If you have ever prepared and cooked a venison steak or roast only to be disappointed in the end result, you are not alone. This usually occurs as a result of overcooking or using a less-than-desirable cooking method. Learning a few foolproof tips will help you master the art of cooking venison like a pro.

Avoid overcooking  

If you have cooked venison in the past only to end up with a tough or rubbery piece of meat, you have probably overcooked your venison. Naturally low in fat and lean, venison is best served medium rare. Overcooking can make the meat tough and also affect the flavor of the meat.

Avoid cooking cold

Never take a venison steak from the freezer and cook directly. The same is true for a steak taken directly from the refrigerator. Venison is best when it is allowed to come to room temperature prior to cooking.

Avoid oiling the pan

When you want to sear a venison steak or roast, avoid putting oil in the cooking vessel. It is better to brush the venison with a little oil on both sides prior to cooking. Brushing the venison with oil is best for grilling, barbecuing, and pan-searing steaks or roasts.

Avoid serving it immediately

It is important to give your venison time to rest following cooking. Once you remove a steak or roast from the heat, cover it and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to dispense throughout the meat, which will enhance the flavor and keep the meat tender.

Avoid the fear of trying new cooking methods

It is not uncommon for cooks to only use venison steaks and roasts as standalone meats due to the uncertainty of how they may work in recipes. However, venison is an excellent substitution for beef, chicken, or pork when making flavorful meat and vegetable stir-fries. It can also be used to make tasty soups, casseroles, and stews that are healthy and low in fat.

Lean and healthy, venison is a great alternative to cuts of beef and other meats and can be used in nearly any recipe that calls for meat. However, due to its lean nature, venison can be dry or tough if not cooked properly. Once you learn the proper methods for cooking venison, you will feel confident when preparing and cooking any cut of venison.

Find out more about wild game recipes.