Beef jerky has long been a favorite snack, especially among women who love its flavorful chew, and it’s also a perfect pairing with a cold beer for the gentlemen. If you’re a fan of savory, addictive snacks, then you’re in for a treat. In this guide, Khô bò CALI is excited to show you how to make crispy beef jerky that’s not only perfectly crunchy on the outside but also deliciously chewy and bursting with bold, irresistible flavors. Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Making Crispy Beef Jerky
To create the perfect batch of crispy beef jerky that’s both flavorful and satisfying, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 kg of beef (preferably lean cuts like sirloin or flank, sliced thinly against the grain)
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1 piece of fresh ginger, crushed and finely chopped
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2 stalks of lemongrass (about 100g), bruised and minced
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1 bulb of garlic, crushed and finely chopped
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1½ tablespoons of turmeric powder
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1 tablespoon of five-spice powder
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1 tablespoon of fish sauce
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2 tablespoons of soy sauce or oyster sauce (depending on your flavor preference)
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Salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG) to taste
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2 tablespoons of seasoning powder (or chicken bouillon powder)
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2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust for sweetness)
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1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon of chili powder
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1 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional for extra heat)
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2 tablespoons of Western liquor (such as brandy or rum, for aroma and tenderness)
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2 tablespoons of cooking oil
Readmore: How to make dried beef with garlic that gets more addictive with every bite
How to Make Crispy Beef Jerky That’s Tender, Flavorful, and Irresistibly Good
Preparing the Ingredients
To start making crispy beef jerky at home, choose high-quality beef and rinse it thoroughly to remove any impurities. Once clean, slice the beef along the grain into large, moderately thick strips to help maintain that signature chewy texture while allowing the flavors to absorb deeply.
Next, pat the beef dry using paper towels or let it air dry until there’s no excess moisture, this is a crucial step for achieving the ideal crispy and chewy balance in your final jerky.
In a large mixing bowl, combine finely minced ingredients such as lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chili. Then add your seasonings: five-spice powder, oyster sauce, salt, MSG or bouillon powder, sugar, pepper, and a bit of cooking oil. Stir everything together until it becomes a well-blended, fragrant marinade. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your family’s flavor preferences.
Now, it’s time to marinate the sliced beef. Add the meat to the bowl and mix thoroughly, using your hands to gently massage the marinade into each strip so that the flavors are evenly distributed. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the marinated beef for at least 6–8 hours—or overnight for best results. For an even richer flavor, consider tossing or turning the beef every 2 hours during the marinating process to ensure every piece soaks up the seasoning evenly.
This careful preparation step is key to creating homemade crispy beef jerky that’s not only delicious and fragrant but also packed with bold, balanced flavors in every bite.
Simmering the Marinated Beef
Once the beef has been thoroughly marinated and fully absorbed the flavors, it’s time to move on to the simmering process. Transfer the marinated beef into a preheated pan or pot. Over medium heat, continuously stir and flip the beef to help it firm up evenly and develop a rich, appetizing color. When the meat turns from bright red to a more cooked, brownish tone an indication that it’s cooked through cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat. Let the beef simmer gently so that it becomes tender and the remaining liquid thickens into a flavorful glaze.
After the beef is fully cooked, carefully remove each strip from the pan and set them aside. At this point, discard any excess bits of herbs or spices that may still be clinging to the surface of the meat. Strain the remaining sauce through a fine mesh sieve to separate the concentrated liquid from the solids this sauce will be used later for enhancing the flavor.
Next, lay each piece of cooked beef flat on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or another tenderizing tool to gently pound the strips. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as this could break the fibers and cause the meat to fall apart. The goal is to soften the beef while maintaining its structure.
Once the beef has been tenderized, return it to a large bowl and pour in a small amount of Western-style liquor (such as brandy or whiskey), along with five-spice powder, sugar, and other pre-measured seasonings. Add in the strained sauce from earlier and mix everything thoroughly to ensure every strip is well coated with the enhanced flavor blend.
To give your crispy beef jerky a beautifully golden hue and a final layer of heat, reserve a small portion of chili powder and turmeric. These can be sprinkled over the meat in the final stage of drying or baking, helping to create a more visually appealing and aromatic finished product.
Drying the Beef
Once the beef has fully absorbed the seasonings, it’s time to begin the drying process. Place the marinated beef strips into a large pan or skillet over the lowest heat setting. Stir continuously to prevent burning and to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat. You can do a quick taste test at this stage and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, add the reserved chili powder and turmeric to the pan and keep tossing the beef until both the meat and the spices become completely dry and fragrant. When there is no moisture left and the color turns rich and appetizing, you can turn off the heat.
Drying Beef in the Oven
To achieve a more uniform and controlled drying process, you can use an oven. Arrange each beef strip flat on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Set the oven to 100°C (212°F), and bake the meat, flipping each piece every 10–15 minutes. Continue this process until the beef reaches your desired level of dryness slightly chewy or completely crisp, depending on your preference.
Drying Beef in the Microwave
Another convenient method is using a microwave. Place the beef strips on a tray lined with foil and microwave at 110°C (230°F) for about 30 minutes. To ensure even drying, set a timer to flip the meat every 10 minutes. This method works well for small batches and offers a quick alternative when you’re short on time.
Sun-Drying the Beef
If you prefer a more traditional, natural approach, you can sun-dry the beef. Choose a hot, sunny day and lay the meat strips out in direct sunlight. Make sure to flip the beef regularly so that both sides dry evenly. It’s important to cover the meat with a clean mesh or netting to protect it from dust, insects, and airborne contaminants during the drying process.
Storing the Finished Crispy Beef Jerky
To keep your homemade crispy beef jerky fresh and flavorful for an extended period, store it in an airtight glass jar or food-safe container and place it in the refrigerator. For even better preservation, you can vacuum-seal the jerky in plastic pouches to remove air and prevent moisture. When stored this way, your beef jerky can last up to 1 to 2 months while maintaining its taste, texture, and aroma ready to enjoy anytime you crave a protein-packed, savory snack.
Want Crispy Beef Jerky Without the Hassle? Try Khô Bò CALI!
While making crispy beef jerky at home is a rewarding experience, it can be quite time-consuming and requires a lot of attention to detail. If you’re craving perfectly seasoned, tender-yet-crunchy jerky without spending hours in the kitchen, then Khô Bò CALI has exactly what you need.
At Khô Bò CALI, we offer premium-quality crispy beef jerky crafted from 100% fresh, lean beef, marinated with a signature blend of spices and slow-dried to perfection. Each bite is bursting with flavor spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and satisfyingly crispy. Whether you’re looking for a convenient snack, a protein-packed treat for workouts, or a delicious gift for loved ones, Khô Bò CALI is the perfect choice.
Skip the prep and let us take care of the flavor!
👉 Visit our website or fanpage to order today and experience the irresistible taste of crispy beef jerky from Khô Bò CALI—made with love, sealed with quality, and delivered straight to your door.
