Low Sugar Smoky Beef Jerky
Most store-bought jerky is loaded with added sugars, sweeteners, and syrups that sneak in under names you barely recognize on the label. This version skips all of that entirely, leaning on coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and a bold lineup of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne to build deep, savory flavor without a single gram of added sugar. The result is smoky, chewy, and genuinely satisfying — proof that you don't need sweetness to make jerky addictive. Slicing the beef after a quick freeze is a smart trick that makes clean, even strips much easier to achieve, and the long overnight marinade means every piece is packed with flavor all the way through. Drying low and slow in the oven with the door propped open pulls out moisture gradually, giving you that perfect leathery bite that bends without breaking. It's a great high-protein snack to keep on hand for road trips, gym bags, or just when you need something savory and real.
About FigFig 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 beef
- 1 ½ lb flank steak or top round, trimmed of visible fat
For the marinade
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
Chef's tipSoy sauce is saltier and less sweet; start with less and adjust. - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the steak in the freezer for 30–45 minutes until firm but not frozen solid — this makes slicing much easier. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the beef against the grain into strips about 1/8-inch (3mm) thick. For chewier jerky, slice with the grain.
- 2
In a large zip-top bag or airtight container, whisk together the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne, if using, until combined.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!