Welcome to The Outdoorsman's Kitchen section of our blog. Unlike many recipe websites, we skip the lengthy backstories and get straight to the recipes you're here for. The Outdoorsman's Kitchen is dedicated to sharing recipes featuring game meat. This recipe, venison steaks with blackberry sauce.
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Venison Steak with Blackberry Sauce recipe. Venison's rich, gamey flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tartness of blackberries, creating a dish that's bursting with flavor and elegance. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Venison:
4 venison steaks (about 6 oz each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Blackberry Sauce:
2 cups fresh blackberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup red wine (for depth)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, chopped shallot, and thyme. If using, add the red wine as well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to reduce by half or until it achieves a syrupy consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
Once reduced, season with salt and pepper. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve to remove the seeds and shallot bits, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. Set the sauce aside and keep it warm.
2. Cook the Venison Steaks:
Allow the venison steaks to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat until it's just starting to smoke.
Place the steaks in the skillet, and sear them without moving for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steaks. Venison should be cooked more on the rare side to avoid drying out the meat.
Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and tent with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Serve:
Slice the venison steaks against the grain. Arrange the slices on warm plates and drizzle generously with the warm blackberry sauce.
Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips:
Always ensure venison steaks are not overcooked to maintain their tenderness and moisture. Venison is a lean meat and tends to dry out if overcooked.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste by adding or reducing the amount of sugar.
This Venison Steak with Blackberry Sauce recipe showcases the natural, gamey flavor of venison elevated by the sweet and tangy blackberry sauce. It’s a testament to how high-quality, simple ingredients can create a stunning and delicious meal.