Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky
Thinly sliced beef marinated with native Australian spices and smoked to create a flavorful and tender jerky perfect for snacking. This australian-inspired snacks ready in about 375 minutes turns soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 600 g, thinly sliced against the grain beef top round
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground wattleseed
- 1 tbsp lemon myrtle powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground wattleseed, 1 tbsp lemon myrtle powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 600 g thinly sliced beef top round to the marinade, tossing well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat smoker or grill to 175°F (80°C). Arrange marinated beef slices in a single layer on wire racks.
- Step 4: Smoke beef slices for 4-6 hours until dry but still pliable, flipping halfway through for even drying.
- Step 5: Let jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy as a high-protein snack with a distinct Australian native spice profile.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Beef Jerky?
Australian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
