Flavorful Fish Jerky Recipe:
Healthy & Protein-Packed Snack

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Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Love jerky but want a seafood twist? This flavorful fish jerky recipe transforms fresh salmon, tuna, or another firm fish into a protein-packed snack that’s chewy, savory, and rich in omega-3s. It’s a healthier, lighter alternative to beef or pork jerky—perfect for road trips, hiking, or quick post-workout fuel.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make a flavorful fish jerky recipe?
To make fish jerky, marinate thinly sliced salmon or tuna in soy sauce, citrus, and spices, then dehydrate at 145°F (63°C) for 6–8 hours until chewy. Store in airtight containers or freeze for long-lasting, protein-rich snacks.

Made with a simple marinade and gently dehydrated, this recipe locks in nutrition while creating irresistible flavor you’ll want to make again and again.

Fish Jerky Marinade Recipe

This fish jerky is marinated with a savory blend of soy sauce, citrus juice, and aromatic spices that enhance its natural ocean-fresh flavor.

The gentle dehydration process locks in nutrients while creating the perfect chewy-yet-tender texture that jerky fans love.

Best of all, this recipe is highly customizable—add a bit of red pepper flakes for heat, a touch of honey for sweetness, or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt for an extra depth of flavor.

Whether you're packing it for a long trip, keeping it on hand as a healthy office snack, or looking for an innovative way to enjoy fish, this homemade fish jerky recipe is a must-try!

Ready to start? Follow the step-by-step flavorful fish jerky recipe below!

Top of Recipe

Flavorful Fish Jerky Recipe

Homemade fish jerky is a healthy, protein-packed snack that transforms fresh salmon or tuna into a chewy, flavorful treat.

This easy recipe enhances the fish’s natural taste while the dehydrating process intensifies its rich, umami flavor, making it a must-try for all seafood lovers.

  • 1 lb fresh salmon or tuna, sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the salmon or tuna under cold water and pat dry. Slice it thinly, ideally about 1/4 inch thick, against the grain.
  2. Marinate: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the fish slices to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Dehydrate the Fish: Preheat your dehydrator to 145°F (63°C). Arrange the marinated fish slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don't touch. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours or until the fish is dry and has a chewy texture.
  4. Check for Doneness: The fish jerky should be flexible and not snap when bent. If it breaks, it may be over-dried. Adjust time as necessary depending on your dehydrator and the thickness of the slices.
  5. Store: Once cooled, store the fish jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can last for several weeks, making it an ideal snack for outings or a quick protein boost.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 2 hours
  • Dehydrating Time: 6-8 hours
  • Minimum Time: 8-10 hours

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 portions
  • Calories: 150kcals
  • Fat: 5g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
Bottom of Recipe

How to Store Fish Jerky for Maximum Freshness

Fish jerky has natural oils that can shorten its shelf life, so proper storage is essential. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for several months. Avoid keeping it at room temperature for too long, as fish jerky is more prone to spoilage than beef or pork.

For long-term freshness, consider vacuum-sealing your fish jerky in individual portions before freezing. This method locks in moisture and prevents freezer burn. If you love prepping jerky in bulk, label each batch with the date to ensure you enjoy it at its peak.

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Fun & Tasty Ways to Enjoy Fish Jerky

Fish jerky isn’t just for snacking! You can rehydrate it by soaking it in warm water for a few minutes, then add it to soups, noodle dishes, or even tacos.

It also makes a fantastic topping for Asian-style rice bowls or a salty addition to homemade dips.

A fun way to use it? Crumble it into homemade sushi rolls or mix it into seaweed salad for a protein boost.

Flavor Variations That Take Fish Jerky Up a Notch

If you want to experiment with unique flavors, try marinating fish jerky in coconut aminos and lime juice for a tropical twist.

A dash of sesame oil and sriracha can create a bold, spicy snack, while a honey-soy glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

If you love smoky flavors, a bit of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt can take your fish jerky to the next level.

Your homemade fish jerky is now ready to enjoy—chewy, flavorful, and packed with protein!

If you’re curious about making other types of jerky at home, be sure to check out the homemade jerky hub page for beef, chicken, turkey, pork and hot honey chicken jerky recipes that are just as easy and delicious.

If you're having issues with your jerky-making, check out my Jerky Troubleshooting Guide here.

Fish Jerky FAQs: Answers to Your Top Questions

What’s the best fish for making jerky?

Salmon and tuna are top choices because they’re firm, flavorful, and nutrient-rich. Other firm white fish like cod or halibut also work well if sliced thin.

How long does homemade fish jerky last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, vacuum-seal and freeze it for several months.

Can I make fish jerky without a dehydrator?

Yes! Use an oven set to its lowest temperature (around 170°F) with the door slightly open. Bake until the fish reaches a chewy texture.

How do I know when fish jerky is done?

Properly dried fish jerky should bend without snapping. If it breaks apart, it’s been over-dried.

Now that you know how to make fish jerky at home, you’ll always have a healthy, protein-packed snack ready for adventures or quick bites.

And before you go, don’t forget to grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). Inside you’ll find favorites like carrot soup, minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls—delicious ways to enjoy your preserved foods!

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