Turkey Jerky?

[muddy]

Anyone ever try making turkey jerky in a dehydrator? I've got enough turkey breasts and was curious on recipies.

If all else fails I'll get some bacon and make little broilers.

 

[J_Barton]

All my turkey meat becomes jerky. Use any flavor you like- I typically use Hi-Mountain dry cure. Make sure you have frozen the meat for at least 30 days because you do not want to dry as much as deer/beef. This kills any bacteria. Slice cross muscle, otherwise it's too chewy to pull apart easily. I only dry 5-6 hours, 6 trays, rotate trays every hour.
You'll never do anything else again with your turkey meat.

 

[muddy]

Seriously, 30 days? I might back off since 2 of the turkey boobs are from opening day and 2 are from last night. I've never looked into what little nasties live inside a turkeys body... judging from their smell I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe I'll vacume pack them tonite and get them out next month?

Thanks.

 

[J_Barton]

30 frozen days is a general guideline...since you are not technically cooking the meat...it's a precaution similar to issues with chicken. Since the weather is turning warm, my 2 spring birds usually end up being frozen for the summer, dried right about Oct. 1st, and very tasty in deer camp.

 

[muddy]

Thanks for the advice, the turkey boobs are going to the deep freeze when I get home. Better safe than sorry! Hi Mountain Black Pepper and Cajun mixes will be my choices come next month.

 

[teeroy]

i saw a recipe in last months iowa sportsman magazine.

i know the turkey jerky from the jerkey shoppe at the deer classic is FANTASTIC. if the home-made stuff comes out anything like that, i'll be giving it a shot

 

[kbgibby]

Muddy,

I usually bone out the thighs (my buddies usually give me the thighs from their birds as well) and grind it up. Then mix it up with cure and seasoning (usually Cajun from Nesco) and squeeze it through a jerky shooter and dry it in a 180 degree oven for about 6 hours or so.

The breast meat goes on the grill ... done up in strips like a London broil with a bacon wrap.

Getting hungry just talkin' about it!