Honey BBQ Jerky Recipe: Easy Homemade Snack Guide

If you’re a fan of savory snacks with a sweet twist, this Honey BBQ Jerky Recipe is bound to become your new favorite treat. Perfectly balancing the smoky flavors of barbecue with the subtle sweetness of honey, this homemade jerky is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip, packing lunch for work, or just craving a protein-packed snack, this recipe is simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Making jerky at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a natural and preservative-free snack. Plus, the marinade infuses the meat with a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

With a few hours of patience and some easy steps, you can enjoy tender, flavorful jerky that’s bursting with that perfect honey BBQ taste. Ready to get started?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey BBQ Jerky recipe combines the best of both worlds: the smoky, tangy notes of barbecue sauce and the smooth, natural sweetness of honey. Unlike commercial jerky, which can be overly salty or packed with additives, this homemade version is customizable to your taste.

It’s also incredibly versatile — great for snacking anytime or even as a protein boost in salads and wraps. The marinade is easy to whip up with pantry staples, and the drying process (whether in a dehydrator or oven) is straightforward.

Plus, jerky keeps well for weeks, making it perfect for meal prepping or gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean beef (top round, flank steak, or sirloin, thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup honey (for natural sweetness)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, enhances smoky aroma)

Equipment

• Sharp knife (for slicing the beef thinly)
• Mixing bowl (to combine marinade ingredients)
• Zip-top plastic bag or airtight container (for marinating)
• Dehydrator (recommended for best texture; if unavailable, oven can work)
• Baking sheet and wire rack (if using oven)
• Meat thermometer (to check doneness)
• Cooling rack (for letting jerky rest)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Place your beef in the freezer for 1-2 hours until it is firm but not frozen solid. This will make slicing easier. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) against the grain for tenderness.
2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, and liquid smoke if using. Make sure the honey is well incorporated.
3. Marinate the beef: Place the sliced beef in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Pour in the marinade, seal, and massage to coat the meat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
4. Preheat your dehydrator or oven: Set your dehydrator to 160°F (71°C). If using an oven, preheat to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 170°F (77°C).
5. Arrange the beef slices: Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Lay the strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays or a wire rack over a baking sheet for the oven. Avoid overlapping to ensure even drying.
6. Dry the jerky: Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, checking periodically. Oven drying may take 4-8 hours depending on thickness and temperature. The jerky is done when it is dry but still slightly pliable—no moisture should remain inside.
7. Cool and store: Let the jerky cool on a rack for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container or resealable bags. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze.

Tips & Variations

“For even better flavor, try using a combination of honey and maple syrup for your marinade.”

• Meat choice: While beef is traditional, you can experiment with turkey or venison for leaner options.
• Thickness matters: Slicing meat too thick will increase drying time and can result in a tougher jerky. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Marinating time: Longer marination (up to 24 hours) intensifies flavor but avoid exceeding this to prevent overly salty jerky.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Sweetness level: Adjust honey quantity to your preference for sweetness.
• Oven drying tip: Keep the oven door slightly ajar using a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape during drying.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Honey BBQ Jerky makes a fantastic on-the-go snack that requires no preparation. Enjoy it straight from the bag during hikes, bike rides, or long drives.

For a fun twist, try chopping the jerky and adding it to salads or grain bowls for extra protein and flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese and crackers as part of a charcuterie board.

If you want a savory breakfast, crumble jerky into scrambled eggs or omelets.

Conclusion

Making your own Honey BBQ Jerky at home is a rewarding experience that yields a flavorful, nutritious snack perfect for any occasion. The blend of sweet honey and smoky barbecue creates a unique taste that will have you reaching for more.

Plus, you get to skip the preservatives and control every ingredient, making it a healthier choice.

With a little time and patience, you can enjoy this delicious jerky anytime, whether for a quick snack or a protein-packed addition to meals. Give this recipe a try and impress friends and family with your homemade jerky skills.

Happy snacking!

Looking for more delicious homemade snacks? Check out our Smoky Beef Jerky Recipe, Spicy Teriyaki Jerky, and Homemade Granola Bars for more tasty treats!

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