Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
  2. Add ground beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C).
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the spiced beef mixture into long, thin sticks (about ½ inch in diameter), spacing them evenly on the sheet.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 2 hours, turning halfway through until the beef sticks are firm and dried-out but still slightly pliable.
  7. Let the beef sticks cool before storing them in an airtight container.