Seeking an alternative to the typical beef jerky? Look no further! This simple-to-make turkey jerky boasts an amazing flavor combination of sweetness and salt that will surpass any previous jerky you’ve tried. I know thats a bold statement, but its most definitely THAT good.
Are you tired of the expensive, preservative-laden turkey jerky found in stores? Do you crave a healthier, more flavorful snack that you can control every ingredient in? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to making your own homemade turkey jerky in the oven!
This guide combines the best of two worlds, drawing upon the expertise of both Compston Kitchen and Jerkyholic to provide you with the most delicious, easy, and affordable recipe for this savory treat.
Why Make Your Own Turkey Jerky?
There are numerous benefits to making your own turkey jerky:
- Cost-effective: Homemade jerky costs a fraction of the price compared to store-bought options.
- Healthier: You can control the ingredients, eliminating preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
- Flavorful: You can customize the flavor profile to your liking, adding your favorite spices and herbs.
- Satisfying: Jerky is a high-protein, low-carb snack that keeps you feeling full and energized.
- Portable: Jerky is the perfect on-the-go snack for hiking, camping, or any adventure.
Choosing the Right Turkey:
The best cut of turkey for jerky is the turkey breast tenderloin. This lean cut ensures a tender and flavorful jerky with minimal fat. You can also use top round, bottom round, flank steak, or even sirloin steak for a more traditional beef jerky experience
Creating the Perfect Marinade:
The marinade is the key to infusing your jerky with incredible flavor. While there are endless possibilities, here are some essential ingredients to consider:
- Base: Soy sauce, coconut aminos, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, or No-Soy Sauce Sauce provide the foundation for flavor absorption and retention.
- Spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, honey, sriracha, jalapeño powder, chili flakes, and black pepper are just a few options to explore.
- Sweetness: Brown sugar or honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and complexity to the marinade.
The Oven-Baking Process:
- Marinate: Place your sliced turkey in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat: Set your oven to 175°F (80°C).
- Prepare: Line baking sheets with aluminum foil and place oven-safe cooling racks on top.
- Arrange: Remove the turkey from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and place the strips on the cooling racks, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake: Bake for at least 3 hours, flipping once halfway through, or until the jerky reaches your desired texture. For a chewier texture, bake for 4-4.5 hours.
- Cool and Store: Let the jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Tips and Tricks:
- Partially freeze the turkey before slicing for easier and more even cuts.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean and consistent slices.
- Experiment with different marinades and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Consider adding liquid smoke for an extra smoky flavor.
- Store the jerky in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
Additional Resources:
- Jerkyholic’s Ultimate Turkey Jerky Recipe: https://www.jerkyholic.com/turkey-jerky/
- Compston Kitchen’s Best Baked Homemade Turkey Jerky: https://www.compstonkitchen.com/homemade-turkey-jerky/
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long does homemade turkey jerky last? It can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven? Yes, absolutely! Follow the instructions for your specific dehydrator.
- Can I make jerky with ground turkey? Yes, but it will have a different texture than using whole muscle cuts.
- What are some other ways to flavor turkey jerky? You can add chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even hot sauce to your marinade.
Making your own turkey jerky in the oven is a simple, rewarding, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack. With this guide, you have all the tools and knowledge you need to create your own personalized jerky masterpiece. So, get creative, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness!
Pre or post heat treatment
You can pre-heat the meat or perform a post-heat treatment to ensure the jerky reaches the crucial 165°F if you’re unsure if your dehydrator heats it to this temperature. To achieve this, put the meat on a cookie sheet and bake it for about ten minutes at 300°F. This can be done before dehydrating or after.
Food safety is very important when making jerky, especially chicken or turkey jerky. Here, I’ve compiled a wealth of excellent information on food safety procedures and jerky safety that you can adhere to when creating your own homemade turkey jerky.
What turkey is best?
Turkey breast is going to be the best cut of turkey to use when making turkey jerky. The reason being its so lean. Using a lean cut of meat that has little fat is very important. Meat ages more quickly than fat, so the leaner the meat, the longer the jerky will keep after drying.
Turkey breast can be bought at most supermarkets already removed from the bird. There’s no need to purchase an entire turkey because the breast and tenderloin, which is a delicate cut from the breast, are typically available on the shelf next to the ground turkey.