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Blueberry deer jerky in a glass full of blueberries on wood table with a bottle of bourbon
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Blueberry Bourbon Deer Jerky

Bring a little flavor of summer with the blueberries and the boldness of your favorite bourbon to this new jerky recipe.
Course Beef Jerky
Cuisine American
Type Game Jerky
Flavor Savory
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 5
Calories 223kcal
Author Will

Equipment

Ingredients

Lean Meat

Marinade

  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • ¼ teaspoon curing salt optional

Instructions

  • Trim all visible fat from the venison or beef and place in freezer for an hour or two to partially freeze.
  • While the meat is in the freezer, combine marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until the ingredients are fully mixed. Transfer to a bowl or ziplock bag. 
  • Remove the meat from the freezer and slice ¼" strips against the grain for an easy chew. Cut with the grain for a more chewy jerky. Visit my page on slicing jerky for more information. I used my Weston Jerky Slicer when making this recipe.
  • Add sliced venison or beef to the mixture in the ziplock bag or bowl and marinate for 6-24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • After the meat has finished marinating, remove from refrigerator and strain excess marinade in a colander and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Dry with your favorite jerky making method. I used my Excalibur Dehydrator and dried for 4.5 hours at 165F.
  • The jerky is finished when it bends and cracks, but does not break in half. White fibers will also be seen when the jerky is bent.

Notes

Old Pro Tips:

  • Trim all fat from the meat before marinating for longer lasting jerky once it’s finished drying
  • Use curing salt or celery juice powder to extend the life of the jerky
  • Pre-soak venison for a couple hours in 2 cups water and 1 cup vinegar to remove 'gamey' flavor
  • Frozen blueberries can also be used if no fresh are available

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 964mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 4mg