How To Dehydrate Venison Into Jerky

How to Make Delicious Venison Jerky at Home

Deer hunting season is a time of excitement for many outdoor enthusiasts. Once you’ve bagged your prize, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by turning the venison into delicious jerky. Dehydrating venison is a great way to preserve the meat and create a tasty, protein-packed snack that can be enjoyed on the go. Here’s a step-by-step guide to dehydrating venison into jerky at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Venison

Start by trimming off any visible fat from the venison. Fat can cause the jerky to spoil more quickly, so it’s important to remove as much as possible. Once the fat is trimmed, slice the meat into thin strips, cutting against the grain for a tender chew.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

Creating a flavorful marinade is key to delicious venison jerky. You can use a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a mouthwatering marinade. Place the sliced venison in the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3: Dehydrate the Venison

After marinating, remove the venison from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Arrange the meat strips on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 160°F (71°C) and allow the venison to dry for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

To ensure that the jerky is fully dehydrated, perform a simple test. Bend a piece of jerky – it should bend and crack but not break. If the meat is still pliable, it needs more drying time. Once the jerky is done, allow it to cool completely before storing.

Step 5: Store the Jerky

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your venison jerky. Place the cooled jerky in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags. For longer shelf life, you can vacuum-seal the jerky or store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of dehydrating venison into jerky, you can enjoy this tasty and nutritious snack anytime. Whether you’re out in the wilderness or simply need a protein boost during the day, venison jerky is a satisfying treat that’s easy to make at home.

Remember, the key to great jerky lies in the quality of the meat and the flavor of the marinade. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own signature venison jerky recipe. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce delicious jerky that will impress your friends and family.

So, the next time you bring home a fresh batch of venison, don’t hesitate to turn it into jerky. With these simple steps, you can savor the flavors of the hunt long after the season has ended.