Homemade Slim Jims: A Deliciously Spicy Snack Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of lean beef
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Prague Powder #1 (curing salt)

Steps and instructions

  1. Grind the lean beef using a fine grinding plate into a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Prague Powder.
  3. Add the sauce mixture to the ground beef and mix well until the meat absorbs all the sauce.
  4. Let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
  5. After the resting period, load the meat mixture into a sausage stuffer.
  6. Stuff the meat mixture into a 19mm collagen casing, forming long, thin meat sticks.
  7. Place the stuffed meat sticks in a preheated smoker at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Smoke the meat sticks for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Remove the meat sticks from the smoker and let them cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Grinder - A meat grinder with a fine grinding plate to grind the lean beef.
  • Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ground beef and sauce mixture.
  • Sausage stuffer - A sausage stuffer to load the meat mixture into casings.
  • Collagen casings - 19mm collagen casings to stuff the meat mixture into and form meat sticks.
  • Smoker - A smoker to smoke the meat sticks at a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Meat thermometer - A meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat sticks.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the lean beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative.
  • Add different spices or seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to customize the flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different flavors of liquid smoke, such as hickory or mesquite, to add a unique smoky taste.
  • Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for added aroma and flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Try using different types of casings such as natural hog casings or synthetic casings for different textures.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or soy crumbles and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  • Experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
  • Enhance the umami flavor by adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce to the sauce mixture.

Recipe overview

This recipe is a homemade version of the classic snack, Slim Jims. These meat sticks are incredibly tasty and not as difficult to make as you might think. You'll be using lean beef and a variety of spices for flavor. The process involves grinding the beef, mixing in a savory sauce, stuffing the mixture into casings, and smoking until fully cooked. The result is a delicious, smoky snack that's perfect for on-the-go munching or serving at parties. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade Slim Jims!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Slim Jims? It takes approximately 6 hours to make Slim Jims, including the preparation, resting time, smoking, and cooling.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of lean beef? Yes, you can use other meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, but the texture and flavor may vary.
  3. Can I skip the smoking step? The smoking step is crucial for achieving the traditional Slim Jim flavor and texture. Skipping it may result in a different outcome.
  4. Can I use a different casing instead of collagen casing? While collagen casings are commonly used for Slim Jims, you can experiment with natural casings or even synthetic casings if desired.
  5. Can I adjust the amount of spices and seasonings? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
  6. How should I store Slim Jims? Once cooled, store Slim Jims in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 2 weeks.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Meat Grinder - Used to grind the lean beef into a fine consistency.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used to mix the sauce ingredients with the ground beef.
  • Sausage Stuffer - Used to load and stuff the meat mixture into collagen casings.
  • 19mm Collagen Casings - Used to form the meat sticks during stuffing.
  • Smoker - Used to smoke the meat sticks at a controlled temperature.
  • Meat Thermometer - Used to check the internal temperature of the meat sticks.

Origin stories

Did you know that the name of this popular snack, "Slim Jim," is actually a hat tip to a popular comic character? The famous dried sausage stick was first introduced in the 1920s by Adolph Levis. He decided to name his creation after a character from the popular comic strip, "The Yellow Kid." The character, "Slim Jim," was a thin, lanky man, just like the snack Levis had created. This fun connection to popular culture, just like the flavorful taste, has made Slim Jims a beloved snack to this day.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.