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Make Your Own Smoked Beef Jerky – Low Carb Snack

September 9, 2019 by Denise 28 Comments

pieces of low carb smoked beef jerky with snack boxes and text overlay
pieces of smoked beef jerky with text overlay
blue plate of smoked beef jerky with text overlay
hand holding smoked beef jerky piece outside with text overlay

If you are looking for an easy and tasty low carb snack, try making your own smoked beef jerky! With a simple spicy marinade and flank steak you can make a big batch of jerky that only has 0.4g net carbs per piece! This post is sponsored by the Certified Angus Beef ® brand in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own. 

You might also like these low carb gyro meat crackers.

hand holding a piece of low carb smoked beef jerky

Growing up I was never one to eat beef jerky but now that I eat a low carb diet, it’s one of my favorite keto snacks! It helps that there are SO many different brands and varieties out there however it can be rather expensive or hard to find. So why not make your own?! 

Today I have for you a simple low carb smoked beef jerky recipe that is so easy, you many never buy jerky again. And if you don’t have a smoker, I’ll tell you how to make it in the oven. So let’s get cooking!

What Type Of Beef To Use?

Pic of Certified Angus Beef Brand.

This is beef jerky so you have to start with a good quality piece of meat. And if you follow this blog you know I highly recommend that you use  Certified Angus Beef®. I buy mine at Giant Eagle because they have the biggest selection in my area and I often stock up when they have it on sale.

Secondly you want to buy a lean piece of beef because the fat may spoil the jerky. A few different economical cuts that you can use are an eye of the round, bottom round, top round or sirloin tip. Flank steak is also a great cut for this recipe which is what I used and it turned out great!

How To Cut Meat For Beef Jerky

First thing you want to do is cut off any excess fat. If you are using those lean cuts of beef there should be very little but if there are large pieces cut it off. Next you want to cut the steak against the grain. 

How to cut against the grain.

Just like grain in a piece of wood, on the flank steak you will see lines the muscle make and that is “the grain”. To make the meat tender, cut against or perpendicular to those lines. 

So if the lines or grain are going from east to west (left to right), you want to cut north to south (up and down) which is against it. Below the flank steak grain was going from left to right, so I cut the meat from top to bottom (see below).

 TIP: To make it easier to cut, freeze the piece of meat for ½ hour so it will be easier to slice through.  

raw flank steak cut into beef jerky strips on a wooden cutting board with knife

Low Carb Marinade Ingredients & Recipe

I made a good marinade that I’ve used on both chicken and salmon. There are only 4 ingredients in this marinade and they are soy sauce, grated raw ginger, chili garlic sauce and brown sugar sweetener. If you don’t care about carbs, go ahead and use regular brown sugar. 

Just whisk the ingredients together and set aside. Cut your beef against the grain into uniform pieces. The thinner you make them the quicker they will cook. I made mine roughly ¼″ thick. 

Place the beef strips into a large baggie or marinating container and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate over night.

The next day lay the strips on a pieces of paper towel and dab dry. Then place them on the grill racks of the smoker. Keep them evenly spaced and don’t over crowd.

empty glass bowl, whisk and small bowls with ginger, garlic chili sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar

Make Beef Jerky In The Smoker

I have made many batches of this jerky and I want to let you know the times have varied for every batch. Our smoker has trouble getting down to a low temperature and I found it ended up around 200°F – 250° F. Thinner cuts of beef took only 2-3 hours and thicker cuts took up to 5 hours. 

If your smoker goes lower, try to keep it around 170°F and smoke for 3-4 hours. Check it and see if it’s done and if not keep it going and check every half hour. There are so many components that effect time that it’s hard to be more specific. 

Below I tell you how you know if it is done.

the inside of the smoker with pieces of low carb beef jerky on rack

Make Beef Jerky In The Oven

Making beef jerky in the oven is much easier. Prepare the beef strips just like above and dab them dry. Then place on a foil lined cookie sheet. Place in a 170 °F oven for 4 – 5 hours. Check to see if done, and if not place back in oven and check every half hour.

blue plate with low carb smoked beef jerky and a cookie sheet full of jerky in background

How Do You Know When It’s Done

Whether you make your beef jerky in the smoker or oven, here is how you can tell if it’s done. First look to see if it looks like jerky. Is it dry and darker in color? Take a piece out and let it sit for 10 minutes. Bend it and see if it’s fibrous and frayed like a piece of leather. if so it’s done. If it breaks it is overdone. If it’s not done, it will seem like a cooked piece of meat, not jerky.

fingers holding a piece of jerky outside with a blue plate and tray with jerky on it in background

Other Keto Or Low Carb Snacks To Go With Jerky

Below is a snack box I like to make sometimes. It’s like a Thai beef salad! The jerky has an Asian flavor and the watermelon radishes and cucumbers are often in a Thai beef salad. 

