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Homemade turkey jerky displayed on a rustic wooden table.

Turkey Jerky

A nostalgic and flavorful recipe for turkey jerky that brings families together, featuring a savory marinade and homemade preparation.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb turkey breast Trim away visible fat before slicing.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar Feel free to substitute with maple syrup.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional) Hickory flavor recommended.
  • 1/4 tsp curing salt (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is glossy and the brown sugar is dissolved.
  • Trim away all visible fat from the turkey breast and slice into 1/4 inch strips for consistent drying.
  • Coat the turkey strips in the marinade thoroughly, then transfer everything into a ziplock bag, squeeze out the air, and seal tightly.

Marinating

  • Refrigerate the ziplock bag, allowing the turkey to marinate for 12 to 24 hours for richer flavors.
  • After marinating, strain the excess marinade using a colander.

Drying

  • Lay the turkey strips evenly on dehydrator trays without touching each other.
  • Set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature and dehydrate for about 4 to 6 hours, checking for doneness around the 3.5-hour mark.
  • The jerky is done when it bends and cracks, but does not break in half.

Notes

Store jerky in an airtight container or vacuum seal. Enjoy within a couple of weeks for the best flavor and texture. Variations include adding spices like crushed red pepper or experimenting with different marinades.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 1gSodium: 350mgSugar: 1g
Keyword Dehydrator Recipes, Family Recipe, Healthy Snack, Homemade Jerky, Turkey Jerky
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