Venison jerky is a savory snack that turns lean venison meat into flavorful, protein-rich bites. With the right seasonings and drying techniques, venison jerky retains the natural taste of the venison while adding a satisfying chew. Perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the venison into strips. Slice against the grain. Place sliced venison into a gallon Ziplock bag. Set aside.
Marinate
Mix the next nine ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake vigorously. Pour the mixture over the sliced venison, then remove the air from the bag and seal it. While the bag is sealed, massage the marinade into the venison strips. After thoroughly mixing, place the bag in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 12 to 24 hours. Before cooking, drain any excess marinade from the venison.
Food Dehydrator
Follow the instructions of the food dehydrator you are using.
Arrange and Bake in Oven
Preheat oven to 175℉. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place under each rack in the oven.
Lay the marinated venison in a single layer on the racks. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, checking the texture at the 3-hour mark. After that, let a piece cool and taste it to ensure the flavor is perfect. If it is, remove the jerky from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Storage Recommedations
To store venison jerky, let it cool completely, then seal it in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture and air exposure, which can lead to spoilage. For short-term storage, keep it in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. For longer preservation, store jerky in the refrigerator or freeze it in vacuum-sealed bags. Jerky kept in the freezer can stay fresh for up to a year, while refrigeration extends its shelf life to about 2-3 months.
Notes
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