It is almost 5 and a half years back when I got to know this Cherry maple beef jerky recipe. I was coming back to Corpus Christi, TX from Austin. Due to some inconvenience, I had to stop at a roadside gas station. Luckily, it was one of the most famous gas stations in Texas, the Buc-ee’s. It is actually a marketplace, gas station, and convenience store.
I was hungry and looked around only to find out that they would serve you anything from chocolates, light snacks, meals to heavy meals. So, I tried this cherry flavored beef jerky being attracted by its flavor and texture right away. The rest has been history for me.
Being such a great fan of buc ee’s cherry maple beef jerky, I’m even here to share the original version of this recipe with you.
For the real adventure lover and experience seekers, I would also suggest trying two more amazing jerky recipes that would also make a nice combination to fill up the shortcomings of cherry maple beef jerky.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- Coldwater (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon)
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Seed removed sweet cherries (1 cup)
For the meat:
- Venison or top round beef (1 pound)
Optional:
- For better texture, curing salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- At first, put the beef in the freezer after removing all the visible fat carefully. The beef needs to be partially frozen, to cut without a jerky slicer, so don’t skip this step.
- Meanwhile, while the beef keeps freezing, in a large bowl, combine the sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, cherries, along with the cold. Blend them finely until smooth.
- When partially frozen, remove the beef from your freezer only to slice, with the grain, into ¼” strips. If you prefer easier chew, go ahead and cut against the grain.
- When you slice with the grain, yet prefer a softer chew, then you can tenderize with a meat mallet.
- At this point, put the sliced beef in the already prepared mixture. Out them in a bowl or better if in a Ziplock bag and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- When the marinating process has finished, take out the bag or bowl from the refrigerator and keep it on the rack so that excess marinade strains.
- Now, use the paper towels to pat the strips dry well. The jerky is, in fact, ready when it cracks and bends easily, but will not break in half this way.
So, you are done with the Cherry maple beef jerky recipe in an easier way than you had expected. Now, serve in the way you like and enjoy with the dearest ones.
Swap Ingredients
- You are at liberty to swap out the almond extract with soy sauce if the same amount. But it’s a deviation from the original recipe. In this case, also use the whole juice of an entire lemon.
- Some people use 2 tablespoons of Teriyaki without skipping other ingredients, which is also a better option for a little deviated taste if you prefer Teriyaki.
Recipe Notes
- In the drying process, you are literally at liberty to any of your favorite methods for jerky making. I would not mess with that. However, I have dried for 5 hours using my dehydrator at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful about the temperature.
- If you are using a jerky slicer, avoid the freezing process and use the slicer directly. You will get evenly sliced stirps easily.
- You may want to cut back the sweetness of this food item. So, some people don’t add the sugar until they taste the recipe. Then, if need be, add the sugar as per your need.
Nutritional Information
Although not so healthy a dish item it is, yet it packs a lot to match up the needs to boost your energy. So, go for it on your busy days! Check it out:
| Serving (per serving) | Nutritional Value | Daily Value |
| Calories | 801 (3292 kJ) | – |
| Total Fat | 4 g | 6 % |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Sodium | 280mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 200mg | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14 g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 237 mg | 79 % |
| Sugars | 18g | 72% |
| Protein | 0.8 g | – |
The cherry, maple, beefy goodness is mind-blowing along with the snapping jerky texture. The solid strips of beef give you such a feeling that you are sitting at the Buc-ee’s, and enjoying the beef jerky directly! So, withing any more waiting, try your Cherry maple beef jerky recipe right now!
I would really appreciate it if you have any new variations of this recipe. So, be kind enough, and feel free to share your variations with me. Thanks in advance!