If you’re a fan of game meat, then you definitely need to try cooking back strap venison. Known for its tender and lean meat, back strap venison is a popular choice among hunters and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’ve just bagged your first deer or you’re looking for a new recipe to impress your guests, cooking back strap venison is a delicious and nutritious option.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to know a few things about back strap venison. Also known as the “loin” or “tenderloin,” it refers to the long, cylindrical muscle that runs along the backbone of the deer. This cut of meat is prized for its tenderness and can be found on both sides of the spine. Back strap venison is typically very lean and has a mild, slightly gamey flavor.
When it comes to cooking back strap venison, there are several methods you can choose from. Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, or slow-cooking, the key is to enhance the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it. One popular method is to season the venison with herbs and spices, then sear it in a hot pan to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, cooking back strap venison is a rewarding and delicious experience. With its tender and flavorful meat, it’s no wonder why back strap venison is a favorite among hunters and food enthusiasts. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering venison dish?
Choosing the right cut
When it comes to cooking backstrap venison, choosing the right cut is crucial. The backstrap, also known as the loin, is a tender and flavorful cut of meat that runs along the backbone of the deer.
Whole backstrap
If you are looking for the most tender and juicy meat, cooking a whole backstrap is the way to go. This cut can be grilled, roasted, or seared to perfection. It’s important to remember to trim any excess fat and silver skin from the meat before cooking. This will help enhance the flavor and prevent any gamey taste.
Medallions
Another popular way to cook backstrap venison is by cutting it into medallions. These smaller, bite-sized pieces are perfect for quick and easy cooking methods like pan-searing or stir-frying. Make sure to season the medallions with your favorite marinade or dry rub to add extra flavor.
Overall, choosing the right cut of backstrap venison depends on your cooking preferences and the occasion. Whether you choose to cook a whole backstrap or cut it into medallions, you can’t go wrong with this tender and delicious cut of meat.
Consider back strap venison
If you’re looking for a lean and delicious meat option, consider cooking back strap venison. Back straps are the long, tender pieces of meat that run along the backbone of a deer. They are often considered the most prized cuts of venison due to their tenderness and rich flavor.
Before cooking back strap venison, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Start by trimming off any excess fat or silver skin, as this can result in a gamey flavor. You can also marinate the meat for a few hours to help tenderize it and add extra flavor.
Grilling back strap venison
One popular way to cook back strap venison is by grilling it. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the meat with a blend of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Place the back strap directly on the grill grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Roasting back strap venison
Another great cooking method for back strap venison is roasting. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Season the meat with your choice of herbs, spices, and marinade. Place the back strap on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Remove the meat from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Whether you choose to grill or roast back strap venison, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the meat. Remember, venison is best cooked to medium-rare or medium for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Once cooked, back strap venison can be served as a main course with your favorite sides. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Overall, back strap venison is a versatile and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and lean meat. With proper preparation and cooking techniques, you can savor the natural flavors of this prized cut of venison.
Gathering the ingredients
To cook back strap venison, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of venison back strap
– Salt and pepper for seasoning
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– Optional: additional herbs and spices for seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme
– Optional: vegetables for serving, such as roasted potatoes or steamed green beans
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Quality venison and seasonings
When it comes to cooking back strap venison, using high-quality meat is essential. Look for venison that is fresh and properly sourced. It is best to buy venison from a reputable butcher or local game processor to ensure that it has been handled and stored correctly. This will ensure that you are starting with a high-quality product that will yield tasty and tender results.
In addition to good quality meat, using the right seasonings is key to enhancing the flavor of the venison. When marinating or seasoning your back strap venison, consider using a mix of aromatic herbs and spices. Common seasonings for venison include garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and olive oil. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the taste of the meat.
For a simple seasoning, you can prepare a marinade with olive oil, minced garlic, and a blend of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. Coat the venison generously with the marinade, making sure to rub it into the meat to ensure even distribution. Allow the meat to marinate for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator before cooking.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider using a dry rub. Combine a blend of your favorite dry spices and herbs, such as black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub the mixture over the venison, making sure to cover all sides. This dry rub will create a delicious crust when cooked.
Remember to season the venison just before cooking and adjust the amount of seasoning based on personal preference. The goal is to enhance the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it.
By using quality venison and well-balanced seasonings, you can elevate the taste of your back strap venison and create a delicious and memorable dish.
Preparing the meat
Before cooking the backstrap venison, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Thaw the meat
If you have frozen backstrap venison, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
2. Trim excess fat and silver skin
Inspect the backstrap venison and trim any excess fat or silver skin. Fat can add an unpleasant flavor, and silver skin can be tough and chewy. Use a sharp knife and carefully remove these unwanted parts.
3. Season the meat
Seasoning is key to adding flavor to the backstrap venison. You can marinate it for a few hours or overnight using your choice of marinade, or simply coat the meat with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Massage the seasoning into the meat to ensure it is evenly distributed.
4. Let it rest
After seasoning, let the backstrap venison rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures more even cooking.
By properly preparing the backstrap venison, you’ll set the stage for a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal. The next steps will guide you through the cooking process to achieve the perfect result.
Trimming and marinating
Before cooking your back strap venison, it’s important to properly trim and marinate the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Start by trimming away any excess fat, silver skin, or connective tissue from the meat. This can be done using a sharp knife. Removing these parts will improve the taste and texture of the venison.
Next, prepare a marinade to infuse the meat with flavor. You can create a simple marinade using ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), salt, and pepper. Place the venison in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
During the marinating process, it’s a good idea to turn the meat every few hours to ensure it is evenly seasoned. This will also allow the marinade to reach all parts of the meat.
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can also use a vacuum sealer to speed up the marinating process. The vacuum sealing will help the marinade penetrate the meat faster.
Once the back strap venison has marinated to your liking, it’s ready to be cooked. Proceed to the next step to learn different cooking methods for preparing this delicious cut of meat.
Q&A
What is the best way to cook back strap venison?
The best way to cook back strap venison is to marinate it first to enhance the flavors. Then, you can grill the meat over high heat for a few minutes on each side until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Do you have any recipe suggestions for cooking back strap venison?
Yes, here’s a simple recipe for cooking back strap venison. Marinade the meat in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least one hour. Then, grill the back strap for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I cook back strap venison in the oven?
Yes, you can cook back strap venison in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated back strap on a baking sheet. Cook it for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What are some good marinades for back strap venison?
There are many delicious marinades you can use for back strap venison. Some popular options include a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper, or a combination of soy sauce, ginger, honey, garlic, and lime juice. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite!
How should I store leftovers of cooked back strap venison?
If you have any leftovers of cooked back strap venison, make sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the meat to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage, up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw the venison properly before reheating and consuming.
What is back strap venison?
Back strap venison, also known as venison tenderloin, is a cut of meat that comes from the back of a deer. It is a prized cut of venison due to its tenderness and lean, flavorful meat.
How do I prepare back strap venison?
Preparing back strap venison is quite simple. Start by marinating the meat to enhance its flavor. Then, you can either grill, pan-sear, or roast the meat to your desired level of doneness. It is important to not overcook the meat to maintain its tenderness.