SMOKED JERK TURKEY RECIPES

Steps:

• After removing the skin and fat from the turkey breast, place it in the freezer long enough to partially freeze.(about 30 minutes).
• When the turkey is partially frozen, slice it thinly against the grain.(an electric knife works best).
• Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl,stirring well.
• Add the turkey slices,and stir to cover all the turkey slices in marinade.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
• When ready to prepare the jerky the next day, pour the turkey slices and the marinade into a pot, and simmer until the liquid reaches 160 degrees on a meat thermometer.
• Preheat the oven to 150 degrees.
• Drain the turkey slices from the marinade.
• Pat the turkey slices dry with paper towels.
• Lay the slices of turkey directly across your oven racks.
• Prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
• Continue to cook the turkey this way for 3-6 hours.
• After 3 hours, test a piece by allowing it to cool,and then bending it.If there is any moisture present, continue to dry longer, checking ever so often.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months in the refrigerator, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Steps:

• Slice the meat against the grain between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick. This is easier to do when the meat is chilled in the freezer for an hour or hasn’t fully defrosted. Place all the sliced meat in a large, resealable bag.
• If you have a mortar and pestle, smash the garlic cloves until you reach a rough paste. Mix the garlic with the water, soy sauce, pink curing salt (Prague powder #1), red wine vinegar, black pepper, and sugar until well blended.
• Pour the liquids into the bag with the meat and mix to coat each piece on both sides. Marinate in the fridge for at least 12 hours and up to two days, tossing and mixing the bag periodically.
• Prepare a smoker according to manufacturer’s settings using your choice of wood. Pre-heat to 160 degrees.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and squeeze off excess liquid. Lay each piece of meat on a metal grid or pizza screen. If you have the time and space, let the pieces air-dry for a few hours in the refrigerator so it will absorb more smoke.
• Smoke the venison for 3 to 4 hours. It should be fully dry but still pliable. If your smoker cannot get below 180 degrees, you can opt to smoke for 1 hour to impart flavor, then switch to a traditional dehydrator set at 145 to finish. This will prevent the jerky from becoming bitter or too brittle.
• Once completely cool, store in an airtight bag for 1 to 2 months. The jerky can also be refrigerated for 3 to 6 months or frozen for a year.
• Note: Pink curing salt (also known as Prague Powder #1) is a blend of sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium nitrite. It is used to prevent the growth of botulism bacteria, impart the savory flavors of cured meat, and give it a pink color when smoked. Although it isn’t required, I recommend it if you’re storing the meat for more than a few weeks. Do not use more than a teaspoon per 5 pounds of meat.