Capsaicin Free Lemon-Dill Beef Jerky

Total time12 hr 20 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time4 hr

4.9

(20)

Jerky is one of those snacks that usually comes loaded with chili powder, cayenne, or "spices" that make the label a gamble for anyone avoiding capsaicin. This version takes a completely different flavor direction — bright, herby, and savory — without a single pepper in sight. The marinade leans on fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill to build real depth, while coconut aminos bring that satisfying umami backbone you expect from good jerky. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric round everything out so the strips taste bold and complex, not like something was left out. The low-and-slow oven method does all the heavy lifting, drying the beef gently over several hours until you get that perfect chewy, deeply flavored strip. Chilling the beef before slicing is a small trick that makes a big difference in getting clean, even cuts. The result is a genuinely craveable, packable snack that proves you don't need heat to make jerky worth reaching for.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

6 servings

For the jerky

1 ½ lb beef top round or flank steak, trimmed of visible fat

For the marinade

¼ cup coconut aminos
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
3 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

1
Place the beef in the freezer for 30–45 minutes, until it is firm but not frozen solid — this makes slicing much easier. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. For chewier jerky, slice with the grain.
2
In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine the coconut aminos, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and sea salt. Stir or squeeze to mix well.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!