Homemade Ground Turkey Jerky Recipe: A Healthy, Portable Snack Without a Dehydrator

Discover how to create your own delicious and healthy ground turkey jerky right in your oven! This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a high-protein, low-sugar snack that’s ideal for travel, hiking, or a quick energy boost. Forget the expensive, sugar-laden store-bought options; our homemade version offers a savory blend of turkey, sage, thyme, and pecans, evoking the comforting flavors of the season. If you’re a fan of premium meat bars like EPIC bars but prefer to control your ingredients and save money, this easy copycat recipe is exactly what you need. Best of all, you won’t even require a special food dehydrator!

Many homemade jerky enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy our beef jerky EPIC bar copycat recipe, will undoubtedly appreciate this ground turkey variation. This time, we’ve opted for lean poultry and infused it with delightful autumnal flavors. The result is a satisfying, nutrient-dense turkey bar featuring notes of apple, fresh sage, aromatic thyme, and crunchy pecans. For those who prefer chicken, simply substitute ground turkey with ground chicken to make a delicious ground chicken jerky recipe.

This healthy ground turkey jerky recipe is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal preparation time. Once cooked, these convenient bars can be individually packaged, making them perfectly portable for any adventure. From road trips to amusement parks, I’ve personally relied on these turkey jerky bars to keep my family energized and satisfied on the go. They are a far healthier alternative to many conventional travel snacks, which are often loaded with unhealthy fats and refined sugars.

Making your own jerky not only allows you to customize flavors but also ensures you’re consuming a clean, wholesome snack free from artificial additives. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more lean protein into your diet, supporting muscle maintenance and providing sustained energy. Our oven-baked method demystifies jerky making, proving that you don’t need specialized equipment to enjoy this protein-packed treat at home.

🦃 Crafting the Perfect Ground Turkey Jerky: Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory ground turkey jerky:

• 1 lb. ground turkey, 99% fat-free (454 grams)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

A printable recipe card with full details is available towards the end of this post!

Ingredient Spotlight & Customization Tips

While 99% fat-free ground turkey is recommended for best results, providing a firmer texture and less shrinkage during drying, you can certainly use 93% lean ground turkey if preferred. Just be aware that the final jerky bars might be slightly smaller. For a delicious flavor twist, teriyaki sauce makes an excellent substitute for soy sauce, adding a touch of sweetness and umami. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the seasonings to match your palate!

Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, transforming it into a fiery turkey jerky. A dash of liquid smoke can impart a delightful smoky flavor, mimicking traditional jerky. You could also explore other dried herbs like rosemary or oregano, or a hint of garlic powder for an extra layer of savory depth. The unsweetened applesauce acts as a natural binder and provides a subtle sweetness without added sugar, complementing the savory herbs perfectly. Chopped pecans add a wonderful texture and a dose of healthy fats, making these bars incredibly satisfying.

How to Make Turkey Jerky in the Oven: Step-by-Step Guide

Making ground turkey jerky in your oven is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect, chewy jerky bars:

When it comes to leftovers, the general rule of thumb for safely refrigerated foods is 3-4 days. However, for home-dried jerky, the USDA suggests it can keep for 1-2 months. In our experience, these turkey bars are so tasty, they rarely last beyond a week! It’s always best to consume them within a reasonable timeframe for optimal flavor and texture.

🌡️ Ground Turkey Jerky Recipe: Essential Food Safety Considerations

As highlighted in our ground beef jerky recipes, particular attention must be paid to food safety when preparing ground poultry. All poultry products, including ground turkey, must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as recommended by the USDA. This critical step ensures the elimination of harmful bacteria like Salmonella. It’s important to note that many standard food dehydrators are unable to reach temperatures this high. Our oven method, typically set at 170°F (77°C), provides a safer environment for preparing homemade turkey jerky from ground meat.

➕ Using a Dehydrator for Ground Turkey Jerky

If you prefer to use a food dehydrator for making meat-based jerky, it is crucial to cook the meat to the proper internal temperature *before* placing it in the dehydrator. For ground turkey, this means pre-cooking it to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe. Once the meat has reached the recommended minimum internal temperature, it can then be transferred to the dehydrator to remove moisture, which is essential for shelf-stability. This two-step process guarantees both safety and the desired jerky texture.

👩🏻‍🍳 More Protein-Packed Recipes to Explore

• Air Fryer Ground Beef for Taco Salad
• Perfect Air Fryer Pork Roast
• Crispy Calamari in Air Fryer
• Flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

Watch How to Make It!

Ground Turkey Jerky Recipe – No Dehydrator Needed!

