Description
Make delicious homemade deer jerky with this simple recipe. Perfect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking to preserve venison with amazing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds deer meat (venison), lean cuts
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon curing salt (optional)
Instructions
- Trim all visible fat from the venison and partially freeze the meat for easier slicing.
- Slice the meat against the grain into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick strips.
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the meat strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully covered. Seal in a ziplock bag or container.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Remove meat from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange meat strips on dehydrator trays, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
- Dehydrate at 160°F for 4-6 hours, checking periodically for desired dryness.
- Allow jerky to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Notes
- For best results, choose lean cuts of venison with minimal fat.
- The jerky should bend without breaking when properly dried.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
- If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use an oven set to its lowest temperature.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrated
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
Keywords: deer jerky, venison jerky, homemade jerky, game meat, hunting recipes, dehydrated meat
