She Strengthens

Transforming Turkey into Tasty Jerky

The Magic of Marinades

A sweet, salty, and spicy marinade can work wonders on a bland turkey breast, turning it into a delicious and healthy snack. But what makes this marinade so special?

The Essential Ingredient

Chile-garlic paste is the key to unlocking the flavors in this recipe. Look for it in the Asian section of your local supermarket. We recommend the Huy Fong Foods brand, with its distinctive rooster logo on the jar.

Preparing Your Oven

Before you start, check if your oven has a “dehydrate” option under the convection setting. This feature ensures even air circulation, resulting in perfectly dried jerky. If not, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

The Recipe

Yield: 1 pound
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 4 hours (plus freezing and marinating time)
Active Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless turkey breast
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chile-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons dried red chile flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Turkey

Freeze the turkey breast for 2 hours to firm it up. Then, slice it into 1/4-inch-thick strips, trimming any visible fat and membranes. Uniform strips are essential for even drying.

The Marinade

Mix all the remaining ingredients in a large baking dish or resealable plastic bag. Add the turkey strips and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 12 hours, turning occasionally.

Drying the Jerky

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 165°F and line the bottom with foil. Spray the oven racks with nonstick cooking spray and arrange the turkey strips horizontally, leaving space between each strip. Dehydrate for 2 hours, or until the jerky is dry, darker in color, and slightly flexible.

Finishing Touches

Blot any excess oil or moisture from the jerky with paper towels and cool completely on the racks before storing. Your tasty turkey jerky is now ready to enjoy! It will last up to 1 month when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.