Because jerky is so dense, I like something with moisture like fresh veggies, olives, pickles or avocados. Of course cheeses of any sort are nice and berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) go well with jerky. 

keto snack boxes with jerky, cucumber and radish slices

Low Carb Smoked Beef Jerky Tips

Here are a few tips I’ve learned making this low carb beef jerky:

  • Use a good piece of lean meat (like Certified Angus Beef®). Cut off any excess fat before cooking. 
  • Freeze your meat for about a half hour before cutting. It makes it so much easier to slice.
  • Cut against the grain and try to keep your pieces uniform so they all finish cooking at the same time. 
  • Marinade over night and dab the excess off the next morning. The wetter the meat the longer it takes to cook.
  • No matter if you smoke at a higher temperature for a shorter time or a lower temperature for a longer time, constantly check the meat to see if it’s done.
  • If your meat is thicker it will take longer to cook than if it’s thinner. 
  • Because the meat shrinks a lot, 1 lb of meat may produce only ½ pound of jerky. 
  • Not matter if your meat cooks too longer or not … it’s still delicious!
closeup up of strips of low carb smoked beef jerky

How To Store The Jerky

I like to keep mine in a baggie in the refrigerator. I’ve read where it can be kept refrigerated for a few months but to be honest it hasn’t lasted a week in our house. We all love it so it goes fast. 

If you made the dried jerky correctly, it will keep for two weeks in a sealed container at room temperature. However I recommend storing in the refrigerator to be on the safe side. Read more here.

Well I hope you love this low carb smoked beef jerky as much as my family did. We have made 3 batches in the last 2 weeks and goes quickly. My son especially loves it and if I don’t hide it, it’s gone by the next day! The nutritional information for 1 piece of jerky is:

66 cals / 2.6g fat / 0.4g carbs / 8.8g protein = 0.4g net carbs

By the way check out the  Certified Angus Beef® Kitchen Facebook group to learn some great beef tips and recipes. It really helped me to make my first prime rib! For more information about Certified Angus Beef ® brand follow them on their Social Media Platforms: Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter #SteakHolder #BestAngusBeef

 

5 from 18 votes
Print

Make Your Own Smoked Beef Jerky – low carb snack!

If you are looking for an easy and tasty low carb snack, try making your own smoked beef jerky! With a simple spicy marinade and flank steak you can make a big batch of jerky that only has 0.4g net carbs per piece!

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword jerky, marinade, smoker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 24
Author Denise

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • â…“ cup chili garlic sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar sweetener or regular brown sugar if not low carb
  • 1 ½ lb Certified Angus Beef® flank steak

Instructions

  1. The night before, cut the flank steak into strips approximately ¼ inch thick. You can freeze the flank steak for a ½ hour before cutting to make it easier to slice.

  2. Place the flank steak into a large ziplock bag or marinating container.

  3. Whisk the rest of the ingredients and pour over the beef strips.

  4. Place in the refrigerator over night.

  5. The next day, lay your strips of beef on a few paper towels. Dab dry with another piece of paper towel to get rid of any excess moisture.

  6. Prepare your smoker according to manufacturers instructions. Place the strips evenly right on the grill racks. Smoke for 4 -6 hours.

  7. TIPS: If your strips are thicker they may take longer. Subsequently if they are thinner they may take less time. Start checking after 2 hours to make sure they don't burn.

    To test them, take a piece out and set aside for 10 minutes.

    You know they are done, when you can bend them and they look fiberous. If you bend them and they break they are too well done. You can still eat them but they will be dry.

    When done, they should be pliable and like a piece of leather. Take a piece out and chew it to see. If it's not done, place back in the smoker and check often.

hand holding piece of smoked beef jerky and snack boxes with text overlay

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Reader Interactions

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. You should always do your own calculations if you are concerned about the accuracy of this or any recipe. I use the Lose It app for all of my nutritional information because I have for years.

Comments

  1. Elliott

    January 27, 2021 at 3:57 am

    Great recipe! I just finished it last night and the result was unexpected, my wife and daughter both liked it, which made me happy. Thanks for your recipe!

    Reply
  2. Dennis

    July 17, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    Hi do you actually smoke it? And if so what kind of wood do you recommend, thanks.

    Reply
    • Denise

      July 18, 2020 at 9:15 am

      Hi Dennis, yes we smoked it as well and that info is in the post. My hubby usually uses hickory when he makes jerky. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  3. Jo

    September 16, 2019 at 3:54 am

    I love all things smoked! The flavor of smoke in meat is truly the best thing to eat. Totally digging this beef jerky, love that gorgeous smoked meat there.

