By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer
Smoke Beef Jerky at 70-80°C (160-180°F) for 4-6 hours. Target internal temperature: 71°C (160°F) at some point during cooking for food safety. Rest for Cool completely before storing.
Beef Jerky Smoking Overview
The smoker is doing double duty here — flavouring and dehydrating. Partially freezing the meat (30-45 minutes) makes it much easier to slice thin. A consistent low temperature is more important than heavy smoke.
Smoker Temp
70-80°C (160-180°F)
Internal Temp
71°C (160°F) at some point during cooking for food safety
Rest Time
Cool completely before storing
Best Wood
Hickory, mesquite, or oak
Difficulty
Beginner-friendly
Serves
~500g jerky from 1kg beef
How to Smoke Beef Jerky — Step by Step
- Prep: Slice lean beef (topside or round) 3-5mm thick against the grain. Marinate in soy, Worcestershire, garlic, pepper, and chilli flakes for 12-24 hours
- Set up your smoker: Preheat to 70-80°C (160-180°F). Add your wood chunks or chips — Hickory, mesquite, or oak work best.
- Smoke: Place the beef jerky on the grate and smoke for 4-6 hours.
- Wrap: Never wrap jerky — airflow is critical for dehydration
- Check doneness: The jerky bends and cracks slightly but doesn't snap in half. It should feel dry but still pliable
- Rest: Cool completely before storing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing too thick — won't dehydrate evenly
- Too much smoke — jerky absorbs smoke aggressively at low temps
- Not marinating long enough — flavour is superficial
- Storing before fully cooled — condensation causes mould
Best Wood for Smoking Beef Jerky
Our top recommendation: Hickory. Beef stands up to bolder woods. Hickory and oak provide classic smoke flavour, while mesquite adds intensity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to smoke beef jerky?
Smoke beef jerky at 70-80°C (160-180°F) for 4-6 hours. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F) at some point during cooking for food safety.
What wood is best for smoking beef jerky?
Hickory, mesquite, or oak are the best woods for smoking beef jerky. Experiment with different woods to find your preferred flavour profile.
What temperature do you smoke beef jerky at?
Smoke beef jerky at 70-80°C (160-180°F). Maintaining a consistent temperature is more important than hitting the exact number — stay within the range and you'll get great results.
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