diff --git a/pkgs/development/beam-modules/rebar3-release.nix b/pkgs/development/beam-modules/rebar3-release.nix
index d2c9da6414f..80082945e4c 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/beam-modules/rebar3-release.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/beam-modules/rebar3-release.nix
@@ -46,7 +46,8 @@ let
 
     buildInputs = buildInputs ++ [ erlang rebar3 openssl ] ++ beamDeps;
 
-    dontStrip = true;
+    # ensure we strip any native binaries (eg. NIFs, ports)
+    stripDebugList = lib.optional (releaseType == "release") "rel";
 
     inherit src;