Smoked Beef Jerky Twists are a flavorful and protein-packed snack that combines savory seasonings and the natural smokiness of a wood-fired smoker. This recipe uses a simple marinade to infuse beef strips with deep umami and sweet notes before they’re twisted into shape and smoked. Perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, or an everyday high-protein snack, this jerky is much more cost effective and contains less additives and preservatives than store-bought jerky.
Smoked Beef Jerky Twists Recipe
This recipe yields tender, smoky beef jerky with a slightly chewy texture and a distinctive twisted shape. The marinade, made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, gives each piece big, bold flavors, and the relatively long smokes adds such great flavor.
Our kids can eat through about $100 of store-bought jerky in a matter of days, especially if we’re in the middle of wrestling season. That’s not really sustainable long-term. Or short-term, for that matter. Making jerky at home is so much cheaper than buying it, even at a discount. It also tastes so much better.
These twists are a fun take on your typical jerky, and I hope you love them as much as we did!
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Homemade Quality: Control the ingredients and flavor intensity for a healthier, customized snack.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store for weeks to enjoy a ready-to-go protein boost.
- Simple Process: Requires only basic preparation and a smoker for delicious results.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spices and sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
- Durable Snack: Great for outdoor activities like hiking or camping due to its long shelf life.
Try our original Traeger Beef Jerky Recipe!
Smoked Beef Jerky Twists shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients:
- Beef Top Round
- Soy Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Oil
- Granulated Garlic
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
Get all 13 Beef Jerky Recipes here!
How to make Beef Jerky Twists at home
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
Recipe Process Overview:
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef top round into uniform strips measuring approximately ½” x ½” x 8″.
- Marinate: Combine all marinade ingredients in a large plastic container or freezer bag, then add the beef strips. Refrigerate for 24-36 hours.
- Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 200°F for consistent drying and flavor infusion.
- Twist the Strips: Twist each strip of beef and arrange them on a jerky rack, ensuring space for airflow.
- Smoke the Jerky: Smoke for 3-4 hours, checking periodically until the jerky reaches your preferred dryness.
FAQ
How should I store smoked beef jerky?
Once completely cooled, store your jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for extended storage.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Marinate the beef strips a day or two in advance and refrigerate. Once smoked, the jerky stays fresh for weeks, making it an ideal prep-ahead snack.
What variations can I try?
Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne for heat. Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Check out this Smoked Chuck Roast!
Serve This With:
- Smoked Crackers: Crackers add a fun crunch and work well with jerky on a snack platter.
- Pickled Asparagus: Add some tangy crunch to complement the savory jerky.
- Craft Beer: Enhance the smoky flavors with a malty amber ale or stout.
More great Traeger recipes to love!
Eat More Jerky!
Smoked beef jerky twists are a practical and satisfying way to enjoy homemade snacks with bold, customizable flavors. They’re easy to make, store well, and suit a variety of occasions. Whether you’re stocking up for outdoor adventures or looking for a wholesome treat, this recipe ensures you’ll have a flavorful, protein-rich option at hand.
Smoked Beef Jerky Twists
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef top round
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut up your beef roast into as many 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 8″ strips as possible.
- Place all the rest of your ingredients into a large plastic container or a gallon-sized freezer bag, and mix well.
- Add in the beef strips and marinate in the refrigerator for 24-36 hours.
- Preheat your smoker to 200°F.
- Twist the strips of beef and lay out on a jerky rack. Smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the jerky is as dry as you prefer.
