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November 5, 2024
If you love venison and want to try a new way to cook it, consider preparing deer round steak in the oven. This method allows for a tender and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re new to cooking with venison or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results.
Deer round steak comes from the hindquarters of the deer and is known for its lean and tender meat. To ensure that your steak stays moist and tender during cooking, it’s important to marinate it beforehand. You can use a store-bought marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Marinating the steak for at least 2 hours or overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Once the steak has marinated, it’s time to preheat the oven and prepare the steak for cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the steak on both sides until a nice crust forms, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Pro tip: For a medium-rare steak, cook it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. For a medium or well-done steak, increase the cooking time accordingly.
Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak. Serve the deer round steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Now that you know how to cook deer round steak in the oven, you can add this recipe to your repertoire and impress your guests with a mouthwatering venison dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a great choice that will surely delight your taste buds.
Preparing the Deer Round Steak
Before cooking the deer round steak in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Follow these steps to prepare the deer round steak:
- Thaw the deer round steak if it’s frozen. Place the steak in the refrigerator for 24 hours until completely thawed.
- Trim any excess fat or silverskin from the deer round steak. This will help improve the flavor and prevent the meat from becoming tough during cooking.
- Create a marinade for the deer round steak. Combine your choice of marinade ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Place the deer round steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove the deer round steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.
- Preheat the oven to the desired temperature (e.g. 350°F/175°C).
- Season the deer round steak with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend on both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the deer round steak on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared deer round steak to a baking dish.
| Cooking Technique | Oven Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Braising | 325°F (163°C) | 2-3 hours |
| Baking | 375°F (190°C) | 25-30 minutes |
| Roasting | 400°F (205°C) | 15-20 minutes |
Cook the deer round steak in the preheated oven according to your desired cooking technique and times listed in the table above. Use a meat thermometer to check for the desired doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
Once the deer round steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking deer round steak in the oven, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for a successful dish. The round steak comes from the hindquarters of the deer and can be a tough cut of meat if not prepared properly. To ensure a tender and flavorful result, it is recommended to choose a round steak that is nicely marbled with fat.
Another important factor to consider is the thickness of the steak. Thicker cuts of meat are generally better suited for oven cooking, as they are less likely to become dry and tough during the cooking process. Aim for a round steak that is at least 1 inch thick for optimal results.
If possible, it is also worth looking for a round steak that has been aged. Aging the meat helps to tenderize it by breaking down the connective tissues and enhancing the flavor. However, if aged round steak is not available, it is still possible to achieve a delicious result with fresh meat.
Step 2: Tenderizing the Meat
Before cooking deer round steak in the oven, it’s important to tenderize the tough meat. Tenderizing will help break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender and juicy. Here’s how to tenderize the meat:
Tools you will need:
- Meat mallet
- Fork
Instructions:
- Place the deer round steak on a cutting board and use a fork to pierce the meat all over. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat better.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the steak. Start from the center and work your way towards the edges. The goal is to flatten and tenderize the meat, but be careful not to overdo it and make holes in the steak.
- Flip the steak and repeat the pounding process on the other side.
- Once the meat is tenderized, it’s ready to be marinated or seasoned according to your preferred flavors.
Tenderizing the meat is an essential step to ensure a delicious and tender deer round steak. It will significantly improve the texture and taste of the cooked steak.
Step 3: Marinating the Steak
1. Prepare the marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. You can choose from a variety of options such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.
2. Coat the steak:
Place the deer round steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is completely submerged in the marinade. If necessary, add more marinade to cover the entire surface of the steak.
3. Refrigerate and marinate:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Marinating for a longer time will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
4. Flip the steak:
After the first hour of marinating, flip the steak to ensure both sides are evenly coated with the marinade. This will ensure that the steak is infused with flavor from all angles.
5. Keep refrigerated:
During the marinating process, it’s important to keep the steak refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth. Make sure the temperature of your refrigerator is set below 40°F (4°C) to ensure food safety.
6. Remove from the marinade:
When you’re ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade as it may contain raw meat juices that can harbor bacteria.
Step 4: Preheating the Oven
Before cooking your deer round steak, it’s important to preheat your oven to ensure that it reaches the necessary temperature for cooking. Here’s how to do it:
1. Set the Temperature
Check the recipe you’re using for the recommended oven temperature. Deer round steak is best cooked at a high temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Adjust the oven settings accordingly to reach the desired temperature.
2. Allow the Oven to Preheat
Once you’ve set the desired temperature, allow your oven to preheat. This step is crucial as it ensures that your deer round steak will be cooked evenly and thoroughly. Depending on your oven, this may take around 10-15 minutes.
Pro tip: Use an oven thermometer to check if your oven has reached the desired temperature. This will ensure accurate cooking times and prevent under or overcooking the deer round steak.
By preheating your oven, you’ll create the ideal cooking environment for your deer round steak, resulting in a delicious and tender final dish.
Step 5: Seasoning and Cooking the Steak
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and any additional preferred seasonings.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the deer round steak.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the seared steak to a baking dish or roasting pan.
7. Place the baking dish or roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook the steak for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
8. Once cooked, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Enjoy your deliciously seasoned and oven-cooked deer round steak!
FAQ
What is a deer round steak?
A deer round steak is a cut of meat taken from the deer’s hind leg. It is a lean and tender cut that is commonly used for steak dishes.
How do I cook deer round steak in the oven?
To cook deer round steak in the oven, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Place the steak in a baking dish and add some liquid, such as broth or marinade, to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I marinate deer round steak before cooking?
Yes, marinating deer round steak before cooking can add extra flavor and help tenderize the meat. You can marinate the steak for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Some popular marinade options for deer round steak include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs.
What are some side dishes that go well with deer round steak?
There are many side dishes that complement deer round steak. Some popular options include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a fresh salad. You can choose sides based on your preference and create a well-balanced meal.
How can I ensure that the deer round steak is cooked to the right temperature?
To ensure that the deer round steak is cooked to the right temperature, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, being careful not to touch the bone. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C), for medium, it should be 145°F (63°C), and for well-done, it should be 160°F (71°C). This will help you achieve the desired level of doneness and ensure that the meat is safe to eat.
What is deer round steak?
Deer round steak is a cut of meat taken from the round primal of a deer. It is a lean and flavorful cut, perfect for cooking in the oven.