How to cook the perfect venison steak
Looking to master the art of cooking venison steaks? Here’s how to cook venison to perfection, with a step-by-step guide, plus a delicious recipe for venison steak pinwheels.
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Woolworths offers a premium selection of free-range venison, including eland, gemsbok, buffalo, blesbok, kudu, wildebeest, hartebeest and impala. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to venison, Woolworths’ carefully sourced venison makes it easy to bring delicious, ethical meals to your table.
How to cook the perfect venison steak
Venison is a lean meat, which means it cooks quickly and requires a bit more attention. Here’s how to get it just right:
1. Preparation
Start by removing the venison steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures they reach room temperature, which allows for more even cooking.
2. Seasoning
Venison has a naturally rich flavour, so you don’t need to overdo it with the seasoning. Salt and pepper work wonders, but feel free to add garlic, rosemary or a touch of smoked paprika for extra flavour.
3. Searing
Heat a heavy skillet or pan over a medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil with a high smoking point (such as sunflower or avocado oil). Once the pan is hot, sear the venison steak for about 2–3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer it more well done, extend the cooking time by another minute per side, but take care as venison cooks quickly and you don’t want to overdo it!
4. Resting
After searing, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Serve with a punchy cowboy butter and a side of chips for the ultimate steak dinner.
Venison pinwheels
For a quick and impressive dinner, try venison steak pinwheels. Flatten the venison steaks and stuff them with sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and cheese. Roll up tightly, secure with butcher's twine, and sear in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. It’s an easy, delicious way to enjoy venison with minimal effort—perfect for a midweek meal.
Photography: Jan Ras
Videographer: Kaylene Sauls
Recipes and production: Abigail Donnelly
Food assistant: Bianca Jones
Woolworths’ free-range venison is naturally low in fat and sourced from animals that roam freely in natural pastures. These venison cuts, including eland, kudu and impala, are carefully selected for quality and sustainability. Woolworths ensures that its free-range venison is raised without routine antibiotics or growth stimulants, giving you a product that’s both ethical and full of rich, authentic flavour.
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