This homemade deer jerky recipe will guide you through the process of making tender and flavorful jerky from deer meat. Marinated in a delicious blend of spices and seasonings, the jerky is then slowly dried to perfection. It's a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of deer meat while providing a nutritious and protein-packed snack. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make your own deer jerky at home and indulge in a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs deer meat, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the thinly sliced deer meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C).
- Remove the marinated deer meat from the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade.
- Place the deer meat strips on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet to catch any drippings.
- Place the sheet in the preheated oven and let the deer meat dry for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of dryness and chewiness. Rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Once the jerky is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. It will further harden as it cools.
- Store the deer jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy your homemade deer jerky as a tasty and nutritious snack!
