Elk & Venison Cooking Tips - First Light USA (2024)

FAQs

Elk & Venison Cooking Tips - First Light USA? ›

However, if it's seared and allowed to rest for about ten minutes before slicing, it is like eating butter! Venison cooks faster than beef, and when cooking it rare, it needs to only reach a temperature of 130 degrees. If venison reaches 150 degrees, it begins to toughen.

However, if it's seared and allowed to rest for about ten minutes before slicing, it is like eating butter! Venison cooks faster than beef, and when cooking it rare, it needs to only reach a temperature of 130 degrees. If venison reaches 150 degrees, it begins to toughen.

While some hunters swear by certain soaking methods to take the “gamey” flavor away or bleed the meat after processing, others don't find it all that helpful. If you would like to try soaking your meat, instructions for a buttermilk soak can be found at The Backyard Pioneer.

Place the steaks on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side (this will depend on steak thickness), but keep an eye on the internal temperature. You want to pull the steaks at 117-125F for a rare plus/medium-rare steak, it's very important not to overcook venison.

Venison behaves in many ways like beef, albeit very lean. You can cook the tender, steaky cuts of venison to the same doneness levels as you would beef, namely 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium rare and 135–145°F (57–63°C) for medium. Hitting those temperatures just right is important for maximum enjoyment.

Simply put, aging results in a more tender, albeit smaller product. To inhibit bacteria growth and encourage enzymes to work, keep the meat above freezing and below 40 degrees. The ideal temperature range for aging meat is between 34 and 37 degrees.

Whisk together canola oil, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Place elk steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in Worcestershire mixture. Coat steak with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag.

Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least four hours, and no more than 12, before proceeding to cook it as you normally would. The calcium in milk contains enzymes that will tenderize the meat, and the main protein in milk will neutralize the gamey flavor.

Like other meats, washing venison can spread contamination in a kitchen.

What is the best way to cook elk? ›

Elk is very lean, and as such is best enjoyed rare to medium-rare. When cooking elk steaks, a short duration, high-temperature sear is ideal, locking in the elk's natural juices without drying it out. An internal temperature of 120-125 degrees is best, with a resting period of at least 5 minutes.

Tender cuts of venison should be prepared using quick cooking methods to a rare or medium-rare level of doneness (internal temperature of 120° to 135° F). If it is prepared past medium-rare too much moisture will be cooked out causing the meat to become dry and tough.

Because venison is a dry meat, only certain cuts of the meat should be cooked using dry heat methods like broiling, frying, roasting and grilling.

Let venison come to room temperature before grilling it – just as you should with any meat. Thicker cuts - an inch or more - can sit for 30 to 60 minutes. You certainly don't want a charred surface and cold meat left at the center.

Clean your hands, cooking utensils and surfaces frequently. Don't cross-contaminate by using the same utensils and surfaces without proper cleaning for cooked and uncooked foods. Freezing will not kill bacteria. Cook until internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees.

Why does my venison always come out tough? If you find that your roasts always come out sort of rubbery, dry or hard, it's likely because you're not cooking long enough and at a low enough temperature. If you're using a slow cooker you want to cook your meat on low for 8-9 hours, or until falling-apart tender.

I've found that the best temperature for braising is 350 degrees. It's hot enough that you're not waiting until midnight to serve dinner, but low enough to prevent braising liquid from evaporating too quickly. Most venison roasts will become tender in 2 to 3 hours at this temperature.

Information. The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution.

Tender cuts of venison should be prepared using quick cooking methods to a rare or medium-rare level of doneness (internal temperature of 120° to 135° F). If it is prepared past medium-rare too much moisture will be cooked out causing the meat to become dry and tough.