Transform lean venison into savory, smoky bites with this delicious smoked venison jerky recipe. Perfect for outdoor adventures, hiking, or as a protein-packed snack, this jerky is easy to make and packed with flavor. With a blend of savory sauces and spices, it’s a delicious way to preserve venison while enjoying a satisfying, nutritious treat.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs venison, trimmed and sliced thin (about 1/4-inch thick) 🦌
- 1/3 cup soy sauce 🌿
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 🍶
- 1 tbsp brown sugar 🍬
- 1 tbsp honey 🍯
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
- 1 tsp black pepper 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 🔥
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 🌶️
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 🍏
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for added smokiness) 💨
- 1/4 cup water 💧
Instructions
1️⃣ Slice the Venison:
Slice the venison into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick, against the grain. The thinner the slices, the quicker and easier they dry.
2️⃣ Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. Mix well.
3️⃣ Marinate the Venison:
Place the venison strips in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight works best) to allow the flavors to infuse.
4️⃣ Preheat the Smoker:
Set your smoker to 160-175°F (70-80°C). For wood chips, hickory, mesquite, or applewood work great for jerky.
5️⃣ Smoke the Jerky:
Remove venison from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Lay the strips flat on the smoker racks, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky reaches the desired dryness. The jerky should be firm but not brittle.
6️⃣ Cool and Store:
Once smoked, let the jerky cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or vacuum seal and freeze for long-term storage.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Marinating Time: 12-24 hours
- Smoking Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours (plus marinating time)
Calories per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 70 kcal per ounce
Tips
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more cayenne for extra spice or honey for sweetness.
- For quicker prep, use a meat slicer to get consistent thickness in the venison strips.
- Check the jerky occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out too much.
Conclusion
Enjoy your flavorful, smoky venison jerky as a perfect snack for any occasion. This recipe not only makes the most of lean venison but also allows you to experiment with flavors to suit your palate. Whether you’re on a hike or just looking for a healthy snack at home, this jerky is sure to satisfy!
