Can I use ground beef to make low sodium beef jerky?

While traditional jerky uses whole muscle meat, you can make a ground beef version. Mix the seasonings directly into the meat, then use a jerky gun to create strips. Cook at a slightly higher temperature (165°F) to ensure food safety.

How do I know when my low sodium beef jerky is done?

Properly dried jerky should bend and crack but not break completely. When you bend a piece, you should see tiny fibers breaking on the surface. It shouldn't feel moist or sticky.

Can I add fruit juice to the marinade for my low sodium beef jerky?

Absolutely! Pineapple juice not only adds flavor but contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat. Apple juice provides sweetness without adding sodium. Just reduce other liquid ingredients accordingly.

Is homemade low sodium beef jerky safe without preservatives?

Yes, proper dehydration removes enough moisture to prevent bacterial growth. For extra safety, you can heat the finished jerky in a 275°F oven for 10 minutes before storage.

How can I make my low sodium beef jerky softer or more tender?

For softer jerky, slice the meat thicker, marinate longer (up to 48 hours), and reduce the drying time slightly. Also, slicing with the grain rather than against it produces chewier jerky.

Low Sodium Beef Jerky Benefits You Never Knew About 2025

Low Sodium Beef Jerky Benefits You Never Knew About

Print Recipe

A heart-healthy, protein-packed snack made with bold flavors and 70% less salt than store-bought jerky. Perfect for road trips, hiking, or everyday snacking.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 3-24 hrs marinating)
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 5-7 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Snacks
Method: Dehydrated
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean beef (eye of round, top round, or flank steak)
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (reduced sodium version)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)

Instructions

Freeze the beef for 1-2 hours until firm. Trim fat and slice into thin strips (⅛ to ¼ inch thick).
Whisk all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Combine with beef in a bag or container, coat well, and refrigerate for 3-24 hours.
Pat beef dry and arrange on dehydrator trays or oven racks. Dry at 160°F (71°C) for 4-6 hours, or until jerky bends without breaking.

Notes

For extra tenderness, slice with the grain. Try monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free option or use coconut aminos for soy-free diets. Add apple cider vinegar for tang and less salt perception.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 85
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: low sodium, beef jerky, homemade, high protein, heart healthy, dehydrator recipe

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