How Long to Smoke Deer Jerky
How Long To Smoke Deer Jerky?
How long should I smoke my deer jerky?
Smoke the venison for 3 to 4 hours. It should be fully dry but still pliable. If your smoker cannot get below 180 degrees, you can opt to smoke for 1 hour to impart flavor, then switch to a traditional dehydrator set at 145 to finish. This will prevent the jerky from becoming bitter or too brittle.
What temp should you smoke deer jerky?
Smoking Venison Jerky If possible, keep your smoker temperature between 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The thin pieces of meat will absorb smoke easily, so be careful not to over smoke. What is this? It will take from two to six hours, and maybe more, for the venison jerky to finish.
How long does jerky take in a smoker?
Smoke until the meat is firm, about 2-3 hours. If it’s floppy or limp, put it back in the smoker and keep checking. Cook time varies based on weather conditions and the thickness of meat slices. Check for doneness at the 2-hour mark, then every hour and more frequently as it gets closer to done.
How long should you cook deer jerky?
For strips originally 1/4 inch thick or less, heat 10 minutes in an over preheated to 275 degrees F. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Time adjustment may be needed for thicker slices or ovens that tend to need longer or shorter cooking times.
How do you know when deer jerky is done?
Once your jerky has cooled, try to bend it slightly. The form and structure we want to aim for is a strip of meat that can bend easily but without breaking. This is the ideal level of dryness we want from our jerky. If it rips in the middle then it’s not dehydrated enough yet, whereas if it snaps then it’s overly dry.
How do you know when jerky is done smoking?
Continue to smoke at 160°F until your jerky bends and cracks but does not break in half. Periodically pull a piece out of the smoker and let it cool. Check to see if it is done by bending it AFTER it has cooled down (let cool for 5-10 minutes, this helps not to over dry).
How long do you smoke jerky at 180 degrees?
Place the meat on your smoker and let it smoke at 150 to 180 degrees for 2 hours. Check on the meat at 2 hours. Some of the pieces may be done; you can tell if you pick up a piece and when you shake it, it doesn’t bend.
How do you tell if your deer jerky is done?
Once your jerky has cooled, try to bend it slightly. The form and structure we want to aim for is a strip of meat that can bend easily but without breaking. This is the ideal level of dryness we want from our jerky. If it rips in the middle then it’s not dehydrated enough yet, whereas if it snaps then it’s overly dry.
Should you freeze deer meat before making jerky?
Freeze meat first Freezing the venison prior to marinating makes it easier to slice and helps kill any parasites that might be present. Always marinate meat strips in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Can deer jerky be undercooked?
Watch for Undercooked Venison Jerky The most common bacteria growths in undercooked jerky are Salmonella and E. Coli, and the situation is the same for the more commonly made beef jerky. But there are ways to steer clear of those problems. It is imperative to start with clean utensils and other equipment.
Why is my deer jerky so tough?
Taking the jerky out of the dehydrator early can give you moist jerky that is prone to spoilage, and taking it out too late can give you jerky that is too dry and tough to chew on.
What is the best temp to smoke jerky?
When smoking jerky, you need a low temperature and little smoke; do not use extra smoking chips in your smoker when making jerky. Ideally, the temperature should be just under 150 F/65 C. An electric smoker will introduce a small amount of smoke, but a charcoal or hardwood fire will generate plenty of smoke.
Can jerky be pink in middle?
Because beef jerky is made from strips of beef, in an uncooked state it looks like raw meat, which is generally a light red or even pink. These beef strips vary in thickness but are generally between 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch thick.
What is the best temp to smoke jerky at?
When smoking jerky, you need a low temperature and little smoke; do not use extra smoking chips in your smoker when making jerky. Ideally, the temperature should be just under 150 F/65 C. An electric smoker will introduce a small amount of smoke, but a charcoal or hardwood fire will generate plenty of smoke.
What is the best part of the deer to make jerky?
Nearly every part of the deer can be made into jerky, but the best cuts are the eye round and rump roast from the hind legs. Any large roast from the hind leg will do. Why? Big cuts mean larger pieces of jerky, and these roasts have most of their muscle fibers running in the same direction.
How do you make deer jerky softer?
Brush the Jerky with a Liquid Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vegetable, beef, or chicken broth, liquid smoke, and water all work wonders. We recommend matching whatever liquid was used in the original recipe. Don’t leave the jerky too long as it can turn mushy.
Do you use water when smoking jerky?
You don’t want to add more moisture to the exterior of the meat. But, if you used a dry rub to season the strips of meat without any liquid, put a little bit of water or other liquid of choice in the pan during the first 1 to 2 hours of smoking.
Can you eat undercooked deer jerky?
The temperatures of dehydrators and oven dehydrating are not high enough to destroy harmful microorganisms that are typically present in raw meat. Even though fully dried jerky may appear done, it is not safe to eat unless it goes through an additional heat treatment. This can be done before or after the meat is dried.
Do you use the water pan when smoking jerky?
If you have already soaked the strips of meat in a “wet” marinade, do not put water in the water pan when smoking the jerky. You don’t want to add more moisture to the exterior of the meat.
How do I know when deer jerky is done?
The finished product should bend when you apply light pressure, without tearing or cracking. If you think the jerky is nearly done based on its appearance, take a bite. It should be pleasantly chewy, not overly tough. The jerky is overcooked if it crumbles when you take a bite.
