Smoky Cajun Venison Jerky
After an incredible deer season, my son and I found ourselves with a bounty of venison in the freezer. In our quest to create the perfect snack, we stumbled upon this Smoky Cajun Jerky recipe that combines bold flavors and a satisfying chew. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of smoky liquid smoke transforms simple ground venison into a delightful treat that's perfect for hunting trips, outdoor adventures, or just a hearty snack at home. Whether enjoyed on a hike or for game day, this jerky is sure to impress friends and family alike.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Venison
2 lbs (None)
Cajun Seasoning
1/4 cup (None)
Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 cup (None)
Liquid Smoke
1/4 cup (None)
Black Pepper
1 tablespoon (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
After marinating, use a jerky gun fitted with your preferred nozzle to squeeze the mixture onto dehydrator trays. Aim for approximately 1-inch wide strips for even drying.
4
Set your dehydrator to 156°F (70°C) and dehydrate the jerky for 6 to 6.5 hours or until it reaches your desired level of dryness and chewiness.
5
If using a top-down dehydrator, rotate the trays every two hours for even drying.
6
Once fully dehydrated, allow the jerky to cool. Store it in zip lock bags or an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Smoky Cajun Venison Jerky?
The main protein used in this recipe is 2 lbs of ground venison.
What gives this jerky its Cajun flavor?
The flavor comes from 1/4 cup of Cajun seasoning mixed directly into the ground meat.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce.
Is liquid smoke used in this venison jerky recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of liquid smoke is added to provide a savory, smoky profile.
How much black pepper should I add?
You should add 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How long should the meat mixture be refrigerated before dehydrating?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
What equipment is used to shape the jerky?
A jerky gun fitted with your preferred nozzle is used to squeeze the mixture onto trays.
What is the recommended width for the jerky strips?
Aim for strips that are approximately 1-inch wide for even drying.
What temperature should the dehydrator be set to?
Set your dehydrator to 156 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dehydration process take?
It typically takes between 6 to 6.5 hours depending on your desired dryness.
Should I rotate the dehydrator trays?
If you are using a top-down dehydrator, you should rotate the trays every two hours.
How do I know when the jerky is finished?
The jerky is done when it reaches your preferred level of dryness and chewiness.
How should Smoky Cajun Venison Jerky be stored?
Store the cooled jerky in zip lock bags or an airtight container for maximum freshness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor activities?
Yes, it is perfect for hunting trips, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
Can I use whole muscle venison instead of ground?
This specific recipe is designed for ground venison to be used with a jerky gun.
What is the preparation required for the ground venison?
There is no specific preparation needed for the ground meat other than mixing it with seasonings.
Is the black pepper specifically supposed to be freshly ground?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Does the jerky need to cool before storage?
Yes, you should allow the jerky to cool completely before placing it in a container.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, it is noted as a great treat for game days to impress friends and family.
How many total ingredients are in this jerky?
There are 5 main ingredients: ground venison, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and black pepper.
Is this jerky spicy?
Yes, the combination of Cajun seasoning and black pepper provides a bold and spicy flavor.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
What happens if I don't refrigerate the meat long enough?
The recipe recommends at least 8 hours so that the flavors can properly meld into the meat.
Are there any sugars or carbohydrates listed in the nutrition info?
The provided nutrition data lists these values as null, though the sauces may contain trace amounts.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The profile is described as smoky and bold with Cajun spices.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe is written for venison, the seasoning blend could work for other ground meats like beef.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jerky, venison, snack, dehydrator, cajun, smoky, hunting, and protein-packed.
Is this a high-protein snack?
Yes, venison is a lean, protein-packed meat, making this an excellent high-protein snack.