Spicy Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe:
Bold & Flavorful DIY Snack

Photo of Susan Gast
Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Making jerky at home is rewarding, but it gets even better when you turn up the heat! This spicy homemade beef jerky recipe delivers smoky flavor, bold seasoning, and just the right amount of kick—perfect for road trips, hiking, or simply satisfying a protein-packed snack craving.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make spicy homemade beef jerky?
To make spicy beef jerky, marinate lean beef strips in soy sauce, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and spices, then dehydrate at 160°F for 4–6 hours. The result is a chewy, protein-rich snack with customizable heat and no preservatives.

By making it yourself, you control the spice level, skip preservatives, and enjoy a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought jerky.

Spicy Beef Jerky Marinade Recipe

This spicy beef jerky recipe features a rich marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and just the right kick of heat.

Follow the step-by-step recipe below to create jerky that’s chewy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking anytime.

Top of Recipe

Spicy Homemade Beef Jerky Recipe

Get ready for a flavor-packed snack with this spicy beef jerky recipe!

This chewy, high-protein treat is loaded with bold flavors that you can customize from mild to fiery hot. Making your own jerky is easier than you think—just a few ingredients and some patience, and you’ll have a homemade snack that rivals any store-bought version.

This spicy homemade beef jerky recipe is a combination of soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and spices that enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

The result is a chewy, satisfying snack with a delightful kick.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean beef (like flank steak or sirloin)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef and freeze it for about 1-2 hours until firm but not frozen solid. This will make it easier to slice.
  2. Slice the Meat: Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the strips, the quicker they will dry.
  3. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all strips are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better flavor.
  5. Dry the Jerky: Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C) or your oven to the lowest setting. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or wire rack.
  6. Dehydrate: Dry the beef jerky for 4-6 hours until it is firm yet slightly pliable. The jerky is done when it bends without breaking.
  7. Store: Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 4 hours
  • Dehydrating Time: 4-6 hours
  • Minimum Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 10 servings
  • Calories: 70kcals
  • Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
Bottom of Recipe

After making this spicy homemade beef jerky, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! The bold flavors and perfect chew make it an unbeatable snack for any occasion.

Want to try different jerky varieties?

Check out the homemade jerky hub page to explore recipes for chicken, pork, turkey, fish and hot honey chicken jerky - each with its own delicious twist!

How to Store Spicy Beef Jerky So It Stays Fresh Longer

To keep your spicy homemade beef jerky fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dry place.

If you plan to eat it within a couple of weeks, the pantry works fine. For long-term storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer—it will stay good for several months if properly sealed. Be sure to label your batches with the date you made them so you can track freshness.

If you love making big batches of beef jerky, consider investing in a food vacuum sealer. This removes air from the bag, preventing moisture buildup and extending shelf life significantly.

If using resealable bags, learn how to use an adapter and best cleaning methods.

The Easy Way to Rehydrate Jerky for Soups & Meals

Rehydrating beef jerky is simple and helps bring back its tenderness for use in soups, stews, and other dishes.

To do this, soak the jerky in warm water, broth, or even beer for 15-30 minutes until it softens to your desired texture.

For extra flavor, use beef broth or add seasonings to the soaking liquid.

Once rehydrated, chop or shred the jerky and mix it into your favorite recipes like omelets, pasta, or chili for a protein-packed boost!

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes eBook or Paperback

How to Make
EASY MEALS

containing dehydrated food...
that even your kids
and spouse will eat!

Buy Now orange button

🍕 Pizza! 🥧  Shepherd's Pie! 🥘  Beef Stew! plus
Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Mash, along with crazy Carrot Soup!

Decadent Desserts: Carrot Cake and Cranberry Pineapple Pie!
and more...

Fresh food ingredient amounts are included for when you have fresh food on hand.
See which recipes are included here.

Surprising Drinks That Pair Perfectly With Spicy Jerky

Beef jerky has a bold, smoky flavor that pairs well with dark roast coffee, spicy ginger beer, or even red wine like a Malbec.

If you want something non-alcoholic, black tea or sparkling water can also balance out the richness of the meat. A cold craft beer, particularly a porter or stout, enhances the deep umami flavors of the jerky.

Flavor Twists: Fun Variations on Spicy Jerky Recipes

One of the best things about homemade beef jerky is the ability to experiment with flavors. Try adding smoked paprika for a BBQ-style twist, or honey and sriracha for a sweet-heat kick. If you love heat, ghost pepper flakes for the brave, or a dash of cayenne can turn your jerky into an intense, fiery snack.

If you're having issues with your jerky-making, check out my Jerky Troubleshooting Guide here.

Frequently Asked Jerky Questions You’ll Want Answered

How long does homemade beef jerky last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temp, it lasts 1–2 weeks. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 1 month or freeze for 3–6 months.

Can I make beef jerky less spicy?

Yes - reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. You can also swap in smoked paprika or a touch of honey for milder, smoky-sweet flavor.

What’s the best cut of beef for jerky?

Lean cuts like flank steak, top round, or sirloin work best since they dry evenly and don’t leave greasy residue.

After trying this spicy homemade beef jerky recipe, you’ll see why homemade always beats store-bought—the bold flavors and satisfying chew are hard to resist.

And before you go, don’t forget to grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love PDF (below). From hearty soups like split pea and carrot to sweet banana cinnamon rolls (and even this jerky), they’re a delicious way to expand your dehydrating skills.

Get 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Here's where you can get your copy of our all new
5 Dried Food Recipes (That Actually Taste Great)
They're my all-time favorite easy dried food meals!

Get it here right now.

For Free!

You Might Like These

You Might Like These


Before You Go...

If you enjoyed this page, tap the ❤️ in the lower right-hand corner.
It saves this page to your Grow bookmarks so you can find it again later.

You’ll also see quick share buttons to copy the link, post to Facebook,
or save it straight to Pinterest.