How long does homemade beef jerky last?

When properly dried and stored in an airtight container, homemade beef jerky will last 1-2 weeks at room temperature, up to 3 months in the refrigerator, and 6 months in the freezer. Without commercial preservatives, homemade versions won't last as long as store-bought, but the trade-off in health benefits is worth it.

Is beef jerky healthy for weight loss?

The healthiest beef jerky, especially homemade versions low in sugar and sodium, can be excellent for weight loss. It's high in protein, which promotes satiety, and contains minimal carbohydrates. The protein content also helps maintain muscle mass during calorie restriction.

Can I make the healthiest beef jerky without a dehydrator?

Absolutely! Your regular oven set to its lowest temperature (ideally 160-170°F) works well. Place the marinated meat strips on racks over baking sheets, and prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.

Why is my homemade beef jerky too tough?

Over-dehydration is the most common cause of excessively tough jerky. Try reducing your drying time or slicing the meat slightly thicker next time. Also, certain cuts like flank steak naturally produce chewier jerky compared to eye of round or top round.

Does beef jerky need curing salt to be safe?

While commercial producers use curing salts (sodium nitrite) as a precaution against botulism, home jerky makers can safely skip it by following proper food safety protocols: partial freezing before slicing, marinating with acidic ingredients, heating to 160°F internal temperature during preparation, and thorough dehydration.

Healthiest Beef Jerky: Top Picks to Boost Your Snack Game Today 2025

Healthiest Beef Jerky: Top Picks to Boost Your Snack Game Today

Print Recipe

A clean, protein-packed, preservative-free homemade beef jerky made with lean, grass-fed beef and simple pantry spices. Perfect for paleo, keto, and low-sodium diets.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Total Time: 12-32 hours (including marination)
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrated
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean beef (eye of round, top round, or bottom round)
3 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

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Instructions

Place beef in the freezer for 1–2 hours until partially frozen. Slice against the grain into ⅛-inch thick strips.
In a bowl, mix coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and all spices. Whisk well.
Add sliced beef to marinade, coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for 8–24 hours.
Preheat dehydrator or oven to 160°F. Pat beef dry with paper towels.
Lay strips on trays/racks without overlap. Dehydrate for 4–8 hours until leathery but pliable.
Cool completely, then store in airtight containers with a silica packet for freshness.

Notes

Use grass-fed, organic beef when possible for added nutrition. For sugar-free beef jerky, avoid any sweetened marinades. Slice meat uniformly for even drying. Dehydration times vary depending on slice thickness and humidity.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 75
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 2.5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0.5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/healthiest-beef-jerky/