Smokey Wild Game Jerky
Smokey Wild Game Jerky
Ingredients
- 4-8 Lbs Wild Game Meat
- 5 Cups Water
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1.25 tsp Pink Curing Salt
- 5 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 7 Tbsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except for the meat in a marinating container. I prefer to use a briner bucket.
- Once the mixture is evenly incorporated, add the meat. Make sure it all gets some of the marinade on it.
- Add a lid to the container, and place in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Remove the meat from the marinade, and place on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet. Pat each piece of meat dry with paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with coarse ground pepper
- Preheat smoker to 170 degrees F. Place the meat on the smoker and cook until meat is dehydrated. To make sure each piece is done, you can do the bend test, where you bend the piece of jerky in half. If the meat fibers start to split the jerky is done.
- Remove the meat from the smoker, let cool, and store in vacuum sealed, or zipper bags in the freezer. The jerky is cured, but to ensure food safety, keep it refrigerated. Jerky will last 5-7 days in the fridge, or several months in the freezer.
Homemade Smoked Jerky
When it comes to making homemade jerky, there’s a lot of room for creativity with flavor profiles. One of the best things about making your own jerky is that you can choose the type of meat you want to use. While beef is a popular choice for jerky, using wild game such as deer, elk, duck, or goose can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile. Wild game tends to have a leaner and stronger flavor, which is perfect for jerky. Plus, if you’re a hunter, making jerky from your own hunt can be a satisfying way to enjoy your hard work.
Marinades and seasonings are another area where you can experiment with different flavors. This recipe is a great starting point, but you can adjust the ingredients to your liking.. For example, if you prefer a sweeter jerky, you could add more brown sugar or honey. On the other hand, if you like a spicier jerky, you could add some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
Smoking Beef Jerky
Once you’ve marinated your meat and it’s time to smoke it, you can also experiment with different types of wood. The type of wood you use can have a significant impact on the final flavor of the jerky. For example, hickory wood chips can give a strong smoky flavor, while applewood chips can give a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
In addition to being a delicious snack, jerky can also be a great way to preserve meat. By removing the moisture from the meat, you’re making it less hospitable to bacteria and other microbes that can cause spoilage. Properly stored jerky can last for several weeks or even months without refrigeration, making it an ideal snack for camping trips or long road trips. Just to be safe, I recommend refrigerating this recipe.
Jerky is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s a great option for people who are on the go and need a quick, protein-packed snack. It’s also a popular choice for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and hunting. Because it’s lightweight, portable, and doesn’t require refrigeration, jerky is a convenient and practical snack to have on hand.
Jerky Can Be a Healthy Snack
In addition to being a tasty snack, jerky can also be a healthy one. When made at home, jerky can be customized to be low in sodium and free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. Using lean meats and natural seasonings can result in a snack that’s high in protein and low in fat. Plus, because jerky is a dried meat, it can be a great option for people who are following a low-carb or keto diet.
Overall, making smoked homemade game jerky is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned jerky maker or a first-time experimenter, this recipe is a great starting point for creating your own perfect batch of jerky. So go ahead and give it a try!