How to Make Deer Steak?
To make deer steak, start by marinating the steaks in an acidic marinade for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
Venison tenderloin medallions or medallions from the backstrap/loin are recommended.
After marinating, let the steaks come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
Pat them dry with a paper towel and season liberally with salt and pepper.
If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
If cooking in a pan, preheat a well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the steaks for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Use a digital read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 117-125F for medium-rare or rare plus.
Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon, flakey salt, and enjoy your juicy and flavorful venison steak.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Before cooking deer steak, it’s essential to marinate it overnight in a mixture that includes an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or buttermilk. This helps tenderize the meat by breaking down its connective tissues.
2. Did you know that deer steak can be a healthier option than beef? It generally contains less fat and cholesterol while providing a good source of lean protein, iron, and B vitamins.
3. Contrary to popular belief, the terms venison and deer meat are not interchangeable. Venison strictly refers to the meat of game animals, including deer, elk, moose, and antelope, while deer meat specifically denotes the flesh of deer.
4. The taste of deer steak can significantly vary depending on the deer’s diet. Venison from deer that feed on acorns and wild berries often has a richer, more flavorful profile compared to those consuming primarily grass and plants.
5. Cooking deer steak to medium-rare or medium is generally recommended to preserve its tenderness and flavor. Overcooking can cause it to become tough and dry, so keep an eye on the internal temperature and make sure not to exceed 145°F (63°C) for optimal results.
Marinading The Deer Steaks
Marinating deer steaks is a crucial step in ensuring their tenderness and flavor. The author suggests using a marinade for venison steaks, marinating for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. A recommended marinade is the All-Purpose Venison Marinade, or any acidic marinade of choice. Marinating the steaks for an extended period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more succulent and delicious final product. The acid in the marinade also helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more tender.
Seasoning And Preparing The Deer Steaks
Before cooking the deer steaks, it is essential to season them properly to enhance their taste. Start by seasoning the steaks liberally with salt and pepper. This simple but effective seasoning helps to bring out the natural flavor of the venison. Additionally, it is recommended to finish the cooked steaks with a squeeze of lemon and flakey salt, adding a refreshing and tangy element to the dish.
Prior to cooking, allow the meat to come to room temperature on the counter for 30-45 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps to prevent the steaks from becoming tough. Additionally, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This tip promotes the formation of a brown crust on the meat, which adds an appealing texture and flavor to the final result.
Cooking The Deer Steaks To Perfection
When it comes to cooking deer steaks, precision and careful monitoring of the internal temperature are key. Use a digital read thermometer to ensure the steaks are cooked to the desired doneness. It is recommended to cook venison steak to medium-rare or rare plus, indicating a temperature range of 117-125F. Overcooking the steaks can result in dryness and toughness, so it is crucial to avoid exceeding the recommended temperature range.
Depending on the cooking method, such as grilling or using a pan, follow the appropriate preheating instructions. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For pan-cooking, it is recommended to use a well-seasoned cast-iron pan and preheat it over medium-high heat.
Cook the deer steaks for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, considering the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness. During the cooking process, it is important to keep an eye on the internal temperature using the digital read thermometer. Once the steak reaches 117-125F, remove it from the heat source immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Use a digital read thermometer
- Cook to medium-rare or rare plus (117-125F)
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat OR preheat a well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium-high heat
- Cook the steaks for 5-7 minutes per side
- Remove from heat source when the steak reaches 117-125F.
Letting The Deer Steaks Rest
After cooking the deer steaks, allowing them to rest is crucial in optimizing their taste and texture. It is recommended to let the steaks rest for at least 10 minutes before serving or slicing. During this resting period, the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a moister and more flavorful steak. This step ensures that each bite is tender and satisfying.
- Allow deer steaks to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.
- Resting helps redistribute the juices and enhances taste and texture.
Recommendations For Venison Steaks
For the best results, the recipe suggests using venison tenderloin medallions or medallions from the backstrap/loin. These cuts are known for their tenderness and distinct flavor, making them ideal for creating a delicious deer steak.
The recipe calls for approximately 1 and 1/2 pounds of venison steaks, ideally at least 1 inch thick. Following these recommendations will ensure a high-quality dining experience.
- Use venison tenderloin medallions or medallions from the backstrap/loin
- Venison steaks should be at least 1 inch thick
“Following these recommendations will ensure a high-quality dining experience.”
Nutritional Information For Venison Steaks
If you’re conscious about your dietary choices, it can be helpful to know the nutritional information of venison steaks. A 6oz. serving with the All-Purpose Venison Marinade contains the following nutritional values:
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1247mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 0mg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cooked should deer steak be?
When it comes to cooking deer steak, it is crucial to achieve the right level of doneness for maximum enjoyment. Since venison is lean, it behaves similarly to beef. For tender, steaky cuts, such as loin or tenderloin, aim for a medium-rare temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C) or a medium temperature of 135–145°F (57–63°C). By hitting these temperatures just right, you’ll unlock the full potential of the venison and ensure a delicious dining experience.
What part of the deer is steak?
In addition to the commonly known cuts like the loin and tenderloin, deer steaks can also come from the shoulder, rump, arm, and rib cage muscles. While these cuts may be smaller in size, they are no less flavorful and are often enjoyed as a delicious breakfast meat by many families. So, next time you’re enjoying a venison meal, don’t forget to savor the unique taste of steaks from different parts of the deer.
Does deer cook like beef?
While deer and beef may share similarities in terms of cooking techniques, there are distinct differences in their outcomes. Deer, also known as venison, has a unique tenderness that can resemble the sensation of biting into butter when seared and rested for about ten minutes before slicing. This rapid cook time is due to venison cooking faster than beef. It is important to note that venison should be cooked to a temperature of only 130 degrees when aiming for a rare cooking style, as surpassing this threshold can result in the meat becoming tougher, with a recommended maximum temperature of 150 degrees. Ultimately, although deer and beef may have overlapping cooking techniques, venison offers a distinctive texture and requires careful attention to temperature for optimal tenderness.
Can you eat raw deer steak?
Eating raw deer steak carries potential health risks due to the presence of parasites and bacteria. Various studies have linked the consumption of raw venison to infections that can range from mild to severe, and in rare cases, fatal. Therefore, caution should be exercised to ensure the meat is properly cooked to eliminate any potential pathogens and ensure a safe culinary experience.