Can I use frozen fish for making fish jerky?

Yes, frozen fish works well for jerky! Thaw it partially before slicing for the best results. Make sure to use fish that was frozen when fresh for food safety.

How do I know if my fish jerky is properly dried?

Properly dried fish jerky should be firm and slightly flexible, not moist or sticky. It should bend without breaking, and when you tear a piece, you shouldn't see any moisture inside.

Can I make fish jerky without a dehydrator?

Absolutely! While dehydrators provide consistent results, an oven set to its lowest temperature (ideally around 170°F) with the door propped slightly open works well too.

Is homemade fish jerky safe to eat?

Yes, when prepared properly. The key safety factors are using fresh fish, maintaining appropriate drying temperatures (140-145°F), ensuring complete drying, and proper storage.

How long does homemade fish jerky last?

When properly dried and stored in airtight containers, homemade fish jerky typically lasts 1-2 weeks at room temperature, 1-2 months in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months in the freezer.

Fish Jerky Secrets You Didn’t Know Could Boost Your Snack Game 2025

Fish Jerky Secrets You Didn’t Know Could Boost Your Snack Game

Print Recipe

This basic fish jerky recipe delivers a chewy, protein-packed snack that’s rich in omega-3s and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Made with simple ingredients and customizable to any flavor preference.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3-6 hours
Total Time: 8-10 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrated or Oven-Dried
Cuisine: Global

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound firm white fish (salmon, tuna, or cod)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Partially freeze fish for 1-2 hours until firm, then slice into ¼-inch strips.
Whisk marinade ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Place fish strips in a ziplock bag or shallow dish with marinade. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
Pat fish dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
Lay strips on dehydrator trays or a wire rack over a baking sheet (for oven method).
Dehydrate at 145°F for 3-4 hours or bake at lowest oven temp (170°F) for 5-6 hours with door slightly ajar.
Jerky is done when firm, dry, and pliable—not brittle or moist.

Notes

Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, 1-2 months refrigerated, or freeze up to 6 months. Adjust spice or sweetener levels based on taste or dietary needs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 90
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: fish jerky, healthy snack, dehydrated fish, homemade jerky, protein snack

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/fish-jerky/