Description
Delicious homemade venison jerky made without nitrates. Learn how to properly dry your jerky using either a dehydrator or regular oven for the perfect chewy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds venison (or other lean meat)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Slice meat into thin strips (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) against the grain for tender jerky.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag or container.
- Add meat slices to marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- For food safety, heat meat to 160°F before drying by boiling the marinated strips in the marinade for 1-2 minutes.
- If using a dehydrator: arrange strips on trays without overlapping and dry at 160°F for 4-6 hours.
- If using an oven: place strips on wire racks over baking sheets, dry at lowest temperature setting (ideally below 170°F) with door slightly propped open for 4-6 hours.
- Check jerky for doneness – it should bend without breaking and should not release moisture when squeezed.
- Allow jerky to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Will keep for 1-2 weeks at room temperature or 3-6 months in the freezer.
Notes
- Choose lean cuts of venison for the best jerky texture and flavor.
- Partially freezing the meat makes it easier to slice thinly.
- The thicker you slice the meat, the longer it will take to dry.
- Store in airtight containers with a food-grade desiccant packet to extend shelf life.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrator or Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: venison jerky, homemade jerky, no nitrates, dehydrator recipe, wild game recipes, oven jerky
