Chipotle Beef Jerky
- Preparing Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Served Person: 100
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups water
- 5 lb. top round of beef
- 2 cups soy sauce
- 2 cups worcestershire sauce
- 1 can chipotle in adobo sauce pureed in blender
- 2 tbsp. granulated garlic
- 2 tbsp. granulated onion
- 1/2 tbsp. jalapeã±o powder
- 1/2 tbsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tbsp. coriander
- 1 tbsp. ancho chile pepper
- 1 tbsp. cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp. crushed red pepper
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 2 oz. barbecue sauce
- Carbohydrate 7.34428801479367 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.16128000046355 g
- Fiber 1.20960000347662 g
- Protein 2.01868800579437 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0209664000602615 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (115g)
- Sodium 58.8842501671355 mg
- Sugar 6.13468801131705 g
- Trans Fat 0.0749952002155506 g
- Calories 34 calories
My Go-To Trail Snack: Chipotle Beef Jerky
As a busy mom of three, finding time for myself is a luxury. But one thing I always make time for is preparing for our family adventures. Weekends are precious, and escaping into nature—whether it's a short hike or a longer camping trip—is our way of recharging. And what's a good outdoor adventure without the perfect snack? That's where my homemade Chipotle Beef Jerky comes in.
This recipe isn’t just any jerky; it’s a flavorful explosion in every bite. It’s the result of years of experimenting and adapting recipes until I found the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. The chipotle peppers deliver that incredible smoky heat that lingers on your tongue, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to keep things balanced. It’s the kind of jerky that keeps you coming back for more, a perfect fuel for long hikes or a satisfying treat around the campfire.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more or less jalapeño powder or chipotle peppers. I've even experimented with different types of meat, but the top round remains my favorite for its lean texture and ability to hold its shape during the dehydrating process.
Making this jerky is surprisingly straightforward. The most time-consuming part is slicing the beef thinly – it's important for even cooking. I usually freeze the meat slightly to make this easier. The rest is simple: marinate, dehydrate, and enjoy! The process is therapeutic in its simplicity, a quiet moment to myself amidst the chaos of everyday life. The aroma of the spices filling the kitchen during marinating time is intoxicating, a little slice of heaven.
But it's not just about the taste; it's about the memories. Each bite brings me back to sunny days spent exploring nature with my family. The crunch of the jerky in the crisp mountain air, the laughter and shared moments—those are the memories that make this more than just a snack; it's a symbol of our adventures.
Beyond our family trips, this jerky is perfect for packing lunchboxes for the kids or to simply enjoy as a satisfying snack at home. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought jerky, allowing me to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. The satisfaction of creating something delicious and nourishing is deeply personal.
So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a tasty treat, give this Chipotle Beef Jerky recipe a try. It's more than just a snack; it's a taste of adventure, a symbol of family time, and a little piece of my heart. The memories made while enjoying it are priceless. Enjoy!
Step-by-step
- Trim and clean beef.
- Place in freezer until barely frozen to facilitate slicing.
- Slice 1/8-inch thick with a knife or slicer.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the thinly sliced meat and marinate for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the meat and place in a dehydrator.
- Cook at 180 to 200 degrees until done (crispy).
- Place the dried jerky into zippered plastic bags.
