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Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky Recipe


  • Total Time: 6 minute
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

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

  1. Prepare the Beef
    • Freeze beef for 30–60 minutes for easier slicing.
    • Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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