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.
Looking for a healthier, more flavorful alternative to beef jerky? Look no further than this easy-to-make turkey jerky recipe. It’s packed with salty, sweet goodness that’ll have you reaching for more, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple and delicious: This recipe uses a proven combination of ingredients that creates a fantastic flavor profile. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce provide a classic jerky salty base, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
- Lean and healthy: Turkey is a lean protein source, making this jerky a healthier snack option compared to beef jerky.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add some spices for a kick, or use liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb lean turkey breast (trimmed of visible fat)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon curing salt (optional)
- Dehydrator, oven, or smoker
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Slice the turkey breast into ¼-inch thick strips.
- Add the turkey strips to the marinade and mix well.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the turkey strips, removing excess marinade.
- Arrange the strips on dehydrator trays, leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Dehydrate at the highest setting for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Perform the bend test: The jerky should bend and crack but not break in half. If it breaks, it’s over-dried.
- Enjoy! Store your jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Partially freeze the turkey breast before slicing for easier handling.
- Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices.
- If using a smoker, smoke the jerky for 1 hour before transferring it to the dehydrator.
- Liquid smoke can be used for a smoky flavor if you don’t have a smoker.
- Curing salt helps prevent bacteria growth, but it’s optional.
FAQs:
- What is turkey tenderloin? It’s a cut of meat from the turkey breast that is very tender and makes great jerky.
- How long does it take to dehydrate turkey jerky? 4-6 hours in a dehydrator, 2-7 hours in a smoker, or 3-5 hours in an oven.
- Is turkey jerky good for you? Yes! It’s a lean protein source packed with nutrients.
- How do you store turkey jerky? In airtight bags or jars in a cool, dark place.
Additional Resources:
- Beef Jerky Recipes (75+ Homemade Jerky Recipes)
- The Ultimate Beef Jerky Recipe
- How to Make Beef Jerky in a Smoker
Give this turkey jerky recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself! It’s a perfect snack for on-the-go, camping, or just satisfying your cravings.
Using a sharp knife
The most important tool to have when slicing the breast for turkey jerky is a really sharp knife. This will make a huge difference, I am currently using a Victorinox knife that has a really good feel and sharp blade. When it starts getting dull, a quick sharpen and it is just like new.
If you have never sharpened a knife before, its super easy and will make a HUGE difference when slicing nice even strips of turkey. The people at Cooks Illustrated put together a great article on how to sharpen a knife, its a must read.
Video – Making Turkey Jerky
Using simple and proven great tasting ingredients, this turkey jerky recipe is set up to have fantastic flavor. Brown sugar offers the ideal balance of sweetness and the nice salty flavor associated with jerky, thanks to the soy sauce and Worcestershire. Youre going to love this!.