Tasty Deer Snack Stick Recipe: Easy Homemade Treats

As a seasoned hunter, I love the flavors from wild game. It’s rewarding to turn deer meat into tasty homemade snacks. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite venison snack stick recipe.

Making your own deer snack sticks is easy and rewarding. You just need a few ingredients, the right tools, and patience. This recipe is great for hunters and food lovers alike.

Introduction to Homemade Deer Snack Sticks

Making your own homemade deer snack sticks is fun and tasty. It lets you enjoy a protein-rich snack. You can pick the ingredients, flavors, and make a better choice than store-bought snacks.

Why Make Your Own Snack Sticks?

By making homemade deer snack sticks, you control what goes in them. You avoid bad stuff found in other snacks. You can also try new flavors and spices to match your taste.

Benefits of Homemade Venison Snack Sticks

Making your own venison snack sticks is rewarding. It’s a great way to use up extra deer meat. Plus, they make great gifts or party favors for those who love meat and DIY projects.

Whether you hunt or just like making food, homemade deer snack sticks are a fun journey. You get to pick the ingredients and flavors. This way, you make a snack that’s healthier and more to your liking.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To make tasty homemade deer snack sticks, you need the right venison cuts and spices. Also, having the right tools is key for the perfect taste and texture.

Cuts of Meat for Deer Snack Sticks

The top round, bottom round, eye of round, backstrap, or boneless shoulder are great for snack sticks. These cuts are lean and low in connective tissue. This makes your snack sticks smooth and even. Don’t forget to add some pork fat for moisture and flavor.

Essential Spices and Seasonings

• Salt
• Pink curing salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Assorted herbs and spices

Necessary Equipment for Making Snack Sticks

1. Meat grinder
2. Sausage stuffer
3. Smoker or oven
4. Various tools for preparing and stuffing the casings

With the right venison, spices, and tools, you’re ready to make delicious deer snack sticks. They’ll be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Preparing the Venison and Fat

Before you start making your own venison snack sticks, you need to get the ingredients ready. First, remove any silver skin or connective tissue from the venison. This makes the meat grind smoothly and prevents it from being chewy.

Then, put both the venison and pork fat in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Freezing them makes grinding easier. It also keeps the fat from melting too soon.

• Trim any silver skin or connective tissue from the venison
• Place the venison and pork fat in the freezer for 1-2 hours before grinding
• Chilling the ingredients helps firm them up and prevents the fat from melting

By preparing the venison and fat well, you’re on your way to making tasty snack sticks. This step ensures the meat grinds evenly. It also helps the fat mix well with the lean meat.

Creating the Seasoning Blend

Making the perfect seasoning blend is crucial for tasty homemade deer snack sticks. You’ll need to mix different spices and seasonings. These include:

• Salt
• Pink curing salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Coriander
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

It’s important to mix the seasoning blend well before adding it to the meat. This makes sure the spices and herbs are spread out evenly. This way, every bite of the deer snack stick will taste great.

Experts say the fat to lean meat ratio for meat sticks should be 15-25% fat and 85-75% lean. For venison sticks, a 50/50 mix of venison and pork trim with 50% fat is best.

By making the right seasoning mix for your deer snack sticks, you’ll create a delicious snack. It will surely impress your friends and family.

Grinding and Mixing the Meat

To make the best venison snack sticks, start by grinding the meat right. Chill your venison and pork fat first. Then, grind them through a meat grinder with a medium plate. This makes a coarse, even grind perfect for snack sticks.

Next, mix the seasoned meat well. This makes sure the spices are spread out evenly. This step is key for a tasty snack stick.

Tips for Proper Grinding

• Use a meat grinder with a medium-sized plate (around 3/8″) for the first pass.
• For the second pass, switch to a smaller plate (around 3/16″) to achieve a finer, more consistent grind.
• Grind the venison and pork fat together to achieve the proper meat-to-fat ratio, typically 75-85% lean meat to 15-25% fat.

