Sweet-and-Spicy Beef Jerky

Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of heat—this beef jerky is free of additives and satisfying in every bite.
Sweet-and-Spicy Beef Jerky
Homemade beef jerky is marinated in a blend of spices and dried in an oven. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
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Whenever we are on a road trip in Texas, we always make it a point to stop at a Buc-ee’s. I am not kidding when I tell you that any Buc-ee’s is an actual tourist attraction to visitors from out of state and from around the world who travel to Texas. Yes, it may be a gas station (with probably more than 100 pumps!), but the Walmart-size convenience store is the true showstopper. You can find pretty much anything under the sun at Buc-ee’s. (And yes, the logo is a big sun with a smiling beaver in the middle.) You can find barbecue, sweets, every imaginable snack food, books, clothes, home décor, and more at Buc-ee’s. But for our son, Ben, one of the highlights is the impressively long counter of every type of jerky you can imagine!

Now, you may not be able to choose from Buc-ee’s extensive selection of jerky, but you can come close by making your own homemade Sweet-and-Spicy Beef Jerky. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a kick of black pepper and red pepper flakes. This flavorful snack is also an excellent way to preserve beef for longer periods. By making your own beef jerky, you can control the ingredients and adjust the heat to your liking, ensuring a personalized snack that is satisfying and nutritious. So, enjoy making this jerky, and feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste!

Sweet-and-Spicy Beef Jerky

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Marinating Time: 24 hours Drying Time: 6 to 8 hours and 15 minutes Total Time: 1 day, plus 7 to 9 hours and 30 minutes
Mary Bryant Shrader
Mary Bryant Shrader
Author
Mary Bryant Shrader is the author of “The Modern Pioneer Cookbook” and creator of the popular “Mary’s Nest” YouTube channel and website, where she shares step-by-step instructional videos for traditional nutrient-dense foods, including bone broth, ferments, sourdough, and more. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her sweet husband and their lovable lab. Learn more at MarysNest.com