Jerky is a popular getaway treat, especially when you’re getting back to nature. But did you know that it’s super easy to make on your own? All you need are some basic food items (beef/turkey and marinade), an oven, and time, and you can make a snack that everybody on your adventure is sure to love!

Slice it.

Purchase about 2½ pounds of lean meat. Slice your meat of choice into one-eighth-inch or one-quarter-inch slices, depending on how thick you want the jerky to be. For texture preferences, slice with the grain of the meat if you want it a bit chewier or against the grain if you like tender jerky.

Marinate it.

Add the meat and your favorite marinade below to a large plastic bag, and store it in the fridge for up to forty-eight hours.

• Tasty Traditional
  Combine ⅓ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons black pepper, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon curing salt.

• Sweet Southern Honey
  Mix together 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 1 tablespoon molasses, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, ¼ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup honey, and 1 tablespoon curing salt.

• Terrific Teriyaki
  Combine ¼ cup sesame seeds, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger, 2 chopped serrano peppers, ¼ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon curing salt.

• Blissful BBQ
  Mix together 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup water, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, and 1 tablespoon curing salt.

Dry it.

If you’re not using a dehydrator, preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place a baking rack on top. Arrange the meat in a single layer on the rack. Put the baking sheet in the oven, and prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to help moisture escape. Dry for 4-6 hours, and then remove from the oven.

Cool it and store it.

Once the jerky has cooled slightly (but is still warm), transfer it to a resealable plastic bag—and keep it handy for when hunger hits during your road trip!

Try your hand at making homemade jerky, and share photos of your culinary creations on social media using the hashtag #ALMbites.

Need some games to go with your road trip snack? Keep reading!