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Set to the highest setting and run for at least 4 hours, checking periodically.
Step 6: Enjoy
Once it is done to your liking, let it cool. Then grab a piece and chew it slow.
Tips for Perfect Keto Beef Jerky Sticks
Don’t rush the marinade, as time equals depth of flavor. Slice your beef against the grain to ensure a tender chew.
If you need a quick dinner later in the week, try a 15-minute casserole option to save time. Keep the dehydrator trays from being overloaded so air can circulate properly.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, stash your sticks in an airtight container. Keep it cool and dry, and it will last a good while.
These make a perfect grab-and-go snack for hiking or the office. I sometimes chop a few pieces into a salad for extra bite.
Doc's Best Beef Jerky
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients.
- Prepare the marinade: Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a glass bowl.
- Place beef strips in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Pour marinade over top; toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
- Remove beef strips from the bowl and place between two pieces of plastic wrap; pound to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Arrange pounded beef strips in a single layer on the trays of a dehydrator. Dry at the dehydrator's highest setting until jerky is done to your liking, at least 4 hours.
- Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef is best for making keto beef jerky?
Lean cuts of beef like round steak or flank steak are best for making keto beef jerky because they have less fat, which can go rancid during the drying process.
How do I cut the beef for homemade jerky?
For best results, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Partially freezing the beef beforehand can make slicing easier.
Can I make this beef jerky without a dehydrator?
Yes, you can make beef jerky in an oven at a low temperature with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. A smoker can also be used for a different flavor profile.
How long does homemade keto beef jerky last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade keto beef jerky can last for 1-2 months. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze it.
Is liquid smoke necessary in this recipe?
Liquid smoke adds a distinctive smoky flavor that is characteristic of beef jerky. While not strictly necessary, it greatly enhances the taste. If omitted, the flavor will be less smoky.
