My husband, Scott, and I created this Elk Jerky recipe years ago, after he returned from one of his hunting trips, with an abundance of game meat.
We have been using this marinade on all kinds of game meat ever since! Our family and friends all love this Elk Jerky recipe. Even my daughter, Nena, who isn’t generally a meat-eater. So if you’re looking for a delicious way to use up some of the game meat in your freezer, look no further!
My “Secret” Elk Jerky Recipe
I was not planning on sharing this recipe. As a matter of fact, I used to refer to this as my “Secret” Jerky Recipe.” But then an Instagram follower asked me to share the recipe, after seeing my elk jerky post.
Because I aim to please my followers, I’ve decided to give up my secret recipe. Have I mentioned how much I love and appreciate my followers? Without you, I wouldn’t be doing this at all!
What meat can be used to make jerky?
I realize that not everyone is lucky enough to either be a hunter or be married to one. Luckily you can use the same marinade on beef and still have excellent results. However, if you do hunt, or have access to game meat, I’m pleased to tell you that this recipe is very versatile!
So far we’ve made the following types of jerky: elk, venison, bison, antelope, and beef. My personal favorite is elk jerky, with bison/buffalo being a close second. I’m looking forward to our Montana move because our freezer will always be stocked with game meat. See ya later, California!
Tools Needed to Make Elk Jerky
The only thing you need for this recipe is a dehydrator. I have recommended a dehydrator in a few of my recipes, including Pineapple Chips, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Besides using it in those recipes, I also dry other fruit with it, including citrus slices that I add to tea, or stews. Another thing I use it for is making raisins with grapes that are about to spoil.
I can easily say that my dehydrator gets used a few times a week. If you don’t have one, consider making that investment.
Can You Make Jerky Without A Dehydrator?
You certainly can make jerky without a dehydrator, although a dehydrator is the easiest to use. Another option is using your oven. Just follow these steps:
Oven Elk Jerky Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175 degrees F
- Place jerky on a wire rack, with a foil-lined tray underneath. Allow room for air circulation between the jerky pieces.
- Bake until dry and leathery, 3 to 4 hours.
Using an Electric Smoker to Make Game Jerky
Yet another way to make jerky is using a smoker. We have a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, so I will be giving you instructions accordingly.
- Remove racks from the smoker.
- Add wood chips to smoker tray, then heat electric smoker to 250. Leave a small crack in the vent.
- While the smoker is heating up, drain the marinade from jerky.
- Place jerky on smoker racks, leaving enough room for air/smoke circulation.
- When you begin to see heavy smoke coming out of the vent, which could take 30 to 45 minutes, place the racks inside the smoker and seal the door.
- Allow the smoke to build back up, then lower the temperature to 165 degrees F.
- Cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meat is no longer wet.
- Make sure the meat is still pliable. You don’t want it to overcook it, making it brittle.
You may also be interested in the following recipes: Gourmet Elk Burgers, Bison Chili, and Buffalo Burgers.
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Spicy elk jerky recipe; the marinade can be used on beef, venison, elk etc.
- 3 lbs roast (elk, venison, buffalo etc.)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame seed oil
- 2 T Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. coriander powder
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
- Slice semi-frozen meat, against the grain, anywhere between 1/8″ to 1/4″ in thickness. Place in a ziplock bag.
- Add the remaining ingredients in a bowl, and whisk until completely combined.
- Carefully pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag and marinate overnight, or at least eight hours.
- Place jerky on the dehydrator trays, leaving some space in-between to allow for circulation. Sometimes I sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed red pepper over the meat before dehydrating it.
- Use your dehydrator’s settings to determine the length of time to dehydrate the meat. My dehydrator has a jerky setting and usually takes approximately eight hours until the jerky is ready. The thinner pieces will be ready sooner than the thicker ones. Start checking the jerky after approximately six-hours and pull off any pieces that are ready.
- Once all the pieces are ready, turn off the dehydrator and allow to cool completely before storing.
