Teriyaki Sugar Free Beef Jerky
On January 06, 2021 (Updated May 11, 2024)
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This Teriyaki Sugar Free Beef Jerky is the perfect jerky when you’re on a diet that doesn’t include added processed sugar, or you’re just looking to decrease your overall sugar intake. It’s full of flavor and will leave you wondering why you ever made it with added sugar in the first place.
Sugar Free Beef Jerky
If you’ve ever decided to decrease or eliminate your sugar intake, you know how hard it can be to find a tasty snack that fits your diet. There have been a handful of times when Todd and I have decided to go sugar free, and I always have a hankering for something tasty and delicious that satisfies that need to snack.
Enter this delicious sugar free beef jerky! It packs plenty of flavor with coconut aminos (a soy-free coconut version of soy sauce), chili paste, and pineapple juice. You won’t be missing that sugar, I promise.
Homemade Sugar Free Beef Jerky
I’m a firm believer that everything tastes better when you make it yourself. If you’ve ever had a bit of warm jerky right off the smoker, you know what I’m talking about. And this jerky totally fits into that “homemade is best” category.
It can also be difficult to find sugar free beef jerky in the store, and when you do it’s often super pricey and not always worth the price. So while making this homemade sugar free beef jerky will take a bit of prep work and time, the end result of that tasty jerky is 100% worth it.
Teriyaki Sugar Free Beef Jerky Marinade
The key to making a good beef jerky is in the marinade. Here’s what you’ll need to snag to make this marinade. Full amounts are available in the printable recipe below.
Quick note: This marinade has no added salt. This keeps the sodium low, but you might miss the saltiness of traditional jerky. If you aren’t watching your sodium intake, add 2 teaspoons of coarse Kosher salt to the marinade before putting the meat in.
- Pineapple juice. This adds the much-needed acidity with a fresh tang.
- Coconut aminos. This is a salty sauce that mimics soy sauce that is gluten and soy free (as well as low in sodium!).
- Garlic. A must have with any teriyaki recipe.
- Sambal Oelek chili paste. This particular chili paste only has 6 ingredients with no added sugar!
- Grated ginger. Adds a warm, zesty zing to the marinade.
- Sesame seeds. Nuttiness and some added texture help to round out this marinade.
- Onion powder. Steps in to bring some flavor with the omission of added salt in the recipe.
Place all ingredients in a zip top gallon sized bag and add the meat. For this beef jerky I suggest marinating for at least 8 hours. If you really want your meat full of as much flavor as possible, go a full 24 hours for your marinade time. I guarantee it’ll be worth the wait.
More Beef Jerky Recipes
When you’re not in need of a sugar free jerky recipe, check out my most popular jerky recipes below:
Sugar Free Beef Jerky Recipe
Teriyaki Sugar Free Beef Jerky
Video
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound rump roast sliced thin (1/4 inch) against the grain
Sugar Free Teriyaki Marinade
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Sambal Oelek chili paste
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Make the marinade. Combine all ingredients for the sugar free teriyaki marinade in a gallon sized zip top bag.
- Marinate the beef. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and massage to thoroughly coat the beef. Place the bag in the fridge and allow the beef to marinate for 8-24 hours.
- Preheat the smoker. Preheat your smoker (or oven) to approximately 170-175 degrees F. Follow any preheating or preparation instructions if using a dehydrator.
- Smoke the jerky. Take the meat out of the marinade and place it directly on the grill grates, jerky rack, or cooling rack and smoke/cook for 2-3 hours or up to 5 hours. Flip the jerky after the first hour, and check to be sure your jerky is drying evenly. You may need to move pieces around on the grates if some are dying faster than others. You are looking for jerky that is firm and still slightly pliable, but not soft and squishy.
- Steam the beef jerky. Place the finished jerky in a gallon zip top bag while it is still warm. Don't seal closed all the way. The jerky will steam in the bag slightly and this step will make the jerky moist.
- Store and enjoy. Eat immediately, or store for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can this recipe be made with ground beef? Thanks in advance
The ground beef won’t hold up in the marinade. I’ve got this recipe for Ground Beef Teriyaki Jerky you can try.
Sugar free, but pineapple juice? That’s loaded with sugar. Sugar is sugar regardless of where it comes from.
How many servings is the nutritional facts based on?
Nutrition facts are based on a single serving. This recipe makes 6 servings.
I’ve enjoyed your other jerky recipes. For this one, if I am not concerned about sodium can I just substitute soy sauce for the coconut aminos?
You can!
Can’ t wait to try this, can you freeze the jerky to keep it longer.
You can! Seal it tightly and press out as much air as possible before freezing. If there are any ice crystals in the bag, you may need to pat the jerky dry after defrosting.
It looks great, and quite appropriate for a diabetic like me who has to control sugar at every meal. An ideal dish to surprise at a family meal or among friends.
Thanks for the idea
Could you use Prague Powder with this for a better shelf life?
Absolutely! In my other teriyaki jerky recipe I explain the use of prague powder!