This easy pan fried deer heart recipe makes delicious use of very underutilized meat from your harvest. Flavorful, easy to prepare, and great use of tasty meat.
I always find it interesting when we look back into our past about all of the meat that did not go to waste from an animal. Be it deer, cattle, pigs, even chickens, and game birds. Our ancestors used every part of the animals they harvested. Now?
So much of it goes to waste in the gut pile. Or, in commercial butchering operations, the less than acceptable cuts of meat are utilized to make dog food and other domesticated animal kibbles.
My grandmother, who was born in the 40s, remembers her mom preparing beef hearts, livers, and even fried lamb brains for supper. Why don’t we utilize these portions anymore?
We strive to use all of the animals when we harvest. So organ meat like deer liver and kidneys are on the menu after a successful hunt in addition to these delicious heart steaks.
If you’ve never tried venison heart, you’re missing out. It rivals backstraps in taste and really doesn’t need marinades. Just a handful of ingredients and a simple pan-fry and it’s absolutely delicious.
What does deer heart taste like?
Heart meat is some of the best deer meat you’ll ever taste. Unlike some wild game meats, this cut of meat is never gamey.
It tastes very similar to deer steak, except even better. The best way to prepare it is to keep things very simple.
How to Cook Deer Heart
Purge and Rinse
The blood left in the heart can add an iron-like taste to the meat if it isn’t purged. To purge, simply put the valves under cold water, gently squeeze, and wait until the water runs clear. This will take about 5-10 minutes.
By the time I got to this after our butchering session, the blood had coagulated a little bit. That’s okay. The blood clots will rinse out in globs, which can look unappealing, but it won’t hurt anything.
Slice
Using a very sharp knife, trim away the top of the heart that contains the valves, arteries, and veins. Also, remove as much of the fat cap from the top as you can. This deer fat isn’t suitable for much, as it’s very hard and waxy.
Next, slice the heart right where you see the bottom chambers naturally divided on the outside of the heart.
Inside you’ll find a lot of connective tissue and wobbly bits that you can trim away.
Then, just make lengthwise cuts through the heart to create several slices of meat.
I made them into smaller, bite-sized morsels, but you don’t have to. It’s really up to you. About 1/4″ to 1/2″ is about the right thickness to cook it.
Soak In Salt Water
The final step to make sure any remaining blood is flushed out is to place the large pieces of heart into a bowl of water with a couple of teaspoons of sea salt overnight. It will be ready the next day to cook.
Deer Heart Ingredients
This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, except for the heart itself. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Whole Heart
- Garlic
- Butter
- Fresh Parsley
- Black Pepper
- Salt
Easy Deer Heart Recipe
After preparing the heart for cooking and soaking, rinse it.
Season the heart with parsley, black pepper, and salt. In a skillet, over medium-high heat melt the butter and saute the garlic until fragrant.
Then, add the seasoned deer’s heart to the pan, giving everything a quick sear until you reach the desired doneness. Remove and serve hot.
Other Wild Game Recipes You’ll Love:
Easy Pan Fried Deer Heart Recipe
This easy pan fried deer heart recipe makes delicious use of a very underutilized meat from your harvest. Flavorful, easy to prepare and a great use of a tasty meat.
Ingredients
- 1 Deer Heart
- 1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 2 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- After you've prepared your deer heart, gather all of the ingredients and melt 1/4 cup of butter in a cast iron skillet.
- Season the heart with parsley, black pepper and sea salt. Add the crushed clove of garlic and the seasoned deer heart pieces to the skillet with the melted butter.
- Turning once, cook meat in butter over medium high heat for about three minutes per side or to desired doneness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 136Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 237mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g
Sandra Stewart
Monday 18th of March 2024
I love this easy and delish recipe....question....what's the best way to warm it up then to avoid it turning chewy?
Danielle McCoy
Wednesday 20th of March 2024
I would top it with onions and/or some gravy when cooking it to help retain the moisture.
Shirley McEvoy
Saturday 7th of October 2023
I always enjoy your articles. Informative and practical. I started making soaps and lotions a few years back and use your recipes. The best! I’m excited for your next adventure. Good luck and have fun. Looking forward to hearing about all the changes. 👩🌾
Danielle McCoy
Monday 9th of October 2023
Awww, thank you Shirley! Lots of changes on the horizon
Mike
Tuesday 6th of December 2022
Wow! Prepared it tonight myself. My wife is under the weather so I gathered the ingredients and cooked it up per the recipe. I like that it was FAST and SIMPLE. Tasted GREAT. Corn and peas on the side. I will use this recipe again next deer season.
50 yr deer bow hunter
Sunday 16th of April 2023
@Danielle McCoy,
Danielle McCoy
Tuesday 6th of December 2022
Glad you enjoyed it! Congrats on your deer!
Raymond challita
Wednesday 8th of June 2022
Never enjoyed deer heart. I’m sure it’s because I didn’t cook it properly. I will follow this recipe and rinse meat good and try again. Don’t like to waste harvest. Thank you
Jim and Eileen
Saturday 8th of January 2022
Danielle, Thanks so much for your easy recipe for both heart and liver. It's been awhile to have my mind refreshed as it's been awhile since this 77 yr. year old made these two, ha-ha. My 80 yr. old husband can't wait to enjoy these that were given to us by one of our grandchildren. Bless you for all the hard work you do.
Danielle McCoy
Sunday 9th of January 2022
So happy to help! Enjoy :).