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Beef Jerky is the ultimate road trip snack. So many flavors to pick from, you’re guaranteed to find what you like best. But have you ever thought of making your own? I have made a few versions over the years, but this Jack and Coke Beef Jerky recipe is my favorite. Best part it’s so easy to make and so much healthier than the prepackaged options.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Make Jack and Coke marinade.
The marinade for any beef jerky is key. You can really play around with different mixes here. I chose Jack and Coke, well because not only is it a popular adult drink, but I like whiskey. Coke will give slight sweetness to the jerky which balances really well with beef, while Jack Daniels will give it that extra savoriness without actually tasting any alcohol. I did kick it up another notch and added some freshly sliced jalapenos for some heat. It was the perfect blend of all my favorite foods.
In a saucepan, add 1 cup of Jack Daniels or any whiskey you prefer, 2 cans of coke and sliced jalapeno. Do not remove any seeds. Keep it all. Next add in the dry ingredients which were black pepper, salt, garlic and onion powder.
Simmer over low heat until it reduces to half. This process will eliminate any alcohol content from the marinade making it safe for kids to eat. It also intensifies the flavor of the marinade. Let if cook off while you slice the beef.
For the protein I used bottom round, since that is all my local store had. For best results I recommend using rye of round or top round. This cut of meat is more tender and lean than other cuts. Having grain that runs the long way, allows for easy cutting and preparation for your jerky.
Place the chunk of beef in the fridge for 15 minutes allowing it to slightly harden which will help slice thin pieces of beef for the jerky. Depending on thickens preference, the beef slices should be no more than 1/4 inch thick.
Submerge the beef slices into the marinade and let them sit for 24 hours in the fridge. This will allow the meat to absorb all the wonderful flavors and tenderize the meat.
Dad’s Seasonings
Must have grillin seasonings!
Step 2: How to make beef jerky
Preheat the grill to 180 degrees and set for indirect heat. You need to maintain the temperature under 200 degrees for about 5 hours. Place the marinated jack and coke beef jerky on a wire rack or elevated grill rack. Remove the beef jerky off the grill once it reaches your desired texture and tenderness. I prefer mine a little more dry.
Next, place the grilled beef jerky into a ziplock bag. This will help minimize the exposure to oxygen allowing it to stay fresh for a longer period of time. Enjoy!
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Printer friendly recipe and video below:
Jack and Coke Beef Jerky
Ingredients
- Eye of Round Roast
- 1 cup Jack Daniels
- 2 cans Coke Cola
- 2 Jalapenos
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp Black pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add Jack Daniels, coke and sliced jalapenos. Next add in the dry ingredients which are black pepper, salt, garlic and onion powder.
- Simmer over low heat until it reduces to half. Let it cool down.
- Place the chunk of beef in the fridge for 15 minutes allowing it to slightly harden which will help slice thin pieces of beef for the jerky. Depending on thickens preference, the beef slices should be no more than 1/4 inch thick.
- Submerge the beef slices into the jack and coke marinade and let them sit for 24 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat the grill to 180 degrees and set for indirect heat.
- Place the marinated jack and coke beef jerky on a wire rack or elevated grill rack. Maintain the temperature under 200 degrees for about 5 hours.
- Remove the beef jerky off the grill once it reaches your desired texture and tenderness.
- Place the grilled beef jerky into a ziplock bag to minimize exposure to oxygen.
Check out the Recipes Page for other tasty ideas!
Made this twice and would probably do it again. I think the best part is the coaching on the technique – would probably play around with ingredients a bit more. Overall, I firmly believe you can’t go wrong with any GWD recipe.