The best red wine for cooking venison is one that’s not too sweet. A dark, smoky Cabernet is a perfect choice. It is also versatile enough to be used in a stew. In addition to being versatile, venison can be served as a main course or as a salad. While the smoked meat is often paired with a lighter red wine, it will complement braised cabbage and vegetables.
Venison Nutrition Facts
What Is Venison?
Venison, which derives from the Latin venari, which means “to hunt,” usually refers to deer meat, although it can also apply to meat from elk, buffalo, moose, caribou, and antelope, well as wild boar and hares. Deer can be slaughtered into steaks for grilling and roasts for slow cooking, similar to beef. With the rise of commercial ranching, venison, which refers to deer meat in general, gained more broad popularity among American diners.
Pasture-raised venison lacks the “gaminess” traditionally associated with hunted deer, and it has made its way onto restaurant menus across the country, raising gourmet awareness. Deer flesh is robust but tender, with a silky texture thanks to its short, thin muscle fibers.
Best Wine For Cooking Venison
Holland House Cooking Wine, Red
Features:
- Made with high-quality ingredients that provide robust and unique flavors to your everyday foods
- Developed to maintain robust wine flavor even in the high heat of cooking
- Maintains shelf life for two years
- Pair with dark meats like beef, lamb, and pork and hearty vegetables
- Since 1887, we’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting quality cooking wine with only the finest ingredients.
How To Cook Venison Healthily?
Using venison instead of beef and other red meats will help you eat more healthily. However, to reap the full benefits of deer meat, you must cook it healthily.
