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Tasty Turkey Jerky Recipe:
A Snack You’ll Gobble Up!

Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Craving a protein-packed snack that's easy to make at home? This tasty turkey jerky recipe is just what you need—delicious, portable, and free from preservatives!

Whether you're hiking, traveling, or need a quick energy boost, this homemade jerky will keep you satisfied.

Plus, making your own jerky lets you customize the flavors exactly how you like them. Let's dive in!

How to Make Turkey Jerky Like a Pro

This turkey jerky marinade is a perfect mix of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and spices. The result? A smoky, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful jerky that’s lean and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Healthy & Lean: Made from turkey breast, it's lower in fat than beef jerky.
✔️ No Preservatives: Store-bought jerky often contains unnecessary additives—this one doesn’t!
✔️ Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasoning to your preference, whether you like it mild or spicy.

Ready to make your own? Follow the step-by-step recipe below, and let’s get started!

Tasty Turkey Jerky Recipe

This turkey jerky marinade is a blend of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and spices, creating a delicious balance that's perfect for turkey.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds turkey breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Trim any visible fat from the turkey breast and slice it into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the strips, the quicker they will dry.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
4. Dehydrate the Turkey: Preheat your dehydrator or oven to 160°F (70°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated turkey strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or baking sheet.
5. Dry the Turkey: Dehydrate the turkey for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is firm and dry but still slightly flexible. If using an oven, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape, and check periodically.
6. Store and Enjoy: Once the jerky is done, let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container or resealable bags. Enjoy your homemade turkey jerky as a snack or on-the-go treat!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 6 hours
• Dehydrating Time: 4-6 hours
• Minimum Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 10 servings
• Calories: 70kcals
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

Storing Turkey Jerky for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage ensures your turkey jerky stays fresh and flavorful for weeks! Here’s how:

• Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-Term Storage: For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 6 months.
• Pro Tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags with an oxygen absorber packet to absorb moisture and extend shelf life.

How to Make EASY MEALS with Dried Food

20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes

Containing dehydrated food... that even your kids and spouse will eat!

🍕 Pizza! 🥧  Shepherd's Pie! 🥘  Beef Stew!
plus Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Mash, along with crazy Carrot Soup!

Decadent Desserts:
Carrot Cake and Cranberry Pineapple Pie!
and more...

Fresh food ingredient amounts are included for when you have fresh food on hand.
See which recipes are included here.

Best Snack Pairings for Turkey Jerky

Pair your turkey jerky with other snacks for a balanced, satisfying treat:

🥜 Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
🧀 Cheese Slices – Sharp cheddar or gouda enhances the savory-sweet balance.
🍎 Dried Fruits – Apple slices, apricots, or cranberries for a natural sweetness.
🥤 Hydration Boost – Pair with coconut water or an electrolyte drink for post-workout recovery.

Creative Ways to Use Turkey Jerky in Meals

Homemade tasty turkey jerky isn’t just for snacking! Try these ideas:

🥗 Jerky Salad Topper – Crumble it over a fresh salad for an instant protein boost.
🍲 Jerky Soup Enhancer – Add chopped jerky to a bowl of ramen or vegetable soup for extra depth.
🌮 Trail Mix Upgrade – Mix it with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a homemade trail mix.
🍳 Egg Scramble Addition – Chop and mix into scrambled eggs for a smoky, savory breakfast.

Don’t forget to visit the homemade jerky hub page to discover more delicious jerky recipes, including beef, pork, chicken, and fish jerky.

If you wish to learn how to dehydrate turkey, check out this page.

Thanks for stopping by to read my tasty turkey jerky recipe. Share it with your friends!

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Food!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.