    Reply
  4. Daniela

    September 15, 2019 at 11:24 pm

    I’ve been dreaming about making jerky for years and this post was exactly the motivation I needed!!! Thanks so much for sharing :)!

    Reply
  5. Debbie

    September 15, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    My husband loves beef jerky but most store bought jerky is packed with carbs …it drives him nuts. Your recipe sounds fabulous and you make it sound so easy. This is something I know my husband and teenage sons will love, I will be trying to soon..Thank you !

    Reply
  6. Amy

    September 15, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    This looks like such a tasty recipe! I’ve always been intimidated to make my own jerky but you made this look super simple. Thanks for all the tips—I’m going to try it out this week!

    Reply
  7. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

    September 15, 2019 at 6:17 pm

    I’ve been on a HUGE beef jerky kick lately and just bought a new dehydrator! I know what I’m making!!! yours looks so yummy and easy!

    Reply
  8. Jessica (Swanky Recipes)

    September 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    This is the PERFECT recipe to make this fall. My dad loves beef jerky and will absolutely love this simple recipe to make at home.

    Reply
  9. David

    September 15, 2019 at 7:06 am

    I’ve been trying to get our teen son to eat jerky as a snack when he’s really hungry. Maybe this homemade version would entice him!

    Reply
    • Denise

      September 15, 2019 at 8:29 am

      It worked for me….give it a try!

      Reply
  10. lauren

    September 14, 2019 at 10:48 pm

    This is such a great recipe! I love that you provide a few options for how to make the jerky! We’re going to try the smoker version here.

    Reply
  11. KStew

    September 14, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Been making it for years. Buy top round London Broil and use Con Yeager Hickory jerky spice. They have others available. I vary from the instructions and use Worcestershire sauce instead of water. On spice pack does up to 5 lbs of meat. Best jerky I ever ate. Oh, and I use a dehydrator, also.

    Reply
    • Denise

      September 15, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Thanks Kim! I’ll have to try that next time!

      Reply
  12. Leslie

    September 14, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    I’ve never made my own beef jerky, but after reading through this recipe, I’m going to need to start! Beef jerky is the perfect snack! So so yummy!

    Reply
  13. Kate

    September 14, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    This looks so amazing! I love beef jerky but don’t buy it much because it has a ton of additives usually – I will definitely have to try this out!

    Reply
  14. Lizzy

    September 13, 2019 at 8:16 pm

    Who knew this could be so easy to make at home? Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Jenni LeBaron

    September 13, 2019 at 5:50 pm

    I’ve never made my own beef jerky before but I’ve always been intrigued by the idea because the store-bought kind is always loaded with so much unnecessary sugar and preservatives. This recipe looks straightforward and delcious I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  16. Heather

    September 13, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    I always assumed to make your own jerky would need special equipment like a dehydrator. I had no idea you could make this in your oven! Amazing, I can’t wait to try!

    Reply
  17. Jolina

    September 13, 2019 at 8:48 am

    We love jerky! So I’m super excited to try making our own. Appreciate all the tips.

    Reply
  18. Colleen

    September 12, 2019 at 10:56 pm

    I’ve never made beef jerky before, but you make it look pretty simply. I really want to try it, it’s such a great, and convenient, protein source.

    Reply
  19. Marisa F. Stewart

    September 11, 2019 at 7:46 am

    We are carnivores through and through. We used to make beef jerky years ago and I can tell you that it didn’t last long at all. It got so bad I had to hide it from the males in the house. You’ve inspired me to make it again — it would be a wonderful surprise for them. That meat looks perfect for jerky!

    Reply
  20. Paula Montenegro

    September 10, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Oh wow, I need to try this recipe asap! What a fabulous idea, I never even thought it could be made at home! I can imagine the flavor!

    Reply
  21. Veena Azmanov

    September 10, 2019 at 4:45 am

    Yummy and easy and a treat too.

    Reply
  22. Gloria

    September 09, 2019 at 2:37 pm

    OMG I need to give this a try. What a cool ideal. I bet it tastes so much better than the packaged stuff. My family is going to LOVE this for sure.

    Reply
    • Denise

      September 09, 2019 at 3:15 pm

      Hi Gloria, my hubby and son scarfed it up. I had to hide the last batch LOL!

      Reply
  23. Patti

    September 09, 2019 at 8:17 am

    I’ve never tried this but you made it so doable. So many great tips too. It’s expensive to buy jerky in the store and some really are not that tasty. I love being able to make my own.

    Reply
    • Denise

      September 09, 2019 at 10:55 am

      It’s really not hard Patti and if you don’t have a smoker, it’s just as good in the oven. If you want a bit of smokey flavor you can always add a little liquid smoke to the marinade.

      Reply

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