Ground Venison Jerky

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

Savory ground venison jerky offers bold flavors with smoky, spicy, and aromatic notes, perfect for outdoor snacking or protein-packed trail treats suited for meat lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 5 lb ground venison
  • 1 1/2 tsp quick salt
  • 3 Tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp marjoram
  • 2 tsp Accent
  • 1 oz liquid smoke
  • 1 oz water

Instructions

  1. Mix ground venison with spices and seasonings.
  2. Roll the mixture between wax paper to 1/4-inch thickness.
  3. Mix liquid smoke, vinegar, and water to create the marinade.
  4. Brush the marinade onto the meat evenly.
  5. Bake on the lowest oven temperature for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Prop the oven door ajar to allow moisture to escape.
  7. When the meat is dry, cut into strips and store in a tight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding extra cayenne or using a hot sauce in the marinade. If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute cardamom with smoked paprika for a smokier taste. Ensure the ground venison is well mixed with spices to distribute flavors evenly. A food dehydrator can also be used instead of an oven for a more controlled drying process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your ground venison jerky as a high-protein snack or as part of a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and nuts. It pairs beautifully with Jan'S Concoction for a unique appetizer. You can also enjoy it on a hike or picnic, making it a versatile addition to outdoor meals.

Storage & Reheating

Store the jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing the jerky and freezing it, which can extend its shelf life to several months. When reheating, a brief time in the microwave will restore some softness without compromising texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ground Venison Jerky contains roughly 194 calories, with 2g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

194 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 37.6g 14% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 30.2g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 747.1mg 32% DV
Potassium 317.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4% DV
Calcium 114.5mg 9% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other flavors to the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even hot sauce for a different profile. Just be mindful of the salt content, as these ingredients can alter the seasoning balance.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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