Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky

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WHAT'S WILD
Jerky originated with the Quecha Indians in South America as a way of preserving meat.

Are you looking for a delicious and easy snack to take on your late summer/ early fall hiking trips? Look no further! You don’t have to choose between the sweet or the spicy. Enjoy them both with this Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky! This homemade jerky can be made with simple ingredients that are commonly found at your local grocery and smoked right on your pellet grill. This jerky not only satisfies hunger but leaves you feeling energized for outdoor adventures. Read on!

I’m a huge fan of cooking with bison! It’s healthier than beef and has this awesome, subtly gamey taste that adds a unique flair. From burgers to ribs, you can use it for pretty much anything. I even like using it in Italian pasta sauces and Asian-inspired dishes like Pan-Fried Bison Short Rib Spring Rolls. Trust me… it’s delicious!


Ingredients for Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky

  • Bison, skirt steak or similar cut
  • Serrano Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Orange Zest and Juice
  • Soy Sauce
  • Brown Sugar
  • Light Beer
  • Morton Tender Quick Home Meat Cure

Here we are using flavorful bison for jerky. Perfect when you need a quick protien boost when hiking, skiing, backpacking… really any outdoor activity. So how do you make the most delicious jerky? It all starts with a killer marinade and perfectly sliced meat. In this recipe, we’re bringing the heat of serrano peppers together with the tangy sweetness of orange juice to flavor the meat.

serrano citrus bison jerky marinating 2

Now, let’s talk about slicing the bison skirt steak. Here’s a little trick that might surprise you: start with partially frozen meat. That’s right, frozen. Trust me. It works like a charm.


Three Tips to Perfectly Slice Bison Jerky

  1. BRRR… Place the skirt steak in the freezer for about 1-2 hours before slicing. This will partially freeze the meat, making it easier to slice thinly and evenly.
  2. Make it lean. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue from the skirt steak. These parts can become tough and chewy when dried. Trim the meat to your desired size and shape for jerky.
  3. Go against the grain. The “grain” of the meat refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. To ensure a tender jerky, you’ll want to slice against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the fibers. Thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, are ideal for jerky.

All in all, Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky is perfect for the next time you head outdoors. It’s a great combination of tangy, spicy, and smoky that will give you the energy to tackle your upcoming adventure. Plus, it’s an easy snack to make and store while on-the-go. With Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky, you can enjoy a filling and delicious snack no matter where life takes you.


Bison Jerky FAQs

  • How should I store my bison jerky?
    After smoking and drying your meat, store your meat in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag. For extra food safety, then place the container in a refrigerator or cooler. This jerky will keep up to 6 weeks… if you don’t eat it all before then!
  • I don’t have a smoker or pellet grill. Can I still make this recipe?
    Yes! You can also use a food dehydrator or conventional oven.
  • Can I use a different meat in this recipe besides bison?
    Of course, this recipe works well with any game meat, like venison or elk.

So if you’re looking for something special to fuel your next outdoor escapade, this jerky will definitely do the trick! Let us know where you tried this one-of-a-kind treat by sharing in the comments below!

5 from 3 votes

Serrano Citrus Bison Jerky

Servings 8 people
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Marinating Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bison skirt steak or similar cut
  • 2 small serrano peppers thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup light beer
  • 2 tbsp Morton Tender Quick Curing Salt
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • zest from 1 orange

Instructions

  • Partially freeze the skirt steak for 1-2 hours. With a knife, remove all fat and connective tissue. Slice against the grain into a 1/4 inch piece.
  • Mix the remaining ingredients to create a marinade. Add the bison and marinate for up to 24 hours.
  • Heat the pellet grill or smoker to 180 degrees. Remove the bison from the marinade and dry between paper towels. Place the on the grill and smoke for 4 hours or until dry.
  • Remove from the grill and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Store in an airtight container.
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Barbeque, Game, Make Ahead, On the Go

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @bewildeats on Instagram and hashtag it #bewildeats.

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