Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook venison backstrap? This tender cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking in a crockpot, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth venison backstrap experience without the fuss of constant stovetop monitoring. Forget complicated recipes; this is your gateway to simple, healthy, and satisfying homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs venison backstrap, trimmed of silver skin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Venison: Pat the venison backstrap dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the venison backstrap on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a delicious flavor. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect tender venison texture.
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Crockpot Assembly: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seared venison backstrap on top.
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Adding Flavor: Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the venison. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. If using, add the sliced mushrooms at this point.
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Slow Cooking Magic: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the venison is fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your backstrap and your crockpot's settings. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the venison from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful finished product. Slice thinly against the grain and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Venison:
- Don't overcook: Venison is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in dry and tough meat. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Trim the fat and silver skin: This will ensure even cooking and prevent a tough texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
- Make it a complete meal: This crockpot venison recipe is incredibly versatile. Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery to the crockpot for a hearty one-pot meal. Consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced and healthy dinner.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry Venison: Add 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Venison: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Garlic and Herb Venison: Increase the amount of garlic and herbs for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Expect a relatively lean and protein-rich meal.
This slow cooker venison backstrap recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are easy to prepare. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!