Are you looking for delicious and easy venison recipes? Tired of the same old venison chili? Then you've come to the right place! This post explores the magic of the Instant Pot to create incredibly tender and flavorful venison dishes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend meals. These healthy meals are surprisingly quick to make, making them ideal for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas without sacrificing taste. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with these best recipes!
Fall-Apart Venison Stew: An Instant Pot Masterpiece
This venison stew recipe is a testament to the Instant Pot's power, transforming tough venison into melt-in-your-mouth perfection in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. It's a hearty, warming dish, perfect for cooler evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Instructions:
- Sear the Venison: Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and brown the venison cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned venison and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more. Return the venison to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Finish the Stew: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the frozen peas. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Venison in Your Instant Pot:
- Cut the Venison Evenly: Consistent-sized cubes ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Browning the venison in batches prevents steaming instead of browning.
- Natural Pressure Release: This step helps the venison become extra tender.
- Adjust Cooking Time: For very tough cuts, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Variations:
- Spicy Venison Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Venison and Mushroom Stew: Include 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables.
- Hearty Venison and Barley Stew: Add 1 cup of pearl barley with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used but expect roughly:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
These venison Instant Pot recipes offer delicious, healthy, and easy meals that are perfect for any skill level. Enjoy the convenience and incredible flavor! They are guaranteed to become your go-to quick dinner ideas. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own unique venison masterpieces. Happy cooking!