Venison traditionally refers to meat obtained from hares, boars, elk, caribou, antelope, and some species of goats. However, it is most commonly used as a term for deer meat. Although a lesser-used meat than beef or chicken, venison is still highly popular. It offers a number of health benefits due to its high nutritional content.
Venison is a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids your body needs while being relatively low in calories and fat. It’s also abundant in the B vitamins, zinc, and iron. These are essential micronutrients that your body needs to undergo all of its daily metabolic, biochemical, and physiological functions. Incorporating venison into your diet to improve your nutrient intake can seem complicated, but there are lots of simple ways to prepare venison and make it as delicious as it can be. Below, we’ve covered four ways to make your venison taste amazing.
Ageing
Just like when you dry age beef, ageing venison meat can give it a richer flavour and make it more tender. You can age the meat by either drying it or wetting it. To age your venison meat by drying it, hang it up in a safe and controlled environment. To appropriately wet the meat, you should vacuum-seal it and store it in the fridge. Both methods cause the enzymes naturally found within the meat to break down some of the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender cut of meat. Although ageing requires additional time following the hunting or purchase of your venison, the improvement in the taste and quality of your dish will be worth the wait.
Seasoning and Spices
When you’re cooking venison, it’s best to use some sort of seasoning. Whether it’s traditional salt and pepper, your favorite herbs, or a blend of spices, seasoning your venison meat adds lots of extra flavor and taste. Consider experimenting with herbs and spices you haven’t previously tried. Venison pairs well with a wide range of seasonings, so don’t be afraid to explore a variety of options and figure out which flavor combinations you prefer.
Marinating
If herbs and spices aren’t your thing, consider marinating your raw venison meat for several hours or overnight before cooking it. Doing so adds extra moisture and flavor to the meat, enhancing the resulting dish. Popular marinades include wine, vinegar, and citrus juices. You can combine these ingredients with your favorite herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a unique sauce for your venison.
Cooking Methods
There are several cooking methods that you can use to cook venison, each of which leads to a unique taste, texture, and nutritional content in the cooked product. Slow cooking techniques, such as braising or creating a venison stew, are often best for venison meat to get the best results. However, if you’re short on time or want a crispier finish, you can try grilling, roasting, or searing the meat.
Consider trying a few different cooking techniques to see which one you like the best. Paired with unique seasoning and marinating methods, you’ll be able to perfect your cooking process and create the perfect venison-based dish.
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