Welcome to The Outdoorsman's Kitchen section of our blog. Unlike many recipe websites, we skip the lengthy backstories and get straight to the recipes you're here for. The Outdoorsman's Kitchen is dedicated to sharing recipes featuring game meat. This recipe, venison steaks.
Venison steaks are a flavorful and lean alternative to beef, perfect for a special meal. Cooking venison can be a delightful culinary experience, especially with the right herbs and a little care to preserve its tender qualities. This recipe for savory venison steaks with rosemary and garlic will bring out the best in your game meat, creating a dish that's aromatic and rich in flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes without sauce or 15 minutes with sauce
Ingredients:
4 venison steaks (about 1 inch thick)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup red wine (optional)
Juice of half a lemon
Additional fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Rub this mixture all over the venison steaks, making sure they're well-coated.
Allow the steaks to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cooking the Steaks:
Heat a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steaks in the pan without overcrowding.
Cook the steaks for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness. Venison is best enjoyed when not overcooked to avoid it becoming too tough.
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate covered loosely with foil.
Prepare the Sauce (optional):
In the same pan used for cooking steaks, reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter to the pan drippings and stir. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan as the butter melts, which will add flavor to the sauce.
Add the red wine (if using) and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce to about half.
Squeeze the lemon juice into the sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Place the rested steaks onto plates and pour over the prepared sauce.
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Ideal accompaniments include roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fresh salad.
This savory venison steak recipe encapsulates the rich flavors of the venison steaks, while the rosemary and garlic provide a fragrant underpinning that characterizes many classic venison preparations. The optional wine sauce adds a layer of depth that complements the natural taste of the venison beautifully. Enjoy your meal paired with a robust red wine for an even better dining experience.
Comments