The 6 Best Ways To Make Beef Jerky

There are many unique ways to make beef jerky! It's best to use only well-trimmed and lean cuts of beef. Each process of making jerky will result in a different texture and taste. Below are 6 of the best ways to make beef jerky. Follow along to find out how to make beef jerky at home!

The 6 Best Ways To Make Beef Jerky

1. dehydrated Beef Jerky

One of the most popular ways to make beef jerky is by using a dehydrator. Dehydrators can range in price from $80-$400. We recommend using a high powered dehydrator for beef. Typically beef jerky can dehydrate for 3 hours at 165 degrees. It's important to check your jerky often while it's drying. You'll know it's ready when it bends and cracks, but doesn't break. Pure Jerky Co. is know for their dehydrated jerky from Austin, TX. They offer a delicious mild flavor with a perfect meaty texture. You can find it here.

2. Smoked Beef Jerky

For an authentic smoky flavor, we recommend making your jerky inside a smoker. The beef should be smoked over low heat for 6-8 hours. Smoked jerky maintains more moisture and flavor. Some of the most authentic jerky brands use a smoker to make their jerky. For example,Van Smokey built a custom smoker to make their handcrafted jerky. They're famous for using a special Southwestern BBQ rub to create a bold and rich New Mexico Hatch Chile Beef Jerky.

Van Smokey Deep IN The Red Hatch Chile Smoked Jerky

3. Oven Baked Beef Jerky

Another way to make beef jerky is baking in an oven. This method can be a little more tricky for the jerky to cook evenly. We recommend laying thins strips of beef on wire racks and putting tin foil over over the baking sheets. The jerky can be baked slow for 3-4 hours at 175 degrees. Cattaneo Broscooks their premium grass-fed beef jerky in a brick oven. It's some of best-tasting jerky on the market. We highly recommend you give it a try.

4. Pit-Smoked Beef Jerky

Feeling brave? For an extremely smoky taste, smoking jerky over an open pit is a truly authentic and creative process. Brockhouse Jerky has perfected pit-smoked beef jerky with flavors like Smoked BBQ Peach and Hellfire Hickory Smoked. Using real hickory wood helps to lock in unbelievable flavor and a moist tender texture.

Long Beach Jerky Co Cracked Black Pepper Beef Jerky

5. sous vide Beef Jerky

One of the most unique processes for making jerky. It's a French style of cooking beef using boiling water. The word "sous vide" refers to the process of vaccum-sealing your beef then cooking them in pot of boiling water. The process creates very juicy, tender beef jerky. It typically ends with finishing the jerky by baking or putting in the dehydrator. Natural State Jerky started their jerky company by using this unique cooking process.

People's Choice Cowboy Peppered Beef Jerky

6. Slow Dired Beef Jerky

An old fashioned way of making beef jerky! Slow dried jerky can be air dried or dehydrated. It's the longest process for making jerky, but it can be well worth the wait! The process can take over 24 hours waiting for the jerky to full dry. For example, No Man's Land Beef Jerkyhas been in business for 20 years and has been slow drying their beef jerky in a handcrafted process that keeps customers coming back for more. Check it out.

Want to explore more ways of making jerky? We carry dozens of beef jerky brands and flavors on our online beef jerky shop at JerkyGent.com. Also, we offer a monthly beef jerky subscription box!You can try new flavors of handcrafted beef jerky each month. It's easy to skip a month or cancel anytime!

A close-up photo of Rogue Jerky Co. Cherry Chipotle beef jerky along with several Traverse City, MI cherries

1. Rogue Jerky Co.

Here at JerkyGent, we’re thrilled to name Rogue Jerky Co. as the #1 brand on our Best Beef Jerky list for 2025! Rogue Jerky Co. stands out with its adventurous flavors and use of Northern Michigan’s finest local ingredients—you can truly taste the North! Their Cherry Chipotle is a real showstopper, exploding with vibrant cherry flavor and a smoky chipotle kick. Handcrafted in small batches, gluten-free, and soy-free, Rogue Jerky Co. delivers bold, downright delicious jerky that’s impossible to resist. It’s no wonder they’re our top pick this year!

View All Rogue Jerky Co. Flavors

An image of both Mojave Jerky Co. flavors with jerky bursting out of each bag

2. Mojave Jerky Co.

Unveiling a bold, zesty journey to the heart of the Southwest, Mojave Jerky Co. stands out with their zero sugar promise. These flavors aren't just zesty; they're an experience. Dive into a bag today!

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A close-up photo of Gramps Original beef jerky coming out of the packaging showing the texture of the jerky

3. Long Beach Jerky Co.

Still using only premium brisket, Long Beach Jerky Co. continues to woo with their perfected recipes. Gramps, their signature flavor, boasts over three decades of refinement. You'll find over 15g of protein per serving packed in every bag. Don't miss out on their range!

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A close-up of Bogey's Beef Gnarly Garly beef jerky coming out of the packaging that showcases the jerky's texture and color

4. Bogey's Premium Beef Jerky

Bogey's remains a fan favorite, from their tender texture to the smokey undertones. Love a hint of spice? Their Smokey Fire flavor awaits. For those with a sweeter tooth, Pineapple Express remains a must-try.

Check Out Bogey's Beef Jerky

A close-up photo of the jerky in a pile on a cutting board to showcase the unique style and look of biltong jerky

5. Vacadillos Carne Seca Beef Jerky

Bring on the heat with Vacadillos! Thin slices of Carne Seca promise a burst of flavor with every bite. Sugar-free and packed with over 15g of protein, flavors range from Habanero to Chipotle Honey.

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A photo of someone holding a bag of Brockhouse Smoked Peach beef jerky with hearty strips of jerky sticking out of the top of the packaging

6. Brockhouse Pit-Smoked Beef Jerky

Relish the authenticity with Brockhouse's open flame pit-smoked jerky. Their premium cuts slow smoked for hours make every bite memorable. If you haven't yet, the smoked BBQ Peach flavor is a must!

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7. Field Trip Beef Jerky

Founded by three friends in 2010, Field Trip Beef Jerky is a rapidly growing brand that set out to redefine meat snacks that don’t sacrifice flavor. From the slopes of Vermont to becoming a staple for on-the-go consumers, Field Trip offers unique flavors like Everything Bagel, Street Taco, and Gochujang Korean BBQ. Field Trip has cemented itself as one of the best beef jerky brands for adventurous eaters!

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A close-up of People's Choice Garlic Ginger beef jerky coming out of the packaging to showcase the infusion of seeds and spices

8. People's Choice Beef Jerky

Since 1929, People's Choice has been crafting old-fashioned jerky in Los Angeles. High on flavor and quality, their range includes over 10 distinct flavors. Dive in for a taste of tradition.

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A close-up photo of Fusion Jerky Japanese BBQ coming out of the bag to feature the tenderness of the meat

9. Fusion Jerky

For those who love their jerky soft and pepper-loaded, Fusion remains unbeatable. With an Asian-style touch, it's one of the tenderest jerkies you'll come across. No preservatives, no nitrates—just pure flavor.

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A close-up photo of Righteous Felon Ancho Villa coming out of the packaging to showcase the unique biltong jerky style

10. Righteous Felon Craft Jerky

For those seeking something bold and different, Righteous Felon is the go-to. With a name as edgy as their flavors, they promise an unforgettable jerky experience.

Discover Righteous Felon Jerky

Explore Our Entire Collection Of Premium Handcrafted Beef Jerky

Craving more? Visit JerkyGent's online jerky shop. With over 400+ brands and flavors, we showcase a premium collection from the best small-batch jerky creators across the USA. Dive in and discover your next favorite snack!