Description
Make your own Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky with this sweet and spicy homemade recipe. Packed with bold flavors, this high-protein snack is perfect for road trips, hiking, and everyday munching. Easy, customizable, and preservative-free!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef (top round, sirloin, or flank steak)
- 2 cups Dr. Pepper soda
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon curing salt (optional, for longer shelf life)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
- Freeze beef for 30–60 minutes for easier slicing.
- Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
- Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix Dr. Pepper, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, jalapeños, and seasonings.
- Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Submerge beef strips in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight).
- Dry the Jerky
- Preheat oven to 175°F (80°C) or set dehydrator to 160°F (70°C).
- Remove beef from marinade, pat dry, and place on wire racks or dehydrator trays.
- If using an oven, place a baking sheet underneath to catch drips.
- Dehydrate the Jerky
- Oven method: Bake for 4–6 hours, flipping halfway.
- Dehydrator method: Dry for 6–8 hours until jerky is firm but bendable.
- Cool & Store
- Let jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Storage:
- Room temperature: 1 week
- Refrigeration: 2–3 weeks
- Freezer: 3 months
Notes
- Extra Spicy: Add more jalapeños, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
- Smokier Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to marinade.
- Sweeter Jerky: Increase brown sugar or add honey.
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap brown sugar for honey and add 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- marinate time: 8-24 hours
- Category: snack
- Method: Dehydrating/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dr. Pepper beef jerky, spicy homemade jerky, jalapeño beef jerky, dehydrator beef jerky, sweet and spicy jerky