If you like tasty, protein-rich snacks, then making your own venison jerky will be time well spent and a delicious adventure. Venison already has such a deep, distinctive taste that it lends itself to almost any jerky marinade you can think of, and is the choice of meat for most jerky connoisseurs. In this blog, we’re going to dive right into the wonderful realm of venison jerky marinades and give you all the tips and recipes you’ll need to take your fresh venison and turn it into delicious jerky. From the classic, robust, and smoky; to the more exotic and spicy, we’ll talk you through each step, and give you some great ideas and recipes for your own venison jerky, so don’t don’t put that apron away just yet! There’s a whole world of venison jerky just waiting to be made!
General Ingredients for Venison Jerky Marinades
When crafting your own venison jerky marinades, it’s all about striking the right flavor balance to complement the rich meat. One ingredient you cannot skip is soy sauce. It will give your marinade a salty core and subtle umami flavor lurking underneath. To introduce some sweetness into your jerky, and also aid in the caramelization of its edges, try adding either some brown sugar or honey. They both introduce complex sweetness and also help preserve the snack.
Moving on, add some Worcestershire sauce to give your marinade a tangy, savory, and slightly fruity dimension. It pairs so well with the gamey taste of venison and a few drops can really make a big difference in the overall taste of your marinade. And if you like spicy foods, don’t hesitate to add some crushed red pepper flakes or a little sprinkle of chipotle powder. They both add a spicy kick and a nice smoky note that can make your mouth water for days.
Smoked paprika or garlic powder are also excellent additions to your jerky recipes. The smokiness of paprika goes so well with venison and the garlic will give it a powerful punch of aromatic flavor. To introduce some acidity and balance out the rest of the ingredients, add a touch of apple cider vinegar or some lemon juice.
Lastly, you will need fresh ground black pepper and salt to complete your marinade. These simple seasonings may not seem very exciting, but they are the backbone of any good marinade and will help blend all the other ingredients together in perfect harmony. So by manipulating these few key ingredients, you can create a truly unforgettable venison jerky marinade that’s both rich and mouthwatering.
Sweet and Spicy Venison Jerky Marinade
The sweet and spicy venison jerky marinade, as the name suggests, is all about combining two opposite tastes that will excite your taste buds. In this recipe, the brown sugar and the red pepper flakes create a beautiful balance that will enhance the natural meatiness of the venison.
So to start off this bold and delicious marinade, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce – It will give your jerky a salty core and umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce – It will add more of that complex savory taste.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – The sweetness is essential to balance out the spicy and peppery notes.
- 2 tablespoons honey – It will add some more sweetness and help to tenderize the meat.
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes – This will add the desired spicy kick and heat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – It will add that lovely smoky note that pairs wonderfully with venison.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – It will give your jerky a powerful punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds more depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – It will add some heat and a subtle bite.
In a medium-sized bowl, add all the ingredients and mix them well with a whisk. The sugar won’t completely dissolve in this mixture, but make sure all the spices are well blended and that the liquid covers the venison strips evenly. This way every slice will soak up the needed amount of marinade and blend in the rich flavors harmoniously.
Take your venison strips and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mixture over the meat, turn the slices to coat evenly, seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the stronger and more developed the flavors will be.
This sweet and spicy marinade is just what you need if you like a good mix of heat and sweetness in your venison jerky. So give it a try and see how this wonderful combination can elevate your jerky-making to a whole new gourmet level.
Smoky BBQ Venison Jerky Marinade
If you’re more into that classic barbecue flavor profile, then this smoky BBQ venison jerky marinade is your best bet. This particular marinade has a lovely balance of smoky notes, sweet and tangy undertones, and a delicious savory depth that will really get those taste buds going. The secret to this amazing mix of flavors? It’s all in the choice and blend of certain key ingredients.
Start your smoky BBQ venison jerky marinade with the basic and most essential ingredients: soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. They will form the core of your marinade and add that rich umami flavor to the meat.
For some sweet complexity and balance, add the brown sugar and honey. The honey will help to tenderize the meat and caramelize on its surface during the dehydration, adding to the texture and taste of the jerky.
The smoky notes are brought in by the smoked paprika and the liquid smoke. Smoked paprika adds a light, earthy depth of flavor while the liquid smoke emulates the smoky atmosphere of a backyard barbecue and adds that intense smoky taste. A few drops of liquid smoke are enough to get the desired effect without altering the taste of the other ingredients.
For a good base and to add more depth of flavor, include garlic powder and onion powder. To add some gentle heat and finish off the marinade, sprinkle some ground pepper and chipotle powder.
To complete it, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to give a sharp, tangy note and cut through the richness and sweetness, and finally, squirt in your favorite barbecue sauce. It will blend perfectly with the other liquids and add that familiar and comforting barbeque flavor to your marinade.
Asian-Inspired Venison Jerky Marinade
If you’re in the mood for something different, something unique that will elevate your venison jerky to another level of deliciousness, then an Asian-inspired marinade might just be the thing you need. This particular combination of flavors will truly delight your palate with its sweet, savory, and umami notes. Here’s how you can make a marinade that will surely bring the flavors of the Orient to your next jerky batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need:*
- 1 cup soy sauce*
- ½ cup hoisin sauce*
- ¼ cup rice vinegar*
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil*
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar*
- 4 cloves garlic, minced*
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated*
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)*
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds*
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped*
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add all the wet ingredients – soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and sesame oil.
- Once the liquids are well mixed, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are blended together harmoniously.
- Pour your marinade over the sliced venison, and coat the pieces thoroughly. This will help ensure some of that wonderful layered flavor makes its way into the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or move the venison and marinade to a zip-lock bag. Put it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours if possible.
How Long Should You Marinate Venison Jerky?
The ideal length of time to marinate venison jerky is vital to producing that perfect blend of taste and tenderness. In most cases, we’d recommend you marinate your venison jerky for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours wherever possible. This gives the meat ample time to soak up some of the flavors from the marinade. Marinating your venison jerky for 48 hours will do nothing but good if you’re using a strong combination of seasonings or spices.
It’s vital to ensure the meat you’re marinating stays in the fridge the entire time to avoid any chance of bacteria. A Ziploc bag or contained vessel is recommended to ensure the marinade coats the meat thoroughly. We recommend turning or massaging the bag often to help with flavor distribution.
Some folks might say marinating for shorter periods, such as 4 to 6 hours, can produce equally pleasing results when time is of the essence. This method will work, particularly if you’re using a powerful venison jerky marinade, the flavors just won’t be as layered as a longer period marinating.
In short, allowing your venison to absorb that marinade for a day or two will greatly enhance the quality and ensure every bite is a pleasure. Always remember, when it comes to the marinating stage, patience is not only a virtue but the true difference between amateur and artisanal venison jerky production.
Storing and Preserving Venison Jerky
After you’ve produced the perfect venison jerky with your favorite venison jerky marinades, it’s important to ensure it’s stored and preserved correctly to avoid any change in flavor or texture. You’ll want to keep your venison jerky dry and isolated from moisture that could cause spoilage.
Airtight Containers: Airtight containers are one of the best and most common ways to store venison jerky. They isolate the meat from exposure to air which can dry it further and make it overly tough. Look to vacuum-sealed bags or mason jars with secure lids. If you’re a tech-geek meat connoisseur, consider investing in a vacuum sealer.
Cool, Dry Place: Once your airtight containers are procured, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. A pantry or cupboard, not exposed to direct sunlight will do perfectly. Heat and light exposure will negatively affect the jerky’s quality over time.
Refrigeration: Although venison jerky is considered shelf-stable, you can add an extra layer of protection by storing it in the fridge. This is especially useful if you live in a particularly humid location. Ensure the jerky is placed in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags before going into the fridge. Refrigerated, your jerky should last an additional month or so.
Freezing: If you’re looking to preserve your jerky for an extended period, freezing is the way to go. Ensure each piece is completely dry before freezing to avoid ice formation within the meat. Store the jerky in vacuum-sealed bags or freezer-safe containers. Frozen and properly stored jerky will keep for six months or so, all while preserving its great flavor and texture.
Monitor for Moisture: Keep an eye on your stored jerky and check for any moisture that could cause mold development. If you notice any form of condensation or unusual odors, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dispose of the offending jerky. The last thing you want is for it to cause any illness should it be consumed by the wrong person.
Conclusion: Improve Your Jerky With These Marinades
When it comes to taking your venison jerky to the next level, the art of the marinade is king. Each of the jerky marinade recipes presented in this guide offers a unique take on traditional flavors to ensure your jerky production is anything but boring. From the sweet and spicy flavors of the Sweet and Spicy Venison Jerky Marinade to the Smoky BBQ version’s deep and robust undertones, there’s a recipe to fit every taste.
And who could forget the exotic and flavourful Asian-Inspired Venison Jerky Marinade that combines soy, ginger, and garlic to take your taste buds to faraway lands. The venison jerky marinades will not only add great flavor to your homemade jerky but also help tenderize the meat for a succulent finish every time.
Just remember, it’s all in the marinade! Whether you prefer a shorter soak for a subtle infusion of flavor or a longer marinating period for a more robust bite, these recipes will adjust to fit your needs. Experiment and tinker with additional spices and herbs to make each recipe your own. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the process of creating something unique and delicious.
If you can master these marinades, you’ll be creating a gourmet snack that will impress and show off your prowess as a budding meat connoisseur. So, take a dip in the wonderful world of venison jerky marinades and explore the possibilities for your taste buds. Your jerky game will never be the same again!
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