If you’re tired of beef jerky, you’ve found it! This easy-to-make turkey jerky has a great salty and sweet flavor that will beat any other jerky you’ve tried. I know thats a bold statement, but its most definitely THAT good.
Making your own wild turkey jerky is incredibly rewarding and allows you full control over flavors and ingredients With wild game, you can create healthy, preservative-free jerky loaded with protein This article will provide tips for choosing meat, slicing techniques, marinade ideas, and dehydrating methods to make fantastic DIY turkey jerky from your harvested birds.
Why Make Your Own Turkey Jerky?
There are many benefits to crafting jerky yourself rather than buying pre-made:
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Flavor – You control the marinade, spices and flavorings instead of settling for the overpowering taste of most commercial jerkies.
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Quality – Homemade turkey jerky allows you to use fresh, high-quality wild meat instead of mystery meats of questionable origin
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Cost – Making jerky at home is much cheaper than buying ready-made options
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Fun – The process is very hands-on and rewarding. You get the most out of your harvested turkey.
Choosing the Right Turkey Meat
Wild turkey breast meat works best for making jerky. Since breast meat is very lean and low in fat, there is less opportunity for the jerky to go rancid. Using a lean cut helps the finished jerky last longer.
Turkey breast can be found at most grocery stores, often right next to the ground turkey. You don’t need to buy a whole bird. Turkey tenderloins are also a great choice.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather this equipment before making turkey jerky:
- Sharp knife for slicing meat
- Kitchen scale for weighing ingredients
- Large containers for marinating
- Drying equipment: a dehydrator, smoker, or oven
- Cutting board
- Kitchen twine (if hanging strips)
- Storage containers for finished jerky
Marinade Ideas for Delicious Flavor
The marinade is key for infusing flavor into the turkey. Here are some tasty ideas to try:
Cajun: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic, onion, smoked paprika
Teriyaki: Soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic
Spicy Sriracha: Sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili powder
Southwest: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano
Lemon Pepper: Lemon juice, black pepper, olive oil, garlic
Sweet and Savory: Brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, liquid smoke
Experiment with flavors to craft your own signature turkey jerky!
Prepping the Turkey Meat
Follow these tips when prepping turkey for jerky:
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Partially freeze breast meat before slicing to make cutting easier.
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Use a very sharp knife to slice clean, uniform strips.
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Slice with the grain for chewier jerky or against for more tenderness.
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Cut strips no more than 1⁄4 inch thick for proper drying.
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Trim off excess fat and sinew before slicing to avoid spoilage.
Infusing Flavor with a Marinade
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Mix marinade well so flavors distribute evenly.
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Ensure strips are fully coated then refrigerate 1-3 days.
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Occasionally shake or stir strips while marinating.
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Use an injector to infuse marinade deep into thick pieces.
Dehydrating Methods for Perfect Jerky
Proper dehydration is key to create the texture of jerky. Here are some methods:
Dehydrator: The easiest option, with low steady heat perfect for drying meat. Arrange strips on trays without overlapping. Dehydrate 4-8 hours at 135-165°F.
Oven: Arrange strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Prop oven door open. Bake at 170°F for 4-6 hours.
Smoker: Infuses incredible smoky flavor. Smoke turkey 4-5 hours at 130-140°F until dried. Soak wood chips for more smoke.
Grill: Works in a pinch but temperature control is difficult. Smoke turkey 2-4 hours over low indirect heat until dried but pliable.
Sun drying: In very dry climates, turkey can be dried in the hot sun. Takes 1-2 days.
Storage Tips for Turkey Jerky
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Let cool completely before storing in sealed bags/containers.
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Refrigerate or freeze for maximum 1-2 month shelf life.
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Store in cool, dark place if not refrigerating or freezing.
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Discard any jerky with mold or off smells.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to make amazing wild turkey jerky! Creating jerky from a bird you harvested yourself is deeply rewarding. Enjoy the flavor and satisfaction of homemade turkey jerky.
Pre or post heat treatment
Before or after the dehydrator, you can heat the meat to make sure the jerky gets to the important 165°F temperature. If you’re not sure if it does, you can do a post-heat treatment. To do this, put the meat on a cookie sheet and heat the oven to 300°F. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. This can be done before dehydrating or after.
Food safety is very important when making jerky, especially chicken or turkey jerky. I’ve put together a lot of useful information on jerky safety and food safety steps that you can use when making your own turkey jerky.
Video – Making Turkey Jerky
Using simple and proven great tasting ingredients, this turkey jerky recipe is set up to have fantastic flavor. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce give it a nice salty taste that you’d expect from jerky, and the brown sugar gives it the right amount of sweetness. Youre going to love this!.
HOW TO PREPARE WILD TURKEY FOR JERKY AND MORE! WILD TURKEY CLEAN UP MADE EASY!
FAQ
What part of turkey is best for jerky?
How do you know when turkey jerky is done?
How long does homemade turkey jerky last?
How to make turkey jerky safely?
To make jerky safely, one must dehydrate the meat correctly. This process involves heating the turkey slices to the correct internal temperature to eliminate any harmful bacteria. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F before drying. This step is essential for safe consumption.
Can you consider beef jerky a healthy snack?
No, as this is high in salt and other preservatives to main both its structure, taste and longevity. As a processed meat, beef jerky is also higher in saturated fat. All the salt, preservatives and saturated fat can be harmful to primarily your heart health. It is best to swap this out for some chicken breasts that have been cubed or homemade turkey balls.
How do you make homemade Turkey Jerky?
Homemade turkey jerky can be prepared with a variety of marinades and seasonings. The process involves slicing the turkey breast into thin strips, marinating them to infuse flavors, and then drying them to achieve the perfect chewiness.
How do I customize the flavor of Turkey Jerky?
Customizing the flavor of turkey jerky allows individuals to tailor the snack to their preferences. Here are some tips for personalizing the taste: Start with a base recipe and adjust the levels of each spice. Incorporate sweet, salty, umami, and spicy notes for a well-rounded flavor.
How do you Dry Turkey Jerky?
The first step of drying the jerky is to strain the turkey strips in a colander to remove any of the excess marinade. The second step is placing the jerky strips onto the dehydrator trays leaving space in between so air can flow all around the turkey jerky.
What should you know about Turkey Jerky?
When considering a turkey jerky recipe, one should be aware of its nutritional content, particularly its protein and nutrient content, as well as the importance of understanding serving sizes to maintain a balanced diet. Turkey jerky is a popular snack known for its high protein content, with roughly 13 grams of protein per ounce.