If you’re a wild game enthusiast, there’s no doubt that deer meat has a special place in your heart (and on your plate). And while you may already have your go-to venison recipes, it never hurts to mix things up a bit and try out some new dishes. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 delicious deer meat recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Grilled Deer Steaks with Herbed Butter
This elegant and tasty dinner idea is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend barbecue. To make it, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 deer steaks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and/or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the steaks, season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat your grill to high heat and place the steaks on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer for a more well-done steak.
While the steaks are cooking, mix together the softened butter and chopped herbs in a small bowl. When the steaks are done, top each one with a spoonful of the herbed butter and let it melt over the meat. Serve immediately.
Venison Chili
This hearty, gamey twist on a classic dish is sure to become a new family favorite. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground deer meat
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the chili, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground deer meat. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with your choice of toppings (such as cheese, sour cream, and/or green onions).
Venison Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese
This gourmet twist on a BBQ favorite is sure to impress your guests. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground deer meat
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
To prepare the burgers, mix together the ground deer meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness.
While the burgers are cooking, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the onion slices and cook until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally.
When the burgers are done, top each one with a spoonful of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese. Place the burgers on the hamburger buns and serve immediately.
Deer Meat Tacos with Avocado Crema
This fresh and flavorful way to enjoy venison is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground deer meat
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, pitted and mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the tacos, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground deer meat. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully coated in the seasoning and the water has been absorbed. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle.
To make the avocado crema, mix together the mashed avocado, sour cream, and lime juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the deer meat mixture in each tortilla, followed by the shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of avocado crema. Serve immediately.
Venison Stew with Root Vegetables
This cozy and comforting winter meal is perfect for a cold night in. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound cubed deer meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 turnip, peeled and diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the stew, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the cubed deer meat and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until they’re tender. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, turnip, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the deer meat is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
We hope these 5 delicious deer meat recipes have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen with your wild game. Whether you’re grilling steaks, making chili, or simmering a stew, there are endless possibilities for enjoying the unique flavor and versatility of deer meat.