Mixing the Ground Meat Mixture

After grinding, you might need to add a bit of water. This helps get the right texture and moisture. Mix the ground meat well until the spices are spread out evenly.

This makes sure every bite tastes the same. It’s important for a great snack stick flavor.

Stuffing the Casings

Making homemade deer snack sticks is fun. The casing type and stuffing method are key. You can pick collagen or natural casings for different tastes.

Types of Casings for Snack Sticks

• Collagen Casings: These are easy to use and don’t need soaking. They make your snack sticks look and feel the same.
• Natural Casings: From animal intestines, they offer a real “snapping” feel. They need more prep but add a special touch.

Techniques for Stuffing Casings

Choose a sausage stuffer for any casing. It fills them evenly and slowly. You can make long sticks or short links, as you like.

Choosing the right casing and stuffing method makes tasty deer snack sticks. Your friends and family will love them.

Smoking or Cooking the Deer Snack Sticks

When making smoking deer snack sticks, you can choose cold or hot smoking. Each way has its own good points and things to think about.

Cold Smoking vs. Hot Smoking

Cold smoking happens at temperatures below 100°F. It lets the meat soak up smoky flavor for a long time. This makes the deer snack sticks taste deep and smoky, keeping them tender.

Hot smoking, with temperatures from 150-200°F, cooks the sticks to 150-165°F. This method makes sure the meat is cooked right and safe to eat. It also adds a nice smoky taste.

Temperature Guidelines for Smoking

It’s key to keep the right temperature, no matter your smoking choice. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The sticks need to be 150-165°F to be fully cooked and safe.

By controlling the temperature and checking the internal temperature, you can make sure your deer snack sticks are perfect. They’ll be ready for everyone to enjoy.

Finishing and Storing the Snack Sticks

After smoking the deer snack sticks perfectly, it’s time to cool, chill, and store them. Handling and storing them right is key. This keeps your homemade treats fresh and tasty.

Cooling and Chilling the Smoked Sticks

Let the deer snack sticks cool down slowly at room temperature after smoking. This helps keep the flavors and textures in. For quicker chilling, dip the sticks briefly in an ice bath.

Packaging and Storage Options

Once the snack sticks are cool, cut them to your liking. Then, package them for storage. Keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for 2 months. Good packaging and storage keep your deer snack sticks tasty and fresh.

deer snack stick recipe

Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this delectable homemade deer snack stick recipe! These treats are bursting with savory flavor. They are the perfect high-protein snack for any outdoor enthusiast or jerky lover.

The key to creating the perfect deer snack sticks lies in the perfect balance of lean venison and rich pork fat. The recommended ratio is 70% venison and 30% pork fat. This provides the ideal texture and flavor profile. Start with 3 pounds of boneless venison and 2 pounds of pork trim with a 50% fat content.

To season your homemade deer snack sticks, you’ll need a blend of spices. This includes garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and your choice of other aromatic herbs and seasonings. Mix the ground meat with the seasoning until it’s evenly distributed. Then, stuff the mixture into 21mm collagen casings for a professional-looking finish.

1. Grind the venison and pork fat through a 3/8″ plate, then re-grind the mixture using a 3/16″ plate for the ideal texture.
2. Mix the ground meat with the seasoning blend until well combined.
3. Stuff the seasoned meat mixture into 21mm collagen casings.
4. Smoke or cook the snack sticks at 145-150°F for the first hour, then increase the temperature to 170°F until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F.
5. Cool the cooked snack sticks in an ice bath for 10 minutes, then cut to desired lengths and vacuum seal for storage.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the rich, savory flavor of homemade deer snack sticks anytime. Whether you’re hitting the trail or simply craving a tasty protein-packed snack, these homemade treats are sure to hit the spot.

Variations and Customizations

The basic deer snack stick recipe is tasty. But, you can add your own twist. Try different flavors to make snack sticks that you love.

Adding Cheese or Other Ingredients

Adding shredded cheese makes snack sticks even better. Use cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a cheesy flavor. You can also add dehydrated cherries, habanero peppers, or maple syrup for a unique taste.

