How to Make Traeger Beef Jerky: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoked beef jerky is a delightful and convenient snack, perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, or just enjoying at home. Traeger's smoked beef jerky recipe, crafted by Chef Austen Granger, is straightforward, requiring no special salts, and offers flexibility with ingredients. This recipe leverages the smoky flavor of Traeger grills, ensuring a deliciously tender and flavorful jerky.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds lean beef (such as flank steak)
• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• 3 tablespoons dark corn syrup (or substitute with agave, honey, or maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preparation: Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
2. Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire, and teriyaki sauce. Add corn syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper, and mix well.
3. Slicing: Slice the beef thinly (approximately 1/4 inch thick) across the grain for tender jerky, or with the grain for a chewier texture. Marinate the beef in the mixture for at least 4 hours, up to 12 hours, in the refrigerator.
4. Smoking: Preheat the Traeger grill to 175°F with the lid closed. If available, use the Super Smoke setting. Arrange the marinated beef slices on a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Discard the marinade.
5. Cooking: Smoke the beef slices for 4 to 5 hours until they are dehydrated but still pliant and chewy.
6. Storage: Let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several weeks.

Tips for Perfect Jerky

• Freezing the Beef: This step is crucial as it makes slicing much easier and ensures uniform thickness.
• Marinating Time: Allowing the beef to marinate for the full 12 hours will result in more intense flavor.
• Super Smoke Setting: Utilizing the Super Smoke setting enhances the smoky flavor, making the jerky even more delicious.

Variations

• Sweeteners: Substitute dark corn syrup with agave, honey, or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Additional Flavors: Experiment with adding different spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin for unique variations.

Conclusion

Making smoked beef jerky at home with a Traeger grill is a simple and rewarding process. This recipe offers a basic yet flavorful jerky that can be customized to suit individual tastes. Enjoy your homemade jerky as a protein-packed snack that's both delicious and satisfying.