Beef sticks are a delicious, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for on-the-go munching, lunchboxes, or even casual gatherings. If you’ve ever wondered how to make beef sticks at home, you’re in the right place! Making your own beef sticks is surprisingly simple, rewarding, and can save you money compared to store-bought versions. Plus, you get to customize the flavors exactly how you like them.
Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow guide on how to make beef sticks from scratch, covering everything from ingredients to cooking methods.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
– 1 pound beef (top round, rump, or ground beef with about 20% fat for juiciness)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for some heat
– Optional: liquid smoke if you want extra smoky notes
Equipment
– Sharp knife or meat slicer (if using whole cuts)
– Large mixing bowl
– Whisk or spoon for mixing
– Meat thermometer
– Oven or dehydrator (or smoker if you prefer)
– Cooling rack
– Parchment paper or silicone mat
– Sausage stuffer and collagen casings (optional, if you want traditional casing beef sticks)
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
If you’re using whole cuts of beef, slice the meat into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Removing excess fat is important because too much fat can spoil the texture and flavor of your beef sticks. For ground beef, make sure it has enough fat (around 20%) to keep the sticks moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Marinate Your Meat
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and any optional spices like cayenne or liquid smoke. Add the beef strips or ground beef to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Forming the Beef Sticks
If you’re using sliced beef strips, you can lay them out directly on a rack for drying.
For ground beef, you can either:
– Shape the mixture into logs by hand, or
– Use a sausage stuffer with collagen casings to create traditional beef sticks.
When using casings, carefully fill them with the meat mixture, making sure to avoid air bubbles, and tie the ends securely.
Step 4: Drying and Cooking
Oven Method (Recommended for Beginners)
Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 150°F (65°C).
Line a cooling rack with parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet. Arrange your beef sticks on the rack, leaving space between them for air circulation.
Place the rack in the oven and let the beef sticks dry slowly for about 6 to 8 hours. The goal is to dry the meat, not cook it quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Smoker Method (For Smoky Flavor)
If you have a smoker, set it to a low temperature (below 200°F or 93°C) to gently dry the beef sticks. Smoking adds a delicious depth of flavor but requires careful temperature control to avoid cooking the meat too fast or unevenly.
Dehydrator Method
A food dehydrator is perfect for making beef sticks because it maintains a consistent low temperature and airflow. Follow your dehydrator’s instructions, usually drying the sticks for 6 to 8 hours until fully dried.
Step 5: Cooling and Storing
Once dried, remove the beef sticks from the oven or dehydrator and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Store your homemade beef sticks in an airtight container. They will keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator or up to six weeks in the freezer.
Tips for Perfect Beef Sticks Every Time
– Use lean but not too lean meat: Around 80/20 beef is ideal for juiciness.
– Remove excess fat: Fat can make the sticks greasy and spoil quicker.
– Marinate overnight: This enhances flavor and tenderness.
– Dry slowly at low temperature: This preserves texture and safety.
– Use a meat thermometer: Ensures your beef sticks reach a safe internal temperature.
– Experiment with spices: Add jalapeños, cheddar cheese, or mustard seeds for unique flavors.
Making beef sticks at home is a fun and satisfying process that yields tasty, healthy snacks tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer the simplicity of oven-dried strips or the authentic touch of smoked casing sticks, this guide has you covered. Enjoy your homemade beef sticks anytime you want a protein-packed treat!
Homemade beef sticks are easy to make, delicious, and a great way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Give it a try—you’ll love the results!