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 same old beef jerky? Well, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible Smoked Turkey Jerky Recipe! This easy-to-follow recipe combines the smoky goodness of a Traeger grill with the lean and flavorful protein of turkey breast, resulting in a snack that’s both delicious and healthy.
Why Turkey Jerky?
Turkey jerky is a fantastic alternative to traditional beef jerky. It’s packed with protein, low in fat, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hitting the trail, fueling up for a workout, or simply craving a satisfying snack, this smoked turkey jerky is sure to hit the spot.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
This recipe features a marinade that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, honey, Asian chili garlic sauce, and lime juice creates a sweet and savory base that perfectly complements the smoky notes of the Traeger grill. Additionally, you can customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs, making it truly your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Asian chili garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Morton Tender Quick Home Meat Cure (optional)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, honey, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and curing salt (if using). Whisk until well blended.
- Slice the Turkey: Using a sharp knife, slice the turkey breast into 1/4-inch thick slices, ensuring the slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey slices in a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage it to ensure all the slices are evenly coated. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger grill to 165°F and preheat for 15 minutes with the lid closed. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available.
- Remove and Dry the Turkey: Once the grill is preheated, remove the turkey from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the turkey slices dry with paper towels.
- Smoke the Jerky: Arrange the turkey slices in a single layer on the grill grate. Smoke for 2 to 4 hours, or until the jerky is dry but still chewy and somewhat pliable when you bend a piece.
- Rest and Store: Transfer the jerky to a resealable bag while it’s still warm. Let the jerky rest for an hour at room temperature. Squeeze any air from the bag and refrigerate the jerky. It will keep for several weeks. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- Partially freeze the turkey breast before slicing. This will make it easier to slice thin, even strips.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the turkey. This will help prevent tearing and ensure consistent thickness.
- Don’t overcook the jerky. It should be dry but still slightly pliable.
- Experiment with different spices and herbs. Get creative and personalize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Store the jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help it stay fresh and flavorful for weeks.
Additional Resources:
- Traeger Smoked Turkey Jerky Recipe: https://www.traeger.com/recipes/smoked-turkey-jerky
- The BEST Turkey Jerky Recipe: https://www.jerkyholic.com/turkey-jerky/
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What type of turkey should I use? Boneless, skinless turkey breast is the best option for this recipe.
- Can I use a different type of smoker? Yes, this recipe can be adapted for use with other types of smokers. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
- How long will the jerky last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the jerky will stay fresh for several weeks.
- Can I freeze the jerky? Yes, you can freeze the jerky for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before enjoying.
This Smoked Turkey Jerky Recipe is a game-changer. It’s a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion. So fire up your Traeger grill, grab some turkey breast, and get ready to experience the ultimate jerky adventure!
How to slice the meat
The best thickness when slicing turkey jerky is ⅛” to ¼” thick and as long as you want. The length doesnt matter at all, only how thick the turkey is. Consistency in turkey pieces is also crucial because it guarantees that the jerky will all finish drying at the same time.
Should I use curing salt?
When making chicken or turkey jerky, I always include curing salt into the marinade to help prevent bacteria in the jerky. Curing salt is mostly table salt with about 6% sodium nitrite, an ingredient that removes water from the meat and the bacteria cells themselves.
It’s time to dry the turkey and turn it into jerky after it has finished marinating and developed all that wonderful sweet and salty flavor! You can use an oven, dehydrator, or smoker to dry jerky. I decided to dry this jerky with a Nesco Dehydrator, its so easy and produces great tasting jerky.
To remove any excess marinade, strain the turkey strips in a colander before drying the jerky.
The turkey jerky strips are arranged on the dehydrator trays in the second step, leaving space between them to allow air to circulate around them.
Turn the dehydrator on the highest setting and dry until finished, this is on average 4-6 hours. To help further destroy any bacteria, you want to ensure that the turkey is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.