Adjusting Spice Levels and Flavors

Change the spice levels to make snack sticks your own. Add more or less black pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings. Try Cajun, Southwestern, or Italian flavors for different tastes.

Homemade deer snack sticks are all about trying new things. Experiment with ingredients to find your favorite flavors. It’s fun and rewarding to make snack sticks that you love.

Tips for Perfect Snack Sticks Every Time

Making tasty deer snack sticks is easy. Just follow a few simple tips for the best texture and flavor. Here’s how to make your homemade venison snack sticks stand out.

Preparing the Meat and Fat

Getting the meat and fat ready right is key. Chill the venison and pork fat well before grinding. Aim for 15-25% fat and 75-85% lean meat. A 50/50 mix of venison and pork trim with 50% fat is best.

Seasoning the Mixture

It’s important to mix the seasonings well into the meat. Use seasonings like No.765 Honey BBQ or No.491 Seven Pepper. Add just the right amount of water to keep the sticks perfect.

Smoking and Cooking

Watch the smoking or cooking closely for the best flavor. Start at 145-150°F and go up to 170°F. Stop when the sticks hit 150°F inside.

Cooling and Chilling

After cooking, cool and chill the sticks right. Soak them in ice water for 10 minutes. This helps them firm up for that great snap.

By following these steps, you’ll make perfect deer snack sticks every time. Enjoy the tasty fruits of your labor!

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Treats

When your deer snack sticks are done, you can enjoy them in many ways. They’re great for hiking, camping, or just on the move. But why not also serve them on a charcuterie board? Add cheeses, crackers, and tasty dipping sauces for a fun twist.

Snack Stick Pairings and Dipping Sauces

The taste of your homemade deer snack sticks goes well with many things. Try different dipping sauces to find your favorites. Here are a few ideas:

• Tangy honey mustard
• Cool and creamy ranch
• Zesty barbecue sauce
• Rich and indulgent cheese dip

These pairings make your snack sticks even better. They add variety and excitement to your snacks. Get creative and find new flavors to love.

Enjoy the taste of your homemade deer snack sticks. Try different pairings and sauces to make your snacks even better. These treats are perfect for any time and place!

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting to make homemade deer snack sticks? You might have some questions. We’ve got answers to some common ones about this tasty treat.

Can I Use Other Meats Besides Venison?

Yes, you can! While venison is common, you can try beef or pork too. The taste and texture might change. Adjust your seasonings and curing process.

How Do I Adjust the Recipe for Different Batch Sizes?

Keep the meat-to-fat ratio the same when you scale up the recipe. Double the ingredients for a bigger batch. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

What If the Snack Sticks Turn Out Too Dry or Too Moist?

Too dry? You might have cooked them too long or used too little fat. Too moist? Adjust the cooking time. Finding the right texture takes practice.

How Long Do Homemade Snack Sticks Last in Storage?

Stored right, they last 2-3 weeks in the fridge or 3-6 months in the freezer. Keep them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.

Can I Freeze the Uncooked Meat Mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meat mixture. It saves time for later use. Use it within 3-6 months for best taste and quality.

For any issues, focus on the recipe details and adjust as needed. With practice, you’ll make delicious snack sticks. Happy snacking!

For more info on making deer snack sticks, check out the Backwoods Original Snack Stick Seasoning or explore spicy venison and cheddar snack sticks.

Conclusion

This guide has given you all you need to make tasty deer snack sticks at home. Follow the steps and use the tips to make a healthier snack. Making your own snack sticks is rewarding. You can pick the ingredients and flavors you like.

There are many benefits to making your own snack sticks. You avoid additives and preservatives found in store-bought snacks. You can also change the spice levels and flavors to your liking.

So, get your supplies ready and start making your own deer snack sticks. They’re great for hunting trips, backyard gatherings, or a quick snack. Enjoy the fun of making your own tasty snack sticks and the satisfaction of your hard work.