Citrus Free Rosemary-Apple Beef Jerky

Total time12 hr 20 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time4 hr

4.9

(21)

Homemade beef jerky hits differently when you know exactly what went into it, and this rosemary-apple version delivers serious depth of flavor without a single citrus ingredient in sight. The marinade leans on apple juice and coconut aminos for a subtly sweet, savory base, while fresh rosemary, garlic, ginger, and a touch of turmeric build layers that make every chewy strip genuinely interesting. So many store-bought jerkies sneak in citrus-derived flavorings or ascorbic acid as a preservative, which makes finding a safe grab-and-go option frustrating — this recipe puts you fully in control. The technique is straightforward: a long overnight marinade, a low-and-slow oven dry, and a quick flip halfway through is really all it takes. Patting the strips thoroughly dry before they go into the oven is the small step that separates good jerky from great jerky, so don't skip it. Once cooled, it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks or the freezer for up to three months, making it a smart batch-cook project for snacks, road trips, or lunchboxes.

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

⅓ cup apple juice (unsweetened, no additives)
3 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ 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-inch (3mm) thick. Pat the strips dry with paper towels and set aside.
2
In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, whisk together the apple juice, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and salt until combined.

Want the full recipe?

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