Zesty Spicy Venison Jerky
This Zesty Spicy Venison Jerky recipe is a labor of love that is sure to become a cherished favorite on game day or anytime you crave a hearty snack. Even if you're not a hunter, you can enjoy the delightful taste of venison with this flavorful, homemade jerky. The combination of sweet brown sugar, rich soy sauce, and the heat from Sambal Oelek creates a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. With just a few hours of marinating and a little patience while it dries, you'll have a batch of jerky that disappears quickly—a great conversation starter for your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
156
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
venison
1 lb (sliced thin)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (none)
garlic and red chile paste (Sambal Oelek)
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and Sambal Oelek. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
2
Thinly slice the venison against the grain to ensure tenderness. For best results, freeze the meat for about 1-2 hours before slicing to make it easier to cut.
3
Place the sliced venison in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure that each piece is well coated.
4
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
5
Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (about 160°F or 70°C) or prepare your dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6
Arrange the marinated meat slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on dehydrator trays.
7
Dry the venison in the oven or dehydrator for approximately 6 to 8 hours, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the jerky is firm and cracks when bent but isn't brittle.
8
Once done, remove from the oven or dehydrator and let it cool. Store the jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Venison Jerky?
It is a flavorful, homemade snack made from marinated venison that is dried in an oven or dehydrator.
What are the main ingredients for this jerky?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of venison, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of garlic and red chile paste (Sambal Oelek).
How much venison do I need?
This recipe requires 1 lb of venison.
What is the best way to slice the venison?
The venison should be sliced thin and against the grain to ensure the resulting jerky is tender.
Is there a trick to making venison easier to slice?
Yes, freezing the meat for about 1-2 hours before slicing makes it much easier to cut into thin pieces.
How do I prepare the marinade?
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and Sambal Oelek, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
How long should the meat marinate?
The venison should marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor profile.
What is the recommended oven temperature for drying?
Set your oven to the lowest possible setting, which is approximately 160°F or 70°C.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, you can prepare the jerky in a dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How should the meat be arranged for drying?
Arrange the marinated meat slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on dehydrator trays.
How long does it take for the jerky to dry?
The drying process takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Do I need to flip the jerky while it is drying?
Yes, you should flip the pieces halfway through the drying process.
How can I tell when the jerky is finished?
The jerky is done when it is firm and cracks when bent, but is not so dry that it becomes brittle.
How should I store the finished jerky?
Once cooled, store the jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 156 calories.
Is this jerky considered high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high protein snack.
Is this recipe suitable for a low carb diet?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as low carb.
What flavor does Sambal Oelek add?
Sambal Oelek provides heat and a rich garlic and red chile flavor to the jerky.
Can I make this if I am not a hunter?
Absolutely, anyone can enjoy the delightful taste of venison with this homemade jerky recipe.
What makes this jerky 'zesty'?
The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and spicy Sambal Oelek creates its zesty profile.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
Is soy sauce a major component?
Yes, 1/2 cup of soy sauce is used to provide a rich, salty base for the marinade.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include jerky, spicy, venison, snack, dehydrated, homemade, high protein, low carb, and game meat.
How many ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of three main ingredients: brown sugar, soy sauce, and Sambal Oelek.
Is this a good snack for game day?
Yes, it is described as a cherished favorite for game day and a great conversation starter for gatherings.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
You should use parchment paper to line your baking sheet.
Can I vacuum seal the jerky?
Yes, vacuum-sealed bags are an excellent option for storing the jerky.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and Sambal Oelek in a medium mixing bowl.
Is the venison supposed to be brittle?
No, it should be firm and crack when bent, but not brittle.
How long do I let it cool after drying?
You should let the jerky cool completely before moving it to a storage container.