To make incredible venison jerky, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of venison (deer) meat, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bag or airtight container for marinating
- Dehydrator or oven
Here's a step-by-step guide to making incredible venison jerky:
- Prepare the marinade by combining the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place the thinly sliced venison meat into a ziplock bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure that all the meat is coated evenly. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Once the meat has marinated, preheat your dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using an oven, preheat it to the lowest possible temperature (around 160°F or 70°C).
- Remove the marinated venison from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade.
- Arrange the venison strips on the dehydrator trays or on wire racks placed on baking sheets if using the oven. Make sure to leave some space between the strips for proper air circulation.
- Place the trays or baking sheets in the dehydrator or oven and let the venison dry for 4 to 6 hours or until the jerky reaches your desired texture. The jerky should be dry but still slightly pliable. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-drying.
- Once the venison jerky is done, remove it from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool completely.
- Store the venison jerky in airtight containers or resealable bags to maintain its freshness. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks or in the refrigerator for even longer.
Enjoy your incredible homemade venison jerky as a flavorful and protein-packed snack on your outdoor adventures or any time you're craving a delicious and nutritious treat!
Note: When making jerky, it's essential to follow proper food safety guidelines. Ensure that the meat is sliced thinly and uniformly to promote even drying, and make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature during the drying process to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses.