Elk jerky is fast becoming one of the most popular snacks around, as well as being a favorite option for those who are looking at ways to keep a healthy diet. With its many flavors, low fat content, and delicious elk meat, it’s no surprise that elk jerky snacks are so appetizing. Whether you’re a seasoned jerky producer or you just want to try something different, elk jerky produced in a food dehydrator is fun to do and extremely satisfying. From choosing the best whole muscle elk meat to crafting a delicious marinade, with just the right combination of flavor and seasoning, here’s how you can make the best elk jerky that will have you, and all your taste testers, coming back for more.
This blog post will cover all you need to know to make tasty and nutritious elk jerky at home. From why low fat elk meat is a match for standard beef jerky, to why Rocky Mountain elk jerky is quite possibly the best jerky choice you can buy, there’s plenty of advice and knowledge to be shared and gained here on making tasty, savory, and textured jerky, every time.
Selecting the ideal meat for great flavor and texture
Preparing a delicious marinade with just the right spices
A food dehydrator to get it just right
Storing and packaging to keep it fresh
Where to buy quality elk jerky
Let’s get into the swing of things and learn how to turn fresh elk meat into something amazing, healthy, and delicious that will impress your taste buds and your snack habits.
The most important part of making excellent elk jerky is choosing the finest elk meat you can source. When looking for your elk meat, you want to look for low fat elk meat, in the form of whole muscle elk meat, for the best texture and flavor. Whole muscle elk meat will guarantee your jerky is full of flavor and has a chewy texture without being too tough to enjoy. Original elk jerky normally contains high quality cuts with an intense flavor.
Unless you’re the one who hunts your own elk, you may want to search “elk jerky for sale” from trusted suppliers who can provide the freshest cuts. Many people claim Rocky Mountain elk jerky is quite possibly the best jerky you can buy, thanks to the natural diet of the elk and the untouched environment of the Rocky Mountain Region. Elk beef jerky flavor can change depending on what the animal eats and its age but normally muscle elk meat will provide a tender and delicious finish.
A great place to find your meat is from a trusted local butcher or specialty meat store that provide fresh lean cuts. Alternatively, venison meat or even buffalo meat can be used as alternatives if your area doesn’t support elk meat easily. Although if you want to experience the unique flavor, genuine elk meat is best. Look for cuts like the round or sirloin for example, which are lean and perfect for jerky.
When you’re ready to make your own jerky at home, always check the elk meat for any signs of spoilage or for excess fat, leaner cuts will produce the best texture and flavor. A good marinade and seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the meat to make excellent, savory jerky that’ll have you coming back time and time again. With the ideal choice of elk meat, you’re on the way to making good jerky that’ll impress any beef jerky lover.
When it comes to making the best elk jerky, you want to start with quality, lean elk meat. Elk meat is naturally low in fat, making it an ideal choice for a low fat snack. To make the most flavorful and delicious jerky, you’ll need to marinade the whole muscle elk meat thoroughly. Here are some ingredients you’ll need to consider for your deer jerky marinade:
Soy Sauce: A classic addition that brings a rich, salty taste and provides a great foundation for your marinade.
Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce is known for its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors which complement the elk meat nicely.
Brown Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way and brown sugar helps balance out the salt and create that nice caramelization.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add those nice savory flavors that make this jerky so hard to stop eating.
Liquid Smoke: Since this jerky isn’t made in a smoker, the liquid smoke helps give it that smoked elk jerky flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes and Cayenne: If you like a little heat, the spicy kick from these two spices can really add something to your jerky.
Hot Sauce: A little hot sauce can add nice tangy and spicy flavors that balance out the other flavors in the jerky.
Ground Coriander: This spice has citrus and floral notes that go well with the strong taste of elk.
When it comes to making a marinade for elk meat, you want to find a balance of flavors that go well with lean elk meat in order to make the best elk jerky possible. When you’re slicing the meat for jerky, whole muscle elk meat, you want to make sure that the flavors are balanced in order to make great jerky. Typically a mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors can enhance the natural taste of the elk.
You can start by using the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce as your base ingredients. A little brown sugar as sweetness can help balance out the saltiness and it will also help create that nice caramelization. Garlic powder, onion powder, and a little black pepper will add other savory flavors and if you like a little heat, you can make peppered elk jerky by adding red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper.
Many jerky makers absolutely love to add liquid smoke in order to create that traditional smoked elk jerky taste. If you want your jerky to have that smoky flavor, this is the ingredient you want to add if you don’t want to go to all the trouble of smoking the Elk meat. Many elk jerky companies that sell elk jerky for sale do this very thing.
You can always experiment with other spices in order to create original elk jerky that you’ll enjoy. For example, you can try white pepper which adds that heat without an intense flavor. Some people even claim that a little ground coriander pays off big. Of course, you can always marinate the meat for at least 12 hours, but often times 24 hours is better in order to infuse the flavors deeper into the meat.
When you find the marinade you like, think about the overall texture and chew of the final jerky product. You can always add a little more liquid to your marinade in order to tenderize the meat and create that delicious and tasty jerky we all love. Whether you’re marinating meat for Rocky Mountain elk jerky or you’re trying a new marinade for the first time, the right seasonings can make all the difference between a successful jerky making experience or another disappointment.
A food dehydrator is a great way to prepare elk jerky and will guarantee your next jerky adventure will be the right amount of delicious and chewy. First, you want to start with whole muscle elk meat. This lean meat is perfect for crafting delicious jerky with little fat.
Next, take your lean elk meat and cut it into thin strips that are as equal in size as you possibly can. Now, you might be asking, with the grain or against the grain? The advantage of cutting against the grain is that it will be tender when you chew it. The traditional, tougher jerky is the result of cutting with the grain. It’s your call.
Third, soak the elk meat in a mix of your favorite spices and seasonings. To keep it traditional, you can create an original elk jerky soak using a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. For those who like just a little more heat, you can create a peppered elk using white pepper and a similar combination, minus the black pepper.
After the meat has soaked thoroughly, place the strips on the dehydrator trays in a single layer. You do not want the strips overlapping or else they will not dry out evenly. Once the strips are neatly organized, set the dehydrator to 160°F and let it do its thing. It will take about eight hours for the meat to fully dehydrate into jerky. Check the jerky throughout the process to guarantee it will be to your liking.
There are those who only eat smoked elk jerky and argue it’s the best kind of all. If you own a smoker, you can either use it in place of the dehydrator or in addition to it. You can place the meat in the smoker for a bit before moving it to the dehydrator to finish drying. This will give the jerky a smoky taste some people love.
When it’s all said and done, the elk jerky you made should be flexible, but not easily breakable.
Once you’ve created your delicious batch of elk jerky, proper storage and packaging are crucial to maintaining its flavor and texture. Elk jerky, like smoked elk jerky and original elk jerky, benefits from being stored properly to ensure the best jerky experience every time you reach for a piece.
First, make sure the jerky is completely cooled after dehydrating. Packing warm jerky can create condensation, leading to unwanted moisture that might spoil the meat. For short-term storage, place the jerky in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will keep it fresh and chewy for a week or two. If you find it irresistible and finish it before then, you’ll have no issues.
For longer-term storage, consider vacuum-sealing the jerky. Vacuum-sealed packages remove air, which is key to preventing spoilage. This technique can extend the shelf life up to several months when stored in a cool, dark place. If you have made a large batch or intend to give it as a gift, vacuum-sealed jerky is a fantastic option. It’s also a great way to share the amazing taste of your homemade elk jerky with friends and family.
For those who prefer convenience or need fast shipping options for gifts, buying elk jerky for sale from reputable sellers can be a good alternative. Companies that sell original elk jerky and various flavors like peppered elk guarantee that their products are seasoned and packaged to perfection.
Pro Tip: If you initially ordered a large quantity or made an extra batch for a big event, freezing the jerky is another great way to preserve its taste and texture. Divide your jerky into meal-sized portions, vacuum-seal them, and store them in the freezer. This method ensures you always have a supply of tasty jerky on hand.
To savor the full flavor of your jerky, allow it to come to room temperature before eating. Whether you prefer the simplicity of original elk or the kick of peppered elk, proper storage and packaging will ensure that your hard work creating this tasty treat is not wasted.
There are a multitude of places to buy elk jerky for sale online these days, but not all places to purchase elk jerky are created equal. To ensure you get the best elk jerky there is, here are several top places to purchase everything from original elk jerky to smoked elk jerky to peppered elk:
Jerky.com: Jerky.com offers wild game jerky among its top choices. They have an outstanding selection of original Elk jerky, Rocky Mountain elk jerky, and lean elk meat products. All of the flavors are excellent and they are seasoning and preservatives-free.
Mountain America Jerky: Mountain America Jerky offers an offering of whole muscle elk meat that is guaranteed to be chewy and delicious. They also offer additional selections including smoked elk jerky and peppered elk for those who love variety. Customers enjoy their fast shipping feature and the option to purchase gift packages.
Buffalo Bills: Although Buffalo Bills jerky is primarily known for its buffalo and beef data-color=”transparent” style=”background-color: transparent;color: inherit”> selections, they also offer an exceptional selection of lean elk meat that is ideal for consumption as elk jerky is a great protein, low cholesterol snack for the whole family. Their elk jerky comes to you fresh and expertly seasoned.
Elk jerky made in the comfort of your own home with the aid of a food dehydrator is a healthy snack no matter what the time of year and allows you to customize the flavor to your personal preferences. When made properly with the right ingredients, you really can’t beat a tasty and healthy snack.
Regardless of your preference whether it’s mild peppered elk or savory smoked elk jerky, making jerky at home is a fun and fulfilling experience. The whole muscle elk meat will ensure you get the best quality jerky and you have complete control over the seasoning and marinade.
For individuals who may not have the time or the means to prepare their own jerky, they can always purchase one made of high quality ingredients. Jerky.com, Mountain America Jerky, and Buffalo Bills are among companies that offer a wide selection of products ranging from original elk jerky to Rocky Mountain elk jerky. They offer excellent fast shipping for your convenience.
Elk jerky can also be given as a gift to loved ones especially now that the holiday Christmas season is here. Your friends and family will definitely appreciate the thought when they receive a package of well seasoned and tasty jerky. Nothing is more thoughtful than something tasty.
Whether you decide to prepare your own jerky or source it from a trusted supplier, you’re assured of a great tasting snack that’s high in protein and low in fat. Enjoy the fun and art of making your own jerky and relish the wonderful taste of properly prepared elk meat!