By Summer Yule

If you appreciate the convenience and nutrition of EPIC bars, this simple copycat recipe for oven-baked turkey jerky is a must-try. You can achieve perfect jerky texture without any specialized equipment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (1 vote)

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Course: Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 10
• Calories: 139 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey, 99% fat-free (454 grams)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below! 😊

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C). Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Wash and sanitize any surfaces that will come in contact with food. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend the soy sauce, pecans, thyme, sage, black pepper, and applesauce in a food processor until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, and mix in the ground turkey thoroughly with your clean hands.
3. Place the turkey mixture between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the mixture out evenly into a 10-inch (25.4 cm) square.
4. Cut the square into 10 bars of equal size. Arrange the bars in a single, non-touching layer on the lined baking sheet. Rewash your hands after handling the raw turkey.
5. Bake the bars for 5 hours. Carefully flip them over and bake for an additional hour. Note that dark-colored baking trays may shorten the total cooking time by about 15 minutes. While the bars are baking, wash and sanitize all surfaces that touched the raw turkey.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before placing them in individual snack bags or an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator at 40°F (4.4°C) or below. Enjoy your homemade turkey jerky!

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Food Processor

Notes from Dietitian Summer Yule

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Although the calorie count aligns with level two, I’ve categorized it as level 3 because drying food increases its energy density. This means that when water is removed, you get a smaller volume of food for the same number of calories. Conversely, adding water to foods, like in soups, decreases their energy density. If high-protein foods, even in smaller portions, are satisfying for you, this snack can be a valuable tool in supporting weight management goals. It’s important to remember that our individual responses to food vary significantly.

Many of us travel during holidays and summer, which can easily extend a few holiday meals into a week of indulgent eating. Keeping nutrient-dense, portable snacks like these turkey jerky bars on hand makes it much easier to maintain healthier eating habits while on the go. Traditional travel snacks, such as granola bars, cookies, and crackers, are often high in added sugars and refined grains. By prioritizing protein, vegetables, and fruits in your travel diet, you can significantly boost your overall diet quality. These ground turkey jerky bars are an excellent starting point!

Nutrition information is for one serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 139 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 12.4g
• Fat: 8.4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Sodium: 118.1mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin A: 0.1% DV
• Vitamin C: 5.6% DV
• Calcium: 1% DV
• Iron: 4.7% DV

Keywords

apples, dehydrated, ground turkey jerky recipe, healthy snack, jerky, low-carb, pecans, sage, thyme, turkey, turkey jerky

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Jerky

How can I make a low-sodium turkey jerky recipe?

To significantly reduce the sodium content in this turkey jerky recipe, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with coconut aminos. Coconut aminos offer a similar umami flavor profile but with a much lower sodium count, making them an excellent healthy alternative. Even “reduced sodium” soy sauces typically contain a substantial amount of sodium, so coconut aminos are your best bet for a truly low-sodium option.

Can you dehydrate ground turkey?

Absolutely, you can dehydrate ground turkey. The process involves spreading the seasoned ground turkey thinly and evenly on a baking sheet or a dehydrator tray. The critical step, especially with poultry, is ensuring that the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before or during the dehydration process. This ensures any potential harmful bacteria are eliminated, making the jerky safe for consumption.

Which is healthier: beef or turkey jerky?

Generally, turkey jerky is often considered a healthier option compared to beef jerky, primarily due to its lower fat content, making it a leaner source of protein. Turkey typically contains less saturated fat than beef. However, both beef and turkey jerky can be part of a balanced and healthy diet, especially when homemade without excessive sugars or artificial additives. The “healthier” choice often depends on individual dietary needs and the specific recipe used.

What role does vinegar play in jerky making?

Vinegar serves multiple purposes in jerky recipes. Firstly, it acts as a natural tenderizer, helping to break down the meat fibers and create a more palatable texture. Secondly, it enhances the flavor, adding a pleasant tangy note that balances the savory spices. Additionally, vinegar can contribute to the preservation of the jerky due to its acidic properties, though proper drying and refrigeration are still paramount for food safety.

How can I make ground turkey jerky in a smoker?

To make ground turkey jerky in a smoker, begin by preparing and seasoning your ground turkey mixture as usual. Then, spread the mixture thinly and evenly onto smoker racks. It’s essential to maintain a low smoking temperature, typically around 170°F (77°C), which is crucial for both cooking the turkey to a safe internal temperature and effectively dehydrating it. Smoke the jerky until it is thoroughly dried and has reached a safe internal temperature throughout.

What is the secret to making excellent jerky?

The secret to truly outstanding jerky (especially traditional sliced meat jerky) lies in several key factors. First, consistent, thin slicing of the meat is crucial for even drying. Second, a well-balanced and flavorful marinade allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Third, proper drying is essential to remove adequate moisture, which prevents spoilage and achieves the desired chewy texture. Finally, meticulous attention to food safety practices throughout the entire process is non-negotiable to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the jerky is safe to eat.

Are you planning any travels soon, or do you prefer to prepare your snacks in advance rather than buying them on the go? If you try this wholesome ground turkey jerky recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating and share your experience below; your feedback is greatly appreciated!