How to Cook Venison: A Complete Guide

Venison is a delicious and lean meat that comes from deer, and it’s gaining popularity in modern cuisine. Although some people are intimidated about cooking venison, it is actually easy to prepare and extremely versatile. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to cook venison so it’s juicy, flavorful, and tender.

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Venison

Good meat starts with good bones. Before you start preparing venison, it’s essential to pick the right cut of meat. Venison is lean and flavorful, but it’s also less tender than other types of meat, so it’s essential to choose the right part of the deer. The ideal cuts of venison for grilling, searing, and roasting are tenderloin, sirloin, and rib chops. If you prefer to make stews or braises, use the shoulder or neck.

2. Prepping the Venison Before Cooking

Before cooking, it’s important to prep the venison properly to ensure it’s delicious and tender. One essential step to follow is to marinate the venison for at least one hour, up to 12 hours, before cooking. A marinade made from oil, vinegar, red wine, herbs, and spices will help tenderize the meat, add flavor, and keep it moist during cooking.

Next, take the venison out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly and prevents it from shrinking or toughening when cooked.

3. Cooking Venison

Venison can be cooked using various methods, depending on your preference. The most popular ways to cook venison are grilling, searing, and roasting.

Grilling venison: Grilling venison is an excellent way to get that smoky and charred flavor. The best cut for grilling is the tenderloin. Heat the grill to high, brush the meat with oil, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and grill for about five minutes on each side for medium done-ness.

Searing venison: Searing venison is perfect when you need a quick and straightforward cooking method. Heat a skillet with oil over high heat. Add the venison and sear each side for about two minutes, then turn the heat down to medium and cook until it reaches the desired temperature.

Roasting venison: Roasting venison is an excellent way to cook large cuts of meat like a leg or shoulder. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the meat with herbs and spices and place it on a roasting pan. Cook for about 20 minutes per pound or until it has reached the desired temperature.

4. Serving Venison

Venison pairs well with various side dishes like roasted or grilled vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or wild rice. Some people prefer to serve venison with a sweet or fruity sauce like cranberry, cherry or plum sauce. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Pinot Noir complements the meat’s rich and savory flavor.

5. Storing Cooked Venison

Cooked venison can last up to five days in the fridge when stored correctly. It’s best to store the meat in an airtight container and place it in the fridge as soon as it cools. You can also freeze cooked venison for up to two months. To freeze cooked venison, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil and label it with the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is venison?

Venison is a lean meat that comes from deer. The meat is rich in flavor and low in fat and cholesterol.

What is the best cut of venison for grilling?

The best cut of venison for grilling is the tenderloin.

Can I freeze raw venison?

Yes, you can freeze raw venison. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

How long does venison last in the fridge?

Raw venison can last up to five days in the fridge when stored correctly.

What wine pairs well with venison?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or Pinot Noir complements the meat’s rich and savory flavor.

Conclusion

Cooking venison may seem daunting, but with the right cut, prepping, and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering meal. Marinating the meat, cooking it at the right temperature, and serving it with the right side dishes and wine can elevate the taste of venison. With these tips, you’ll be able to cook the perfect venison dish for your next dinner party or family meal.