Yeast Free Smoky Beef Jerky
Smoky, chewy, and deeply savory, this homemade beef jerky hits every note you want from a high-protein snack — without a single ingredient that could trigger a yeast-related reaction. Store-bought jerky is a minefield for anyone avoiding yeast, since many brands rely on soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or fermented flavor additives that sneak yeast derivatives right into the mix. Here, coconut aminos stand in beautifully, delivering that rich, umami depth alongside smoked paprika, garlic, and a whisper of cayenne for gentle heat. The apple cider vinegar in the marinade adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat without introducing any problematic fermented yeast cultures. A long overnight marinade followed by a slow, low oven dry gives you that perfect leathery chew — the kind that bends without snapping and has real backbone to every strip. Propping the oven door open is a small but clever trick that lets moisture escape steadily, so you get consistent results across the whole batch. Once cooled and packed into an airtight container, this jerky is ready to fuel road trips, workouts, or just a very satisfying afternoon snack.
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
- 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!