Low Fat Ground Turkey Jerky

Hey there, snack lovers!

Are you in the mood for something tasty and protein-packed? I’ve got just the thing for you!

Today, I’m sharing my recipe for ground turkey jerky.

It’s savory, satisfying, and perfect for on-the-go munching.

Plus, making it at home is easier than you think!

Get ready to level up your snacking game!

Ingredient Substitutions

Lean ground turkey can be replaced with lean ground chicken or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives maintain a similar protein content and texture. If using TVP, rehydrate it according to package instructions before mixing with other ingredients.

Soy sauce can be substituted with coconut aminos or tamari for those avoiding soy or gluten. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe, adjusting to taste if needed.

Pecans can be swapped with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for different flavor profiles or to accommodate nut allergies. Chop the alternative nuts or seeds to a similar size as the pecans for consistent texture throughout the jerky. When using seeds, reduce the amount slightly as they have a stronger flavor.

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	300-315 minutes
Total Time	320-345 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1350
• Protein: 90-100 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (454 grams, 99% fat-free)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
• 1 teaspoon sage (dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

Step 1: Prepare and Sanitize

Preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C).

Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

Ensure that all surfaces that will come in contact with the food are washed and sanitized.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Blend and Mix Ingredients

In a food processor, blend together the soy sauce, pecans, thyme, sage, black pepper, and applesauce until smooth.

Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl and gently combine it with the ground turkey using your clean hands.

Make sure it’s well-mixed for even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture into Bars

Place the turkey mixture between two sheets of parchment paper.

Using a rolling pin, roll the mixture out into a uniform 10-inch (25.4 cm) square.

Carefully cut the square into 10 equal bars.

Arrange these bars in a single, non-touching layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Turkey Bars

Once you’ve finished handling the raw turkey, rewash your hands to maintain hygiene.

Bake the turkey bars in the preheated oven for 5 hours.

After this time, carefully flip each bar and continue to bake for an additional hour, or until fully cooked and firm.

If using a dark-colored baking tray, you might want to check for doneness 15 minutes earlier to prevent overcooking.

While the bars bake, wash and sanitize all surfaces that came in contact with the raw turkey.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow the bars to cool completely before handling.

Once cooled, place them in individual snack bags for convenience and store them in the fridge at 40°F (4.4°C) or below.

These savory snacks are perfect for a nutritious on-the-go option.

Enjoy!