Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Do you crave a delectable and protein-packed snack that’s perfect for on-the-go or as an addition to your favorite dishes? Look no further than this Cherry Maple Beef Jerky recipe!

This homemade jerky is delicious and a healthier choice than alternatives from the market because it has a well-balanced combination of sweet and savory ingredients.

We’ll walk you through the easy steps to make your own delicious Cherry Maple Beef Jerky recipe in this article.

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (dehydrating time)
  • Course: Snack
  • Cuisine: American
  • Yield: Approximately 1 pound of beef jerky

Gathering The Ingredients

Before embarking on your jerky-making journey, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:

  • 1 pound lean beef (top round or sirloin)
  • 1/2 cup cherries (pitted and chopped, fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Dash of liquid smoke (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preparing The Marinade

Creating the perfect marinade is crucial for infusing your jerky with irresistible flavors.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries (pitted and chopped), maple syrup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, a dash of liquid smoke (if desired), and a pinch of salt.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to form a harmonious marinade.

Slicing The Beef

Take your lean beef and slice it against the grain into thin, uniform strips. This step ensures a tender and chewy texture in your jerky. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Marinating The Beef Strips

Place the beef strips into a resealable plastic bag or a glass container. Pour the prepared marinade over the beef, ensuring each strip is evenly coated.

Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to marinate.

Dehydrating Process

Once the marination is complete, it’s time to dehydrate the beef. You can use a food dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature.

Arrange the marinated beef strips on the dehydrator trays or a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dehydrating time and temperature, typically around 4-6 hours.

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe
Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Testing For Desired Texture

Perform a bend test to ensure your jerky has reached the desired texture. A properly dehydrated jerky should bend and crack but not break. It should feel dry to the touch but not brittle.

Storing Your Cherry Maple Beef Jerky

Once your jerky reaches the ideal texture, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

For longer shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored jerky can last for several weeks.

Enjoying Your Homemade Jerky

Your homemade Cherry Maple Beef Jerky recipe is now ready to enjoy! Whether you’re fueling up for a hiking trip or satisfying your midday cravings, this protein-packed snack will surely hit the spot.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 70 calories per serving (1 ounce)
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Vitamin D: 0.4mcg
  • Calcium: 9mg
  • Iron: 1.1mg
  • Potassium: 160mg

Conclusion

Making your own Cherry Maple Beef Jerky recipe is a satisfying undertaking that enables you to enjoy a tasty and wholesome snack.

This homemade jerky will tempt your taste buds with a combination of cherries, maple syrup, and savory seasonings.

Accept the craft of jerky-making and indulge in this delicious, gratifying, and healthful joy.

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 pound
Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean beef top round or sirloin
  • 1/2 cup cherries pitted and chopped, fresh or frozen
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Dash of liquid smoke optional
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preparing The Marinade

  • Creating the perfect marinade is crucial for infusing your jerky with irresistible flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries (pitted and chopped), maple syrup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, a dash of liquid smoke (if desired), and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to form a harmonious marinade.

Slicing The Beef

  • Take your lean beef and slice it against the grain into thin, uniform strips. This step ensures a tender and chewy texture in your jerky. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Marinating The Beef Strips

  • Place the beef strips into a resealable plastic bag or a glass container. Pour the prepared marinade over the beef, ensuring each strip is evenly coated. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to marinate.

Dehydrating Process

  • Once the marination is complete, it’s time to dehydrate the beef. You can use a food dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature. Arrange the marinated beef strips on the dehydrator trays or a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dehydrating time and temperature, typically around 4-6 hours.

Testing For Desired Texture

  • Perform a bend test to ensure your jerky has reached the desired texture. A properly dehydrated jerky should bend and crack but not break. It should feel dry to the touch but not brittle.

Storing Your Cherry Maple Beef Jerky

  • Once your jerky reaches the ideal texture, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored jerky can last for several weeks.
Keyword Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe
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Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen
Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe developer at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.
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