Tired of the same old hot dogs? Craving a unique and flavorful culinary adventure? Then look no further! This venison hot dog recipe is a game-changer, offering a healthy and delicious twist on a classic summer favorite. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it an ideal option for quick dinner ideas, even for those new to the world of venison. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly unforgettable dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 8 delicious venison hot dogs.
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For the Venison Mixture:
- 1 lb ground venison (preferably 80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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For Serving:
- Hot dog buns
- Your favorite toppings (mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Venison Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground venison, onion, celery, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough hot dogs.
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Shape the Hot Dogs: Divide the venison mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a hot dog shape, ensuring they are roughly the same size. For a more professional look, you can use parchment paper to help you form them evenly.
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Cook the Hot Dogs: You have several options for cooking your venison hot dogs:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned.
- Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned.
- Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the hot dogs and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, until cooked through.
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Serve: Once cooked, place the venison hot dogs in your favorite buns and top with your desired condiments.
Tips for the Best Venison Hot Dogs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can make the hot dogs tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your hot dogs will be directly impacted by the quality of the venison and other ingredients you use.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preferences. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a nice depth of flavor.
- Let them rest: Allow the cooked hot dogs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful hot dog.
Variations:
- Spicy Venison Hot Dogs: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheesy Venison Hot Dogs: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the venison mixture before shaping the hot dogs.
- Herb-infused Venison Hot Dogs: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per hot dog, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious venison hot dog recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both easy and satisfying. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy!