Spicy Island Turkey Jerky Delight
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this Spicy Island Turkey Jerky Delight! Marinated in a vibrant medley of traditional jerk spices, this jerky recipe balances the perfect amount of heat and flavor. The key ingredients such as soy sauce and citrus juices bring depth to the turkey breast, while a kick of cayenne and black pepper satisfies those craving a spicy snack. Perfectly sliced turkey breast is dehydrated to create a chewy, savory treat that’s ideal for on-the-go snacking, hiking, or adding to your lunch. With a little bit of patience and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious high-protein snack that’s bound to impress! Prep time includes an overnight marinating period, ensuring the turkey absorbs all those incredible flavors.
8
Servings
81
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey breast
1 1/2 lbs (sliced about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thick and cut into strips)
Soy sauce or tamari soy sauce
4 tablespoons (liquid)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Lime juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Brown sugar
1 teaspoon (packed)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large plastic zipper bag, combine soy sauce (or tamari), lemon juice, lime juice, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground allspice, and garlic powder to create the marinade.
2
Add the sliced turkey breast to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
3
If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set it up for turkey jerky.
4
For oven drying, cover a baking rack with aluminum foil to catch drips, then preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C). Arrange the marinated turkey strips on the foil-lined rack in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
5
Prop the oven door open slightly with an oven mitt to allow moisture to escape, which will aid in the dehydration process.
6
Start checking the turkey jerky after about 4 hours. It usually takes between 4 and 4.5 hours to fully dehydrate at 170°F (77°C). The jerky should be firm and slightly chewy, without being brittle.
7
Once done, remove the turkey jerky from the oven (or dehydrator) and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
1.6g
Fat
3.6g
Carbs
11g
Protein
0.1g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Island Turkey Jerky Delight?
It is a Caribbean-inspired snack made from lean turkey breast marinated in traditional jerk spices and dehydrated until chewy and savory.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The recipe features a vibrant medley of soy sauce, citrus juices, brown sugar, and aromatic spices like allspice and garlic.
Which meat is best for this jerky?
Turkey breast is the recommended meat, sliced between 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick for the best texture.
Can I use a soy sauce alternative?
Yes, tamari soy sauce can be used as a direct substitute for traditional soy sauce.
How much turkey do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of turkey breast.
What provides the heat in the Spicy Island jerky?
The heat comes from a combination of cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper.
What citrus juices are included in the marinade?
Both freshly squeezed lemon juice and lime juice are used to add depth and brightness.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is included in the marinade for added flavor.
What spice gives it the 'island' characteristic?
Ground allspice is the key traditional jerk spice used to provide that authentic Caribbean taste.
How long should the turkey marinate?
The turkey should be refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse the meat.
What is the suggested oven temperature for dehydration?
The oven should be preheated to 170°F (77°C) for the drying process.
Can I use a food dehydrator?
Yes, you can follow your manufacturer's specific instructions to use a dehydrator instead of an oven.
How should I arrange the turkey for drying?
Arrange the strips in a single layer on a foil-lined rack, ensuring that no pieces overlap.
Why should the oven door be propped open?
Propping the door open slightly with an oven mitt allows moisture to escape, which speeds up the dehydration process.
How long does the dehydration process take in the oven?
It typically takes between 4 and 4.5 hours at 170°F (77°C).
What is the ideal texture for the finished jerky?
The jerky should be firm and slightly chewy, but it should not be brittle.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 81 calories.
Is this jerky high in protein?
Yes, it is a high-protein snack providing 11g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
It contains a very small amount of fiber, approximately 0.1g per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 1.25g of sugar per serving.
Is brown sugar necessary?
Brown sugar is used to balance the heat and acidity, and 1 teaspoon of packed brown sugar is required.
How should I store the jerky once it is done?
Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Should the jerky be cooled before storage?
Yes, you should let the turkey jerky cool completely before placing it in a container.
Is this snack suitable for hiking?
Yes, it is an ideal on-the-go snack for hiking, lunches, or general protein-rich snacking.
Can I use frozen turkey breast?
Yes, but ensure it is completely thawed before slicing and marinating.
What type of bag is best for marinating?
A large plastic zipper bag is recommended for easy coating and sealing.
What preparation is needed for the baking rack?
You should cover the baking rack with aluminum foil to catch any drips during the drying process.