Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef into the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Once firm, slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, finely chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper if using.
Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare for Drying: Remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Pat the strips dry with paper towels.
Dehydrate the Beef: Preheat your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C). Arrange the beef strips on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Dry for 4-6 hours, flipping halfway through, until the jerky is dry and firm but still slightly pliable.
Cool and Store: Allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. The jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.