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Classic Venison (Deer) Jerky

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Attention hunters! This classic venison jerky recipe pairs the robust, wild flavour of venison with the distinctive taste of wild-harvested juniper berries—a perfect match. The addition of red wine vinegar and rosemary adds a nuanced touch that beautifully complements the venison.
This recipe is designed to enhance and celebrate the natural flavour of venison rather than masking it, offering a truly authentic and delicious experience.
COOKING METHOD: Dehydrating
Course Snack
Servings 6
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 hours
Dehydrating Time 6 hours
Total Time 18 hours

Notable Equipment

  • 1 Dehydrator
  • 1 Meat Tenderizer optional

Ingredients
  

  • 454 g venison
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 ½ tsp white sugar
  • 4 - 5 dried juniper berries
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¼ tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

  • 1. Combine all ingredients (except for venison) in a saucepan. Mix well and heat over medium high heat.
  • 2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • 3. While marinade is cooling, slice venison into about ¼" thick slices (length does not matter) and lightly tenderize with meat tenderizer. (Tenderize to obtain proper and even thickness, as well as to best allow marinade to soak into the meat)
  • 4. Place meat into container with marinade. Make sure the marinade is cool enough to not warm the meat. Gently stir and fold to ensure all meat is coated with marinade.
  • 5. Let marinate in fridge for 12 hours. Meat will absorb much of the marinade and appear thicker.
  • 6. Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the pieces (no over lapping).
  • 7. Dehydrate at 160℉ for about 6 hours. When done, meat should be dry but pliable.

Notes

  • Dehydrating time may vary (the thickness, water and fat content of the meat, as well as the humidity and altitude of your environment will impact dehydrating time)
  • Jerky lasts at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks, 2 months in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer
  • Learn more about dehydrating from our Dehydrating 101 post.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 40gCalories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 2.3gProtein: 23gFat: 3.2gSaturated Fat: 1.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 19mgSugar: 1.4g
Keywords: dehydrated recipe, jerky

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