Want to learn how to turn your venison (that’s deer meat if you were wondering) into jerky? This venison jerky recipe is so delicious, I remember snacking on it as a kid on road trips. Learn to make it yourself here. It’s so easy, I’m sure you’ll start stocking so you’ll have something to munch on any time.

 

Venison Jerky Recipe | DIY Jerky Recipes

This recipe is an adaptation of DIY Ready’s How to Make Beef Jerky.

What comes to mind when you think of jerky? Beef right? What if I tell you you can also make jerky from venison? Yes, you heard it right. Make homemade jerky not just from the usual beef but from deer’s meat too. It’s the same process and I’m sure it’s something you’ll enjoy making and eating. So continue scrolling and let’s begin!

Step 1. Select meat

You will need to use lean meat for your jerky. When purchasing your meat, it is best to tell your butcher what you are doing (which is making jerky, of course) so that he will know what you need.

If you hunted this animal yourself, be sure to use all the meat you can through different methods of cooking. No part of the game animal should ever go to waste.

 

Step 2. Trim your meat

Using a sharp knife, cut out any large, visible portions of fat.

 

Step 3. Partially freeze meat

Place meat in the freezer for a few minutes. Partially freezing the meat will will make it easier to slice.

 

Step 4. Cut the meat

Slice the meat into strips about the size of your index finger. The finished jerky ends up being about 1/3 the size of what you started with.

 

Step 5. Mix your marinade

The great thing about making jerky is that you can decide what kind of jerky you want. You can use our jerky marinades and give it a little twist or you can make your own from scratch. Check out our different marinade recipes here.

 

Check out the health benefits of venison, a nutritious type of deer meat! https://t.co/iNZBTSMq4r pic.twitter.com/0gjVyVHaIP

— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) July 14, 2016

 

Step 6. Marinade meat in resealable bag

Place marinade and meat inside a ziploc type of bag and lete it sit for at least 4 hours. For best results, leave the meat in the marinade overnight.

 

Step 7. Line oven with foil and arrange the meat in the oven rack

 

Arrange meat strips so that they do not touch one another.

 

Step 8. Cook your jerky!

There are two methods for making venison jerky and you can choose whichever you feel most comfortable with.

 

Method A: Make Jerky In An Oven

Set oven to 200 degrees and arrange meat in the oven rack. Place a little vent in the oven door to allow moisture to escape. Cook meat for 7 hours.

How to check for doneness: Check for  doneness at the 7 hour point. The meat is done once the jerky bends like a green twig. Otherwise, you need to keep cooking until it does. Getting this right is crucial if you want your jerky to last long. The rule of thumb is the drier your meat is, the longer it will store.

 

Method B: Use a Dehydrator

St the oven to 200 degrees and cook meat in the oven just like you would in method A, but instead of cooking for 7 hours do so for only an hour. Then remove meat from oven and place in dehydrator. Dry meat for at least 10 hours.

 

Step 9. Remove jerky and cool

Let your jerky cool for at least an hour before you package it.

 

Step 10. Package and seal

It is important to package your meat for longer shelf life. You can use an airtight container like a ziploc bag or  an airtight resealable plastic container. But if you to preserve your meat as long as possible, use a vacuum sealer. You can check out our tutorial on how to use a vacuum sealer here.

 

You think you’ve tried something new with this venison jerky, wait till you try this salmon jerky from Mobile Home Gourmet:

 

Wasn’t that easy? Are you going to make this venison jerky recipe for you and your family? Let me know below in the comments!

Check out my post about Jerky marinade recipes for more yummy homesteading ideas!

 

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