Making pork or boar jerky involves a combination of ingredients to create a flavorful and well-textured end product. Here are common ingredients used in the preparation of pork or boar jerky.
- Meat
- Pork: Choose lean cuts such as pork loin, pork tenderloin, or pork sirloin. Trim excess fat to promote better preservation. See the link below for pork cuts.
- Boar: Similar cuts to pork, but boar meat might have a leaner and slightly gamier flavor.
- Marinade
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Provides a savory, umami base for the marinade.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of tanginess.
- Honey and Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization during drying.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness and contributes to the jerky’s texture.
- Garlic Powder: Imparts savory and aromatic notes.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and complements the garlic flavor.
- Black Pepper: Contributes warmth and a mild spice.
- Additional Flavorings
- Liquid Smoke: Provides a smoky flavor, especially if air-drying rather than using a smoker.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ginger: Freshly grated or powdered ginger can add a zesty and slightly spicy element.
- Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick in their jerky.
- Salt
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and aids in preservation.
- Optional Ingredients
- Teriyaki Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky or mildly spicy element.
- Mustard: Can contribute tanginess and depth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and a slightly fruity note.
- Sesame Seeds: For added texture and visual appeal.
- Bourbon: Adds a smooth, sweet, and smokey flavor. It will also enhance the woody or smoke flavor when dried in a smoker.
- Curing Ingredients (optional)
- Curing Salt (Prague Powder #1): If you prefer a cured or slightly pinkish color in your jerky. Follow usage guidelines as it contains sodium nitrite.
- Note: If you have read through other ingredient pages, you will know I dislike preservatives, including nitrites and nitrates, in any of my food, including jerky.
- Fruit & Fruit Juice
- Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, or Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and can help tenderize the meat.
- Fresh fruit can be pulverized and used in marinade; this way, you have the pulp along with the juice for a fuller flavor.
- Oil:
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Helps in distributing flavors and prevents the jerky from becoming too dry.
![Grey wild boar near a tree with a second boar behind him.](https://jerkyhomemade.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wild-Boar-1024x683.jpg)
Photo by Kevin Jackson
![Pig laying down on some hay in a barn. Once processed you can the ingredients for pork jerky and create a delicious snack.](https://jerkyhomemade.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pig-laying-down-1024x1024.jpg)
Photo by Laura Anderson
There are different varieties of Swine, commonly known as Hog, pig, and wild boar, but truthfully, there are many varieties, such as: Berkshire, Duroc, Chester White, Hampshire, Landrace & American Landrace, Spotted, and Yorkshire, among others.
Preparation Method
- Slice the Meat
- Cut the pork or boar into thin, even strips. This ensures consistent drying.
- Prepare the Marinade
- Combine the marinade ingredients for pork jerky in a bowl, adjusting quantities to taste. See the recipes for pork jerky marinades using the link below.
- Marinate
- Place the meat in a resealable bag or covered container, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Dry the Jerky
- Dehydrate the marinated meat using a dehydrator, oven, or smoker until it reaches the desired texture. My personal opinion is sun drying is too risky for pork unless you’re in the desert (I’m half joking here).
- Store
- Store the pork or boar jerky in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness.
Feel free to experiment with these ingredients and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Jerky-making is a versatile process that allows for creativity in flavor profiles.
Links Related to Pork Jerky
Cuts of Meat Used for Pork Jerky
More Recipes for Pork Jerky coming soon…