Deer (Venison) Jerky Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 30 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 24 hours
🕒 Total Time: 54 hours
🍽 Servings: Not specified
🥩 Category: Lunch/Snacks
🏷 Keywords: Deer, Wild Game, Meat, Kid Friendly, Spring, Summer, Winter, Spicy, Weeknight, Easy
Description:
Experience the wild flavors of Deer (Venison) Jerky with this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Delight in the savory, tender bites packed with natural goodness and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick snack or a protein-packed lunch option, this jerky will satisfy your cravings any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup liquid smoke
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup fresh ground pepper
- 1 cup salt
- 1/2 cup onion powder
- 1/2 cup garlic powder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meat: Begin by preparing your deer meat. You can either take it to your local butcher and have it thinly sliced, or if you prefer, semi-freeze the meat yourself and slice it into 1/4-inch strips. Remember, slicing against the grain will result in tender jerky, while slicing with the grain will yield a chewier texture.
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Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, fresh ground pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Stir the ingredients well until fully combined.
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Marinate the Meat: Place the sliced deer meat in the marinade, ensuring that each strip is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
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Drain the Meat: After marinating overnight, remove the meat from the marinade and drain off any excess liquid.
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Dehydrate the Jerky:
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Using a Dehydrator: If you have a dehydrator, arrange the marinated meat strips on the dehydrator racks, making sure not to overlap them. Set the dehydrator to the recommended temperature and let the jerky dry for 24 to 36 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness.
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Using an Oven: Alternatively, if you don’t have a dehydrator, preheat your oven to 150°F (65°C). Arrange the meat strips on baking sheets, ensuring they are not overlapping. Place the baking sheets in the oven and let the jerky dry for 8 to 10 hours, turning the strips at least once during the drying process to ensure even dehydration.
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Check for Doneness: The jerky is ready when it bends without breaking. It should have a firm texture but still be pliable.
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Cool and Store: Allow the jerky to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage. For long-term freshness, refrigerate the jerky until ready to enjoy.
Indulge in the rich flavors and satisfying textures of homemade Deer (Venison) Jerky. Whether you’re on a hunting trip, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply snacking at home, this jerky is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, marinate your meat, and savor the taste of the wild with every bite!