snack sticks dry not sure why

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johnb5

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jul 19, 2013
67
10
I started with 7.5 lbs of venison and about 2 lbs ground pork. I cooked the snack sticks at 170 until the IT was 152. The flavor is really good by the had a dry texture to them. The only think I can think of is the venison to pork ratio. I should have added more pork. If that's not the issue I am open to all suggestions. Thank you
 
If you added 2 pounds of pork fat instead of pork it would give you a nice 80/20 mix of lean to fat.
 
Try NFDM that helps retain moisture also, I use it in my snack sticks and really like it.

A full smoker is a happy smoker

DS
 
 
If you added 2 pounds of pork fat instead of pork it would give you a nice 80/20 mix of lean to fat.
What type of ground pork?  Was it fatty?
 
Try NFDM that helps retain moisture also, I use it in my snack sticks and really like it.

A full smoker is a happy smoker

DS
 
Non Fat Dry Milk is used by many of us here, it's a great addition for moisture retention.
 
Yup---Like Dan said, 20% Pork Fat would be good, but if you're adding Pork to Venison, I would go with "60 V--40 P", or 50--50 Venison & Pork.

Bear
 
I used Sancho buttermilk but did not use NFDM. I have used NFDM a lot before. I normally use untrimmed pork shoulders and grind them. This was really an error on my part
 
I've often used 100% venison and they come out great.  Not knowing a lot about your set up, I'd be willing to bet that you're hotter than 170.  Did you start off at 170?  If so, and if it was really hotter than that, it would dry them out.  

I start at 140 and gradually bring it up to 180.  I'm looking for an IT of 165. Usually takes 4-6 hours for a batch.

Just 2 more cents worth of opinion.
 
I use a smokin - it #2. I used a maverick thermometer. I start at about 120 no smoke. Raise about 10 degrees per hour until 170. It was actually reading 179
 
That's a mispront. 169 is what I meant
 
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