Korean BBQ Beef Jerky Recipe: Sweet, Smoky, and Totally Addictive

If you love bold flavours, chewy textures, and crave-worthy snacks, it’s time to meet your new obsession: Korean BBQ beef jerky. This sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy treat delivers everything you want in a jerky, big umami, a perfect chew, and authentic Korean flavours that keep you coming back for more.

At Tasty Plated, Chef Rachael is all about reimagining traditional snacks with global flavours and clean ingredients. This Korean BBQ beef jerky is a perfect example, bringing together the iconic taste of bulgogi with a slow-dried, snackable format you can enjoy on-the-go, at your desk, or post-workout.

• Why Korean BBQ Flavours Work Perfectly in Jerky

Korean BBQ, or bulgogi, is famous for its balance of sweet, savoury, salty, and umami-rich ingredients. These same flavours make the perfect jerky marinade. Think soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar, a powerful combo that penetrates thin strips of beef and makes every bite irresistible.

The slow dehydration process intensifies the marinade flavours, giving you a rich, complex result without needing artificial additives or preservatives.

Key Flavor Notes:

• Sweet from brown sugar or honey

• Salty from soy sauce

• Umami from garlic, onion, and sesame

• Heat (optional) from gochujang or red pepper flakes

• Fragrance from sesame oil and green onion

• Ingredients You’ll Need for Korean BBQ Beef Jerky

This recipe uses simple ingredients found in most pantries or Asian markets. Customize the spice level to your taste.

Meat:

• 1½ lbs lean beef, sliced thin (eye of round, sirloin, flank, or brisket)

Marinade:

• ½ cup soy sauce or tamari

• ¼ cup brown sugar or honey

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp gochujang (optional for heat)

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• 2 scallions, chopped

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional: 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice for extra tenderness and sweetness

• How to Make Korean BBQ Beef Jerky at Home

The key to great jerky is in the prep and patience. Follow these steps for chewy, flavourful, homemade Korean BBQ beef jerky.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Beef

Place beef in the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This makes it easier to slice into ¼-inch thin strips against the grain. Remove any excess fat for better shelf life.

2. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Pour into a zip-top bag or shallow container.

3. Marinate

Add beef to marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, turning once or twice for even coating.

4. Dry the Meat

Remove beef from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays or wire oven racks set over baking sheets.

5. Dehydrate

• Dehydrator method: Set to 160°F and dry for 4–6 hours

• Oven method: Bake at 170°F with the oven door cracked open using a wooden spoon, 3–4 hours

Jerky is done when it bends without breaking, and the surface feels dry but not brittle.

• Chef Rachael’s Korean Marinade Magic at Tasty Plated

Chef Rachael’s version of Korean BBQ beef jerky is all about balance. At Tasty Plated, she focuses on creating flavour-forward snacks with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Chef Rachael’s Jerky Secrets:

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for full aroma

• Add gochujang for a smoky, spicy kick

• Marinate overnight to allow deep flavour infusion

• Brush with a sesame glaze post-drying for shine and flavour

• Top with scallions or sesame seeds just before serving

“Korean BBQ jerky is like bulgogi in snack form, intense, addictive, and so easy to love.”
– Chef Rachael

• Table: Korean BBQ vs. Traditional vs. Teriyaki Jerky

If you like bold and balanced, Korean BBQ beef jerky lands right in the middle, chewy, satisfying, and full of flavour layers.

• Flavor Variations & Add-In Ideas

Want to customize your jerky? Try these easy upgrades for your next batch:

• Pineapple Bulgogi Jerky: Add fresh pineapple juice for tang and tenderness

• Ginger-Chili Heat: Add chili garlic paste or red pepper flakes

• Garlic-Lime: Replace vinegar with lime juice and double the garlic

• Sweet Soy Glaze: Brush with reduced soy sauce + honey mixture post-drying

• Smoky BBQ Fusion: Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika

You can also finish your jerky with a light brush of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean finish.

• How to Store & Enjoy It

Storage Tips:

• Keep jerky in airtight bags or containers

• Store at room temp for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for 3 months

Shelf Life Boosters:

• Use a dehydrator for longer shelf life

• Add oxygen absorbers if vacuum sealing

• Avoid too much residual moisture to prevent mold

Best Ways to Enjoy:

• As a protein-packed snack

• Chopped over rice or salad bowls

• With trail mix or nuts for a savoury snack pack

• In a bento box or lunch kit

• FAQs About Korean BBQ Beef Jerky

1. What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Eye of round, flank steak, and sirloin all work great, choose lean cuts for better drying and shelf life.

2. Do I need a dehydrator?
No! The oven method works perfectly, just keep it low and slow.

3. How long should I marinate the beef?
8 to 12 hours is ideal. Overnight gives the most intense flavour.

4. Is Korean BBQ jerky spicy?
It can be! You control the heat by adjusting the gochujang or chili flakes.

5. Can I make this jerky sugar-free?
Yes, use monk fruit or a sugar-free soy marinade alternative. The texture will still work.

6. How do I keep it from getting too dry?
Don’t over-dry. Check at the 3-hour mark and bend test the strips, they should flex, not snap.

• Final Bite: Jerky That’s Big on Flavor, Easy on Time

Korean BBQ beef jerky is one of those snacks that checks every box, it’s portable, protein-packed, flavour-packed, and totally satisfying. And with Chef Rachael’s method, it’s also easy to make right in your home kitchen.

At Tasty Plated, we believe that great food can start with simple ingredients and end with bold, unforgettable flavour. This jerky is perfect for gifting, meal prep, snacking, or sharing, just be prepared to make a second batch.

Ready to bring Korean BBQ to your snack drawer? Let’s get marinating.