9 Delicious Deer Recipes: Backstrap, Tenderloin, and Ground Deer Delights

Cooking with deer meat, often referred to as venison, is a flavorful and lean way to enjoy a variety of hearty dishes.

Whether you’re working with tender backstrap, juicy tenderloin, or versatile ground deer, venison offers endless possibilities for creating meals that are rich in taste and packed with nutrients.

Known for its unique, slightly gamey flavor, deer meat pairs beautifully with bold seasonings, savory sauces, and classic comfort-food preparations.

Below, you’ll find a variety of recipes to elevate your venison dishes, from simple grilled backstrap to hearty ground deer chili.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, these recipes will help you make the most of your venison stash.

Deer Backstrap Recipes

1. Grilled Garlic Butter Deer Backstrap

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs deer backstrap
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix melted butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the backstrap with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, basting with garlic butter as it cooks.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Pan-Seared Deer Backstrap with Red Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 deer backstrap steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the backstrap for 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, add red wine, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Simmer until reduced by half.
4. Stir in butter until the sauce is smooth.
5. Pour the sauce over the backstrap and serve.

3. Bacon-Wrapped Deer Backstrap

Ingredients:

• 1 deer backstrap
• 6-8 slices of bacon
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the backstrap with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap the backstrap in bacon slices, securing with toothpicks.
4. Place on a baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crispy.

Deer Tenderloin Recipes

1. Herb-Crusted Deer Tenderloin

Ingredients:

• 1 deer tenderloin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Mix olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub onto the tenderloin.
3. Sear the tenderloin in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Deer Tenderloin Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 1 lb deer tenderloin, sliced thin
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
2. Add the tenderloin slices and cook until browned.
3. Stir in beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and mix in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

3. Honey Soy Glazed Deer Tenderloin

Ingredients:

• 1 deer tenderloin
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and garlic powder. Marinate the tenderloin for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill or skillet to medium heat.
3. Cook the tenderloin for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with marinade.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Ground Deer Recipes

1. Deer Burger Patties

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground deer
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ground deer, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into patties.
3. Grill or pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

2. Ground Deer Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground deer
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (14 oz), drained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, brown the ground deer with onions and garlic.
2. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve hot with shredded cheese and sour cream.

3. Ground Deer Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground deer
• 1 taco seasoning packet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Taco shells
• Favorite toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook ground deer until browned.
2. Add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.