Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

Venison jalapeño snack sticks are a fantastic protein-packed snack with the bold, savory flavor of venison and a kick of spicy jalapeños. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, camping trip, or just enjoying them at home, these sticks are the perfect on-the-go treat. The smoky, spicy flavor, combined with the rich taste of venison, makes them a unique and satisfying option for any snack lover.

Ingredients for Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

• 3 lbs ground venison 🦌
• 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely chopped 🌶️
• 1 cup ice-cold water 💧
• 2 tsp kosher salt 🧂
• 1 tbsp garlic powder 🧄
• 1 tbsp onion powder 🧅
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• 1 tsp black pepper 🌶️
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) 🔥
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp curing salt (optional, for longer storage)
• Collagen casings (for forming the sticks)

Directions for Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

1. Prepare the Venison Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, finely chopped jalapeños, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and curing salt (if using). Add ice-cold water and thoroughly mix until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. The ice water helps keep the mixture moist and easier to work with.

2. Stuff the Casings

Rinse the collagen casings with cold water and load them onto a sausage stuffer. Carefully stuff the venison mixture into the casings, making thin, even snack sticks. Twist or tie the ends as needed. Make sure the casings are evenly filled, with minimal air pockets.

3. Refrigerate

Lay the stuffed snack sticks on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for 12-24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and, if using curing salt, helps preserve the snack sticks. The refrigeration period enhances the texture and taste, making them more flavorful.

4. Smoke or Bake

Preheat your smoker to 170°F (75°C). Place the snack sticks on the smoker grates and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake them in the oven at the same temperature. Add liquid smoke to the recipe for a similar smoky flavor. Slow, low-temperature cooking is essential to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

5. Cool and Store

Once the snack sticks have finished cooking, let them cool completely. Cut them into snack-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sticks in sealed containers or freezer bags.

6. Enjoy!

Your spicy venison jalapeño snack sticks are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether at home or on the go, these snacks offer a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Refrigeration Time: 12-24 hours
• Smoking/Baking Time: 3-4 hours

Total Time

• Total Time: Approximately 16-28 hours (including refrigeration time)

Kcal Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving (based on a standard snack-size portion)

Tips for Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

• Venison Alternatives: While venison offers a unique and lean flavor, you can use other game meats like elk or bison for a similar taste. However, venison’s low fat content is key to this Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks recipe’s distinctiveness.
• Spice Level: You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of these spicy ingredients.
• Curing Salt: Adding curing salt is optional but recommended if you want to extend the storage life of the snack sticks. It also gives them the classic, cured meat texture and flavor.
• Smoker vs Oven: If you don’t have a smoker, baking with liquid smoke added to the Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks recipe will give the snack sticks a smoky flavor without needing special equipment.

Benefits of Spicy Venison Jalapeño Snack Sticks

• High Protein: Venison is a lean meat rich in protein, making these snack sticks a perfect post-workout snack or on-the-go source of energy.
• Low in Fat: Compared to many traditional snack sticks, venison contains significantly less fat while still providing a rich, hearty flavor.
• Portable and Convenient: These snack sticks are easy to pack for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or long road trips. Their shelf life can be extended with curing salt, making them a great travel snack.
• Customizable Heat: The recipe allows for easy customization of spiciness to suit your personal preference, so whether you like it mild or fiery, you can make it your own.

Conclusion

Spicy venison jalapeño snack sticks are a tasty, protein-rich treat that combines the gamey, lean flavor of venison with the fiery heat of jalapeños. These snack sticks are perfect for outdoor adventures, post-workout fuel, or casual snacking at home. By following this recipe, you can create a flavorful, portable snack that’s high in protein, low in fat, and full of bold, smoky flavor. Enjoy these savory sticks on the go or as part of your charcuterie spread!

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