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

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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.

Craving a high-protein snack that’s leaner than beef jerky? This turkey jerky recipe is smoky, slightly sweet, and easy to make at home. With just a handful of pantry spices and a dehydrator (or oven), you’ll have a preservative-free snack that’s perfect for hiking, road trips, or post-workout fuel.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make turkey jerky at home?
To make turkey jerky, slice turkey breast into thin strips, marinate in soy sauce, Worcestershire, sugar, and spices, then dehydrate at 160°F for 4–6 hours until firm but flexible. Store in airtight bags or vacuum-sealed pouches for weeks of fresh, lean snacking.

Best of all, making your own lets you adjust the flavors - spicy, mild, or smoky - to fit your taste. Let’s get started!

Turkey Jerky Marinade Recipe

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!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Turkey Jerky

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 This Turkey Jerky Beats Store-Bought Every Time

✔️ 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!

Top of Recipe

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
Bottom of Recipe

How to Store Turkey Jerky for Weeks (or Months)

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. Consider adding a desiccant packet too.

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Delicious Snack Pairings to Enjoy With 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.

Surprising Ways to Cook With Turkey Jerky

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, fish and hot honey chicken jerky.

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

Turkey Jerky FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

How long does homemade turkey jerky last?

Stored in airtight bags, it lasts up to 2 weeks at room temp, 1 month refrigerated, and 6 months frozen. Vacuum-sealing with oxygen absorbers extends shelf life even longer.

Is turkey jerky healthy?

Yes! Turkey jerky is lower in fat than beef jerky and high in protein, making it a lean snack. Just control sodium by adjusting the soy sauce and salt.

Do I need a dehydrator to make turkey jerky?

No - you can use your oven at 160°F. Prop the door slightly open with a wooden spoon to let moisture escape. A dehydrator provides more consistent results but isn’t essential.

Can I make turkey jerky without soy sauce?

Absolutely. Substitute coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free, lower-sodium version.

Now that you know how to make turkey jerky at home, you’ll never have to rely on store-bought snacks again. It’s lean, flavorful, and perfect for travel, workouts, or just keeping hunger at bay.

And before you go, don’t forget to grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love PDF (below). From hearty soups like carrot, minestrone, and split pea to sweet banana cinnamon rolls and even spicy beef jerky, these recipes make your dehydrated foods shine.

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