Learn how to cook the perfect venison steak with a tender, juicy interior and a beautifully seared crust. This easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips will help you master cooking venison every time.

Venison has a unique flavor profile that stands out in any dish. Whether it’s in juicy venison burgers, flavorful venison tacos, or this perfectly seared steak recipe, venison proves itself to be a versatile and tasty option for any meal.

We especially love how quickly and easily venison can be transformed into a gourmet dish, making it a staple in our kitchen.

Venison steak is a flavorful, lean alternative to traditional beef steaks, and when cooked properly, it can be just as tender and juicy. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, knowing how to properly season and cook venison will make it an unforgettable dish. Follow these simple tips and the marinade recipe to ensure a perfect steak every time.

Tips for Cooking the Best Venison Steak

Achieving the perfect venison steak requires a few simple but important steps. Here’s how to get it just right:

Marinate or Season Well: Venison benefits from a good marinade or seasoning. This helps enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.

Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the steak to rest outside the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent overcooking.

Cook to Medium-Rare or Rare: Venison steak is best enjoyed medium-rare to rare, with an internal temperature of 117°F. Overcooking can make it tough.

Rest the Meat: Let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Use Thick Cuts: Opt for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for The Best Marinated Venison Steak

Venison Steak: 1-inch thick cuts such as hindquarter, backstrap medallions, tenderloin, or flank steak

Olive Oil: For marinating.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes.

Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor.

Steak Seasonings: Fresh garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika.

Red Wine Vinegar: Tenderizes and reduces any gamey flavors.

Butter: For richness, either plain or compound butter.

Make It

Make the Marinade: In a shallow bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and parsley.

Marinate: Add venison steaks to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Bring to Room Temperature: Remove steaks from the marinade 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill to medium-high (450°F to 500°F), or preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Steak: Grill or sear steaks for about 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 117°F. Avoid overcooking.

Rest the Steak: Let the steaks rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with butter for extra richness.

Serve: Slice and enjoy with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

If you try this venison steak recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Feel free to give this post a five-star rating if you found it helpful! And don’t forget to share your perfectly juicy venison steaks with me on Instagram @therusticelk.

Venison Recipes to Try Next:

• Venison Enchiladas
• Venison Bolognese
• The Best Venison Stew Recipe
• The Best Hearty Venison Chili Recipe