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Keto Beef Jerky Recipe

Dom Lorenzo
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This Keto Beef Jerky is a perfect low-carb, high-protein snack that keeps you full and satisfied without the sugar found in store-bought versions. It's savory, chewy, and packed with bold flavors, making it great for meal prep or on-the-go snacking. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and a dehydrator or oven.

Keto beef jerky, sprinkled with spices.
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Preparation and Cooking Overview

Making homemade beef jerky involves marinating the meat overnight for maximum flavor, then slowly drying it over 4-6 hours. You can use a dehydrator, smoker, or oven, depending on what you have available.

Chef's note

For tender jerky, slice the beef against the grain. For a chewier texture, slice with the grain. Use a lean cut like the eye of a round or flank steak to avoid excess fat, which can spoil the jerky faster. Add cayenne pepper to boost heat, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra texture.

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Marinating Time: 6 hours to overnight
  • Total Time: 12 Hours
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients for This Keto Beef Jerky Recipe

  • 2 pounds beef (eye of round, flank steak, or top round)
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Tamari sauce: This sauce offers a gluten-free, salty, and savory taste similar to coconut aminos.
  • Erythritol: You can use this instead of monk fruit and it has a neutral taste perfect for jerky.

Additional Ingredients

  • Sesame oil: It brings nutty richness, deepening the marinade’s flavor profile and creating a more satisfying bite.
  • Ground ginger: This adds a warm, zesty note, subtly balancing savory and acidic elements in the jerky.

Cooking Tools Required

  • Sharp knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Ziplock bag or airtight container
  • Baking sheet

How to Make Keto Beef Jerky: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking methods

  • Dehydrating,
  • Baking, or
  • Smoking

Preparation Steps

  1. Freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes to make slicing easier.
  2. Slice the beef thinly (⅛ to ¼ inch thick). Cut against the grain for tender jerky, with the grain for a chewy texture.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, monk fruit, and salt.
  2. Marinate the beef: Add sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  3. Prepare for drying: If using an oven, preheat to 170°F and place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  4. Lay out the beef: Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays, smoker racks, or wire racks.
  5. Dry the jerky:
    • Dehydrator: Set to 160°F and dry for 4-6 hours.
    • Oven: Bake at 170°F for 4-6 hours, leaving the door slightly open.
    • Smoker: Smoke at 160-180°F for 4-5 hours.
  6. Check for doneness: The jerky should be firm but pliable, with no moisture left.
  7. Store: Cool completely before storing.

Chef's pro tip

For even drying, make sure the strips don’t overlap. If using an oven, rotate trays halfway through.

What to Serve with Keto Beef Jerky

  • Keto Cheese Board: The salty, savory notes of beef jerky contrast perfectly with creamy, rich cheeses like cheddar or gouda, creating a satisfying snack.
  • Fresh Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the jerky’s chewy texture, adding healthy fats and a refreshing contrast.
  • Keto Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds add crunch and earthy notes, complementing the smoky meat flavor.
  • Pickles and Olives: Tangy and briny pickles or olives contrast with the savory jerky, making a flavorful combination.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium coconut aminos.
  • Skip sweeteners for a completely savory jerky.
  • Add ground flaxseeds to the marinade for extra fiber.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Buy pre-sliced beef: Ask the butcher to slice the meat for you or buy pre-sliced cuts to skip the hassle of slicing at home.
  • Use a food processor: If slicing by hand takes too long, a food processor with a slicing attachment can speed things up.
  • Make a double batch: Since jerky takes several hours to dry, making two batches at once saves future effort.
  • Use a convection oven: If you don’t have a dehydrator, a convection oven circulates air more efficiently, helping the beef dry faster.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

  • Slice the beef ahead of time: Cutting the beef in advance and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours makes the process smoother.
  • Marinate overnight: The longer the beef marinates, the better the flavor. Prepping it the night before means you just have to dry it the next day.
  • Measure out seasonings in advance: Mixing all the dry seasonings and storing them in a small jar or airtight container saves time when preparing the marinade.
  • Line trays or racks ahead of time: Whether using a dehydrator or oven, getting the trays or wire racks set up before starting makes everything stress-free.
  • Preheat the oven or dehydrator: If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature as you start preparing the beef so there’s no waiting.

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps for 2 weeks in a ziplock bag or sealed jar.
  • Freezer: Lasts up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

Making Keto Beef Jerky at home is easy, delicious, and free from added sugars. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a snack that keeps well and fits into any low-carb lifestyle. Whether you use a dehydrator, smoker, or oven, this recipe delivers bold flavors and the perfect texture. Try it out and enjoy a healthy, homemade keto snack!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Use chicken breast or pork loin but adjust the drying time—poultry dries faster than beef.

For the best flavor, overnight is ideal, but if you’re short on time, at least 6 hours will work.

The jerky should be dry but still pliable. It should bend slightly before breaking, with no visible moisture.

Yes, beef jerky is keto-friendly as long as it is low in carbs and free from added sugars. Many store-bought options contain hidden sugars, so making it at home with keto-approved ingredients is the best way to keep it compliant.

Some beef jerky brands add sugar, honey, or corn syrup to enhance flavor and tenderness, which increases the carb count. Always check ingredient labels or make homemade jerky using keto-friendly seasonings.

Vinegar helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor while also acting as a natural preservative. It balances the seasoning and contributes to the jerky’s tangy taste.

No, beef jerky does not require sugar. While sugar is often used in commercial jerky for taste and preservation, keto-friendly versions use alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or leave out sweeteners altogether.

Yes, as long as it is low in carbs and free from added sugars. Homemade jerky or brands that specifically state "zero sugar" or "low-carb" are the best choices for a low-carb diet.

It depends on the brand and recipe. Traditional beef jerky can have added sugars, increasing its carb content. However, homemade and keto-specific jerky can be nearly zero-carb if made with the right ingredients.

Yes, but only if it is made without added sugar. Look for sugar-free or keto beef jerky, or make your own using only meat, spices, and low-carb seasonings.

📖 Recipe

Keto beef jerky, sprinkled with spices.

Keto Beef Jerky

This beef jerky is a savory, chewy, and sugar-free snack packed with bold flavors—perfect for a low-carb, high-protein treat on the go.
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Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Marinating Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 12 hours
Servings: 8
Calories: 176kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef eye of round, flank steak, or top round
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke optional
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes to make slicing easier.
  • Slice the beef thinly (⅛ to ¼ inch thick). Cut against the grain for tender jerky, with the grain for a chewy texture.

Cooking Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, monk fruit, and salt.
  • Add sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • If using an oven, preheat to 170°F and place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays, smoker racks, or wire racks.
  • Dry the jerky:
    Dehydrator: Set to 160°F and dry for 4-6 hours.
    Oven: Bake at 170°F for 4-6 hours, leaving the door slightly open.
    Smoker: Smoke at 160-180°F for 4-5 hours.
  • The jerky should be firm but pliable, with no moisture left.
  • Cool completely before storing.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Beef Jerky
Amount Per Serving
Calories 176 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 388mg17%
Potassium 427mg12%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 199IU4%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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