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A pile of beef jerky with sesame seeds

Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Marinating time: 12 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Fresh Off The Grid
This homemade beef jerky recipe is a sweet and savory snack for your next adventure! The fresh teriyaki marinade loads the jerky with tons of great flavor, and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound eye of round or top round
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger (from fresh or pre-grated)
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 2 cloves, or pre-minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Optional

Instructions

  • Slice the meat into ⅛ - ¼ inch thick pieces, removing as much visible fat as possible. Place in a large zip-top bag and set aside.
  • Mix the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced ginger & garlic, salt, and Prague powder, if using, in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Pour into the zip-top bag with the meat, taking care to ensure that the meat is evenly coated. Place in the fridge to marinate 12-24 hours.
  • After the meat has marinated, place the strips onto your dehydrator trays. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Dehydrate at 145° for 4-6 hours, until the meat has dried. The general rule of thumb is if you bend a piece and it bends and cracks, it’s done.
  • Use tongs to transfer the jerky to a baking sheet so that they are not touching or overlapping one another. Heat them in a preheated 275°F oven for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and set aside to cool completely before placing in an airtight container.

Storage

  • Jerky will last 1-2 months in a sealed container at room temperature, 3–6 months in the refrigerator, and up to 1 year in the freezer.1

Notes

Can I omit or substitute the mirin? Yes! The mirin adds some subtle flavor, but if you don't have it in your pantry, feel free to leave it out. You can add an equal amount of water in its place to thin out the marinade a bit.
Do I need to use the Prauge powder/Insta Cure? This is definitely optional. It can extend the shelf life, but properly dried jerky will still last up to a month in an airtight container at room temperature—and longer if you put it in the fridge, even without the addition of preservatives.
1) Source: OSU Extension Service/Pacific Northwest Extension (8/2020). Making Jerky at Home Safely. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-632-making-jerky-home-safely
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