Mmm, who doesn’t love the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy taste of teriyaki? This jerky teriyaki marinade recipe is your ticket to transforming ordinary meat into a mouthwatering snack that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for beef, chicken, or even tofu, this marinade is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
- The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this marinade irresistible.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a complex flavor profile that enhances the meat’s natural taste.
- It’s versatile enough to use with various types of meat or vegetarian alternatives, making it a great recipe for everyone.
- The marinade not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it, ensuring your jerky is deliciously soft yet chewy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or a sealable container
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures every bite of your jerky is evenly flavored. Tip: For a smoother marinade, you can heat the mixture slightly to help dissolve the sugar faster.
Step 2: Prepare Your Meat
Slice your choice of meat into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the strips, the quicker they’ll marinate and dehydrate. Tip: Partially freezing the meat for about 30 minutes before slicing can make it easier to cut into uniform strips.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Place the meat strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a sealable container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor. Tip: Occasionally turning the meat in the marinade ensures even flavor distribution.
Step 4: Dehydrate the Meat
After marinating, remove the meat strips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the strips on your dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Dehydrate at 160°F for 4 to 6 hours, or until the jerky is dry but still pliable.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Jerky
Once the jerky is done, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer storage. Enjoy your homemade teriyaki jerky as a snack, or share it with friends and family!
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their jerky to the next level, consider these advanced tips. First, experimenting with the thickness of your meat slices can lead to different textures; thinner slices will be crispier, while thicker ones remain chewier. Second, adding a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade can introduce a subtle fruity note and help tenderize the meat further. Lastly, if you’re using a dehydrator, rotating the trays halfway through the drying process ensures even dehydration.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Pineapple Teriyaki: Incorporate 1/4 cup of pineapple juice into the marinade for a tropical twist.
- Sesame Teriyaki: Toast 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and add them to the marinade for a nutty flavor and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this marinade for grilling?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for jerky, the teriyaki marinade works wonderfully for grilling meats. Just be sure to boil the marinade for a few minutes if you plan to use it as a sauce to ensure it’s safe to consume.
How long can I store the marinated meat before dehydrating?
You can store the marinated meat in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before dehydrating. Any longer, and the meat may become too tender, affecting the texture of your jerky.
Can I make this recipe without a dehydrator?
Yes, you can use an oven set to its lowest temperature (around 170°F) with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. The drying time may vary, so keep an eye on the jerky.
Summary
This jerky teriyaki marinade recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your homemade jerky. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re a jerky novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers flexibility and tips to customize your snack to your liking.