Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky

Sure! Here’s a fun, flavorful recipe for Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky—the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. If you love bold, exciting flavors, then this jerky is going to be your new favorite snack. It’s the perfect balance of smoky beef with a subtle hint of sweetness from the Dr. Pepper, followed by a punch of heat from the jalapeños. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into this recipe that will satisfy your snack cravings in no time!

Why You’ll Love Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky

If you’re someone who’s into jerky, you know that there’s something special about homemade jerky. The best part? You can control the flavors and make it exactly to your liking. This recipe is loaded with unique, zesty flavors—Dr. Pepper adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the jalapeños give it a spicy kick that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Flavor Explosion

The sweetness of Dr. Pepper and the heat of jalapeños create an addictive flavor combo that’s perfect for snacking. Each bite is a little bit smoky, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot spicy.

Customizable Heat

You can adjust the level of spice by using more or fewer jalapeños. Want a subtle heat? A few slices will do. Need to turn up the heat? Add more! You’re in control.

Long-Lasting Snack

Homemade jerky is perfect for meal prepping or stocking up for busy weeks. Make a batch, store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a savory, protein-packed snack ready whenever hunger strikes.

Great for Gifting

If you’ve got friends who appreciate bold flavors, this jerky makes for a unique and thoughtful gift. Imagine them opening a jar of this spicy, sweet jerky—they’ll be talking about it for days!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful jerky:

• Beef (Flank steak or sirloin works best): The star of the dish. Lean beef makes for the best jerky, and it’ll soak up all those incredible flavors.
• Dr. Pepper: Adds a unique, sweet depth that perfectly balances the heat of the jalapeños.
• Soy Sauce: For that savory, umami flavor that enhances the beef.
• Brown Sugar: A little sweetness to complement the Dr. Pepper.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning, adding a bit of savory depth.
• Onion Powder: For another layer of savory goodness.
• Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat.
• Black Pepper: A little black pepper adds an extra pop of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get this jerky marinated and ready to go!

Slice the Beef

Start by slicing your beef into thin strips—about ¼ inch thick. Make sure to slice against the grain for a tender, bite-sized jerky. You can also ask your butcher to slice it for you if you’re short on time.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine Dr. Pepper, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sliced jalapeños. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a fragrant marinade.

Marinate the Beef

Place the beef strips in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the beef to really absorb all the flavors.

Preheat the Dehydrator or Oven

If you’re using a dehydrator, follow your model’s instructions for beef jerky. For the oven, preheat to 170°F (77°C). This low and slow method ensures your jerky becomes dry and chewy without burning.

Dry the Beef

Once the beef is well-marinated, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Arrange the strips on your dehydrator trays or on a baking rack in the oven. Make sure the pieces are spread out in a single layer and don’t overlap.

Dehydrate the beef for about 6-8 hours in the dehydrator or 4-5 hours in the oven. Check on it every couple of hours to make sure it’s drying evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the jerky is firm but still bendable without breaking.

Store and Enjoy

Once your jerky is done, let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It should keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 24g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 4-12 hours
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (dehydrator) or 4-5 hours (oven)
Total Time: 10-14 hours (including marinating time)

How to Serve Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky

This jerky is the perfect on-the-go snack, but you can also serve it in fun ways:

As a Snack

The most obvious choice—grab a few pieces and enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, protein-packed snack.

Pair with Cheese

Pair your jerky with some sharp cheddar or your favorite cheese. The creamy, savory cheese complements the spicy, sweet jerky perfectly.

On a Charcuterie Board

Throw some pieces of jerky on a charcuterie board with other snacks like olives, pickles, nuts, and crackers. It’ll add a smoky, spicy flair to your spread.

With Drinks

It pairs wonderfully with cold beers, whiskey, or even a sweet iced tea. The sweetness of the Dr. Pepper in the jerky works so well with both savory and slightly sweet drinks.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Heat: If you want more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or even some chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Use Lean Beef: The leaner the beef, the better the jerky will turn out. Look for cuts like flank steak or sirloin.
• Marinate Longer: For an even deeper flavor, let your beef marinate for 12-24 hours.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When dehydrating or baking, don’t let the beef pieces overlap. This will ensure they dry out properly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this jerky without a dehydrator?
A1: Yes! You can use your oven instead. Just preheat it to 170°F (77°C) and let the jerky dry on a rack for 4-5 hours.

Q2: How do I store the jerky?
A2: Store your jerky in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it.

Q3: Can I make this jerky spicier?
A3: Absolutely! Add more jalapeños or even some chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you love extra heat.

Q4: What type of beef should I use for jerky?
A4: Look for lean cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or round. These will give you the best texture and flavor for jerky.

Q5: How do I know when the jerky is done?
A5: Your jerky should be firm but bendable. It shouldn’t snap, but it should hold its shape without being too soft.

Q6: Can I use soda other than Dr. Pepper?
A6: Yes! If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can use root beer or cola as a substitute. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.

Q7: Can I use a smoker to make this jerky?
A7: Absolutely! Smoking the jerky will add an extra layer of smoky flavor. Keep the temperature low and slow, around 160°F (71°C), and smoke for about 4-6 hours.

Q8: Can I freeze the jerky?
A8: Yes! Freeze the jerky in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out in the fridge when you’re ready to snack.

Q9: How long does homemade jerky last?
A9: When stored properly in an airtight container, it’ll last about 2 weeks at room temperature. You can extend its shelf life by freezing it.

Q10: Can I make this jerky with other meats?
A10: Definitely! This marinade works great with chicken, turkey, or even pork. Just make sure the meat is sliced thinly.

Conclusion

There you have it! A flavorful, spicy, and sweet jerky that’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold snacks. Dr. Pepper Jalapeño Beef Jerky is packed with layers of flavor that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for road trips, snacks, or gifting, it’s a fun twist on a classic treat. Enjoy!

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