Recipes

Hearty beef stew garnished with fresh herbs in a white bowl.

Chili, Soup, Stew, BBQ, Slow Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Canned

Slow Cooker Venison Roast....

This is simple but is well worth the wait. Take one Average Deer Roast, soak in salt water if preferred. Add to Crock pot, season w/ salt and pepper. Add sliced onions and green peppers. Pour in (1) large bottle of Catalina Dressing. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until meat is falling off the bone. Great on burger buns..You are all welcome.

Trey Erskine, Falconer, NY - USA

Sausage, Ground Meat, Jerky, & Dried

Venison Jerky

two pounds of any part of deer cut into strips. tablespoon of garlic powder tablespoon of onion salt one third cup of Rotel four tablespoons of Worcester sauce mix ingredients, soak over-night stirring often.

Then dehydrate for nine to twelve hours.
KEVIN DAVIS, Centerville, IA - USA

Sliced beef jerky on a wooden plate with a decorative deer and eggs.
Three slices of medium-rare steak with sauce and sides.

Steak & Roast, Baked & Broiled

VENISON STEAK SANDWICHES

1lb venison strips
1 can of beef broth
1 tsp minced garlic

In skillet, heat beef broth and minced garlic to low boil. Add meat. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Great on homemade buns with smoked cheese and your favorite condiment. A weekly dinner in my home!!!!

Tricia Schotting, Kittanning, PA - USA

Fried & Grilled & Tacos

DAY OF THE HARVEST INNER LOIN OR BACK STRAP

Heat black iron skillet in broiler on hi w/ olive oil and butter.
roll straps in olive oil and garlic.
when skillet is hot add meat, let sear for approx. 10 min. should be pink inside.
eat w/ fresh veggies.
larry whyde, Brown County, IN - USA

Grilled lamb chops served with vegetables and herbs.

Exotic Meat Taste Survey

Dr Elizabeth Cary Mungall, affiliate of The Exotic Wildlife Association, did a Taste Survey.  We include it here with her permission and for your palate.

For the Survey, Dr Mungall asked 35 participants to rate the taste of various exotic meats, along with three commonly hunted native species in Texas.

Results showed axis deer ranked highest overall, receiving nearly all “excellent” ratings. Blackbuck followed. Eland ranked next due to its beef-like marbling, while nilgai, sika, and fallow also rated well, with sika noted for a rich, gamey flavor.

Ratings for hogs, sheep, aoudad, and ibex varied by age, with younger animals tasting better than mature ones. European wild boar scored higher than mixed hog varieties. White-tailed deer produced the widest range of opinions, largely influenced by factors such as handling, age, diet, and season.

Overall, preparation and cooking methods significantly affect taste, and even meats with lower ratings are known to produce excellent results with a knowledgeable chef.

In the Taste Test, 35 people rated the taste of the following wild meats:

The Scale is from “terrible tasting” to “tops”- we presume “tops” means “delicious”!

Sliced roasted beef garnished with herbs on a wooden plate.
A football formation diagram with player names and positions.
A crossword puzzle focused on 3 East African Oryx species with numbered blanks and clues.

Venison Nutrition Compared

Nutritional comparison table of uncooked and trimmed meats.
Close-up of cooked steak slices with potatoes and herbs on a wooden board.

Wine Pairings and Flavor Ideas for Venison

Wine with Venison Steaks and Chops

Venison steaks and chops pair best with Pinot Noir. Let the wine breathe for about 10 minutes and serve slightly cool (around 54°F to room temperature) to enhance the flavor of lean cuts

Wine with Venison Summer Sausage

For casual settings like tailgating or trail rides, pair venison summer sausage with white cheddar or goat cheese and crusty French bread. Prosecco works well here—its crisp, bubbly character balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.

Condiments, Sauces, and Accompaniments

Venison’s bold, rich flavor pairs well with both savory and slightly sweet elements. Popular combinations include:

  • Venison chili with goat cheese
  • Venison burgers
  • Venison with cranberry-chipotle sauce
  • Venison tamales with cranberries and pecans
  • Coriander-cured venison loin with sweet onion confit

For best results, pair venison with seasonal or regionally similar ingredients—such as sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pecans—to create balanced, natural flavor combinations.

Specialty and Craft Beer Options

Try local and popular IPA beers where you are hunting.