How to Make Delicious Wild Turkey Jerky at Home

Wild turkey jerky is a tasty and nutritious snack that’s perfect for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who loves flavorful treats. Making jerky is also a great way to preserve your harvested turkey and enjoy that wild taste long after hunting season.

In this article, I’ll share two fantastic recipes for making delicious wild turkey jerky at home, along with some helpful tips and advice.

Why Make Your Own Turkey Jerky?

There are several advantages to making your own turkey jerky rather than buying pre-made

• Flavor – You can control the marinade and spices to get the exact flavor you want. Commercial jerky often has an overpowering taste.

• Quality – Homemade allows you to use fresh, high-quality meat rather than mystery meats.

• Cost – It’s much cheaper to make your own than buy from a store

• Fun – The process is very rewarding and lets you get the most out of your harvested turkey

Choosing the Right Turkey Meat

Wild turkey breast is the best cut to use for jerky. Since it’s very lean, there’s less fat that can go rancid. Using a lean cut helps the finished jerky last longer.

Turkey breast can easily be found at most grocery stores, often right next to the ground turkey. You don’t need to buy a whole bird.

Equipment Needed

To make turkey jerky, you’ll need:

• A sharp knife for slicing
• A kitchen scale for measuring ingredients
• Marinade containers
• Drying equipment: a dehydrator, smoker, or oven
• Cutting board
• Kitchen twine (if hanging strips)
• Storage containers

Two Tasty Turkey Jerky Recipes

Here are two fantastic turkey jerky recipes to try:

1. Cajun Style

This recipe from Legendary Whitetails has a bold Cajun flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs turkey breast, sliced 1⁄4 inch thick
• 1⁄2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄8 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

2. Add turkey strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1-3 days.

3. Dehydrate at 160°F for 6 hours, until dried and pliable.

4. Enjoy the spicy Cajun jerky!

2. Honey Pepper

This Jerkyholic recipe has a sweet and spicy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs turkey breast, sliced 1⁄4 inch thick
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 minced garlic clove
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

2. Add turkey strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours.

3. Dehydrate at 165°F for 4-6 hours until dried and pliable.

4. Enjoy the sweet and spicy jerky!

Turkey Prep Tips

Here are some tips for prepping the turkey meat:

• Partially freeze the breast before slicing. This makes it easier to cut thin, uniform strips.

• Use a very sharp knife for clean slicing and to avoid shredding the meat.

• Slice with the grain for chewier jerky or against the grain for more tender jerky.

• Cut strips no more than 1⁄4 inch thick for proper drying.

Marinating the Turkey

• Mix the marinade well so flavors are distributed evenly.

• Make sure all the strips are fully coated. Let them marinate 1-3 days for maximum flavor.

• Shake or stir the strips occasionally as they marinate.

• You can also use a marinade injector to infuse flavor deep into the meat.

Dehydrating Methods

There are several equipment options for drying turkey jerky:

Dehydrator

Dehydrators provide low, steady heat perfect for making jerky. Models with a temperature control work best.

• Arrange strips on trays without overlapping.

• Dehydrate at 135-165°F for 4-8 hours until dried but still pliable.

Oven

You can use a regular oven to make jerky.

• Arrange strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

• Bake at 170°F for 4-6 hours with the oven door propped open.

Smoker

A smoker infuses jerky with delicious smoky flavor.

• Smoke at 130-140°F for 4-5 hours until dried.

• Soak wood chips for a smokier flavor.

Storage and Food Safety Tips

Properly stored, turkey jerky can last 1-2 months. Here are some storage tips:

• Let jerky cool completely before storing.

• Use sealed containers or bags.exclude An airtight container.

• Store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate or freeze for maximum shelf life.

• Turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F before drying to kill bacteria.

• If making ground turkey jerky, cook to 160°F internal temperature first.

• Discard any jerky with mold or an off smell.

The Satisfaction of Homemade Turkey Jerky

With these tips and recipes, you’ll be ready to make amazing turkey jerky from your harvested birds. There’s something very satisfying about enjoying jerky from a turkey you harvested yourself.