Are you a fan of venison and looking for a tasty snack to satisfy your cravings?
Look no further than venison snack sticks! These delicious treats are perfect for on-the-go snacking, but what if you don’t have any casings on hand?
No problem! In this article, we’ll show you how to make venison snack sticks without casings. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a mouth-watering snack that’s sure to impress.
So, let’s get started!
How To Make Venison Snack Sticks Without Casings?
First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need 2 pounds of ground venison, 1 pound of pork trim with 50% fat content, and your choice of seasonings.
To ensure the best texture for your snack sticks, it’s important to have the right meat-to-fat ratio. Shoot for a range of 15-25% fat and 85-75% lean for the finished product. Any leaner, and you risk a dry and crumbly texture in your snack sticks.
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to mix them together. Combine the ground venison and pork trim in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
Next, add your seasonings of choice. This is where you can get creative and add your favorite flavors. Some popular options include garlic salt, black pepper, mustard seed, and hickory smoked salt. Mix the seasonings into the meat mixture until well combined.
Now comes the fun part – shaping your snack sticks! Without casings, you’ll need to form the meat mixture into logs using tight clear wrap. Season the outside with coarse pepper or any other desired seasoning.
Once you’ve shaped your logs, let them rest overnight in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours. This will help them firm up before cooking.
When you’re ready to cook your snack sticks, there are a few options. If you have a smoker or grill, you can hot smoke them for added flavor. If not, they can be made in a conventional oven at 300°F for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
And there you have it – delicious venison snack sticks without casings! These make for a great snack on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Why Make Venison Snack Sticks Without Casings?
There are several reasons why you might want to make venison snack sticks without casings. For one, it can be a more cost-effective option as casings can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Additionally, without casings, you have more control over the shape and size of your snack sticks.
Another benefit of making snack sticks without casings is that it allows for easier customization of the recipe. You can experiment with different seasonings and add-ins like high-temp cheese or encapsulated citric acid to create a unique flavor profile. Plus, without the casing, the seasoning is able to penetrate the meat more thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful and evenly seasoned snack stick.
Finally, making venison snack sticks without casings can be a great way to utilize leftover trimmings from other meat processing projects. Instead of letting those scraps go to waste, you can turn them into a delicious and convenient snack that can be enjoyed on the go or as a protein-packed addition to your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make venison snack sticks without casings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of ground venison
– 1 pound of pork trim with 50% fat content
– Seasonings of your choice (garlic salt, black pepper, mustard seed, hickory smoked salt, etc.)
– Tight clear wrap for shaping the logs
– Coarse pepper or other desired seasoning for the outside of the logs
It’s important to note that the meat-to-fat ratio is crucial in achieving the right texture for your snack sticks. Shoot for a range of 15-25% fat and 85-75% lean for the finished product.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Venison Snack Sticks Without Casings
1. Gather your ingredients: 2 pounds of ground venison, 1 pound of pork trim with 50% fat content, and your choice of seasonings.
2. Combine the ground venison and pork trim in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Add your seasonings of choice and mix until well combined.
4. Shape the meat mixture into logs using tight clear wrap. Season the outside with coarse pepper or any other desired seasoning.
5. Let the logs rest overnight in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours to firm up before cooking.
6. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 300°F.
7. Place the logs on a baking sheet and cook for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let the snack sticks cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips And Tricks For Perfecting Your Venison Snack Sticks
Making venison snack sticks can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be tricky to get the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some tips and tricks to help you perfect your venison snack sticks:
1. Use the right meat-to-fat ratio: As mentioned earlier, having the right meat-to-fat ratio is crucial for the texture of your snack sticks. Aim for a range of 15-25% fat and 85-75% lean for the best results.
2. Keep your meat cold: When mixing your ingredients, make sure your meat is kept cold. This will help prevent the fat from melting and keep the texture of your snack sticks intact.
3. Don’t overmix: While it’s important to mix your ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can result in a tough and rubbery texture. Mix until just combined.
4. Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season your snack sticks generously. The seasonings will mellow out during cooking, so it’s better to start with more than less.
5. Let them rest: Allowing your snack sticks to rest in the fridge overnight will help them firm up and develop flavor before cooking.
6. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your snack sticks are cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly textured venison snack sticks every time.
Serving Suggestions And Storage Tips For Your Homemade Venison Snack Sticks
Once your homemade venison snack sticks are cooked and ready to eat, there are a few serving suggestions and storage tips to keep in mind.
First, let the snack sticks cool down to room temperature before serving. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and make for a more enjoyable eating experience.
When it comes to storage, it’s important to keep your snack sticks properly sealed to maintain freshness. If you plan on eating them within a week or two, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, vacuum seal them and keep them in the freezer for up to several months.
If you’re looking for a creative way to serve your venison snack sticks, try pairing them with some cheese and crackers for a tasty appetizer. You can also chop them up and add them to a salad for some added protein.
