Oven-Baked Deer (or Beef) Jerky 🦌🥩

Introduction:

Indulge in the savory delight of homemade jerky with this oven-baked recipe, perfect for unleashing the flavors of wild game or beef. Ideal for snacking or as a protein-packed treat, this recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and some patience as the oven works its magic. Let’s dive into creating this irresistible jerky that’ll have your taste buds singing!

Ingredients:

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1566.6
• Fat: 161g
• Saturated Fat: 66.9g
• Cholesterol: 224.7mg
• Sodium: 3785.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 5.5g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Sugar: 0.7g
• Protein: 23g

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinating the Meat 🥩

1. Begin by slicing the deer or beef into thin strips, ensuring they are of uniform thickness for even drying.
2. In a gallon-sized zipper bag, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, liquid smoke, and onion powder.
3. Add the sliced deer or beef into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible to ensure maximum marination.
5. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the meat soak in the flavors overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, infusing it with deliciousness.

Step 2: Preparing for Oven Baking 🍽️

1. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting possible. Typically, this would be around 170°F (77°C).
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
3. Remove the marinated deer or beef from the refrigerator and transfer them to the prepared baking pan.
4. Arrange the strips in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping. This allows for proper air circulation and even drying.

Step 3: Oven Drying Process 🌡️

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven, making sure it’s on the lowest rack for optimal air circulation.
2. Allow the meat to cook for approximately 24 hours, or until it reaches the desired level of dryness. This slow drying process is essential for achieving the perfect jerky texture.
3. Throughout the cooking time, periodically check the jerky to ensure it’s drying evenly. You may need to rotate the pan or flip the strips for uniform drying.
4. Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the meat slices. Adjust as needed to achieve the desired results.

Step 4: Enjoying Your Homemade Jerky 🎉

1. Once the jerky is fully dried and has reached your preferred level of chewiness, remove it from the oven.
2. Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or resealable bags.
3. Enjoy your homemade deer or beef jerky as a delicious snack anytime, anywhere! It’s perfect for on-the-go munching, protein-packed lunches, or sharing with friends and family.

Tips and Tricks:

• For a smokier flavor, you can increase the amount of liquid smoke in the marinade according to your preference.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends to customize the flavor of your jerky. Add a kick of heat with some cayenne pepper or paprika, or try a sweeter variation with honey or brown sugar.
• To make slicing the meat easier, you can partially freeze it beforehand. This helps to firm up the meat, making it easier to slice thinly and evenly.
• Store your homemade jerky in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness. Properly dried jerky can last for several weeks when stored correctly.

Conclusion:

With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create mouthwatering deer or beef jerky that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a fan of wild game or prefer traditional beef, this homemade version beats store-bought jerky any day. So fire up your oven, get marinating, and treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of homemade jerky! 🍽️🦌