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Teriyaki Turkey Jerky Strips

Teriyaki Turkey Jerky Strips with glossy caramelized glaze.

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These homemade Teriyaki Turkey Jerky Strips are a perfect high-protein snack for road trips, hiking, or midday cravings. Made with real turkey and a clean teriyaki marinade, they offer a satisfying sweet-savory flavor and a chewy yet tender texture every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds turkey breast, sliced into quarter-inch strips against the grain
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Instructions

  1. Partially freeze the turkey breast for easier slicing. Cut against the grain into even quarter-inch strips. Pat the strips dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, or liquid smoke.
  3. Place turkey strips in a large zip-top bag or glass bowl. Pour marinade over, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, flipping halfway.
  4. Remove strips from marinade and pat dry. Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays or oven racks with space between each piece for air circulation.
  5. If using a dehydrator, dry at 165°F for 3 to 5 hours. If using an oven, set to lowest temperature (170-200°F), prop door open slightly, and dry for 4 to 6 hours, until strips are firm but pliable.
  6. Let a piece cool completely before testing. It should bend without snapping and feel dry to the touch. If moist in center, return for another 30 minutes.
  7. Cool completely before storing. Store in airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to 3 months.

Notes

For lower sodium, use coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari. For sugar-free, replace honey with monk fruit sweetener. Ensure soy sauce and mirin are certified gluten-free if needed. Do not marinate longer than 24 hours to avoid mushy texture.

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