Equipment for making venison jerky?

[northny]

I have never tried making jerky, but have enjoyed some very good samples of venison jerky done by others. I intend to buy a de-hydrator this year and make my first attempt. Do any of you have a recommendation on a system to buy to dry the venison, or additives to use?

Thanks.

[tar12]

www.lemproducts.com

[boarhog]

I usually make several batches each year. The easiest way is to cut the meat into whatever size strips you prefer, then soak overnight in Dales Seasoning, or Moore's Meat Marinade. I also add fresh ground pepper and/or Cayenne pepper to taste. If you like it spicey, after you lay the meat on the dehydrater tray, sprinkle more pepper onto the wet strips. You can also add some liquid smoke to the marinade. We don't care for the taste of Worchestershire Sauce on our jerky, but some say they like it. Depending on how thick you cut your meat strips, it takes at least 6-10 hours to get dried. I always check it regularly (taste) to make certain I don't let it get too dry! Yumm

[DHinMN]

For what it is worth I just posted a receipe for venison jerky that we use in the wild game receipe section.

[raf]

Hi Mountain make several different spice kits for jerky, both whole meat and ground. They also sell jerky guns for ground meat. I've used their products for years and would recommend them.

[boarhog]

I forgot to say that I use two cheap dehydrators i bought at Wal Mart. Seems like they were about $25.00 ea. From time to time, I take the things apart and oil the fan motor shaft. They will corrode and quit working if I don't. Probably from all the salt in the marinade. I would love to have one of the more professional types, but have been too cheap to dig out the wallet! I have also wondered how well those ground meat "shooters" work?

[northny]

Thanks for all the comments, I will also check out the wild game receipe section.

[zakjak221]

North,

There are many recipes for jerky on the internet, mind bogling.
I got some racks & trays from Cabelas.
I spray them with non stick spray and place in oven for 2-3 hours with door cracked.
I would not recommend Not using trays in your wife's oven!!

Mark