How To Smoke Venison Jerky In A Wood Smoker

Smoking Venison Jerky in a Wood Smoker

Smoking venison jerky in a wood smoker is a delicious way to preserve and enhance the flavor of this lean and flavorful meat. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can create mouthwatering venison jerky that will be a hit with family and friends. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you smoke venison jerky to perfection in a wood smoker.

Prepare the Venison

Before you begin the smoking process, it’s important to properly prepare the venison. Start by trimming any visible fat from the meat, as fat can become rancid during the smoking process. Then, slice the venison into thin strips, cutting against the grain for a tender texture.

Marinate the Venison

Marinating the venison is key to infusing it with flavor and tenderizing the meat. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. Place the venison strips in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Prepare the Wood Smoker

While the venison is marinating, prepare your wood smoker for the smoking process. Use hardwood chips such as hickory, mesquite, or apple wood to infuse the venison with a rich, smoky flavor. Preheat the smoker to a low temperature, ideally around 180°F (82°C), to slowly and evenly smoke the venison.

Smoke the Venison

Once the smoker is ready, remove the venison from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Arrange the venison strips on the smoker racks, leaving space between each strip for the smoke to circulate. Smoke the venison for several hours, checking periodically to ensure the temperature remains consistent and adding more wood chips as needed to maintain the smoke.

Monitor the Progress

Smoking venison jerky is a gradual process that requires patience. The jerky is ready when it is dry to the touch and has a deep, reddish-brown color. Depending on the thickness of the strips and the temperature of the smoker, this can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

Enjoy Your Venison Jerky

Once the venison jerky is finished smoking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. Properly smoked venison jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or longer in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy your homemade venison jerky as a flavorful and protein-packed snack on the go!

Smoking venison jerky in a wood smoker is a rewarding process that yields delicious results. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can become a master at creating flavorful and tender venison jerky that will impress everyone who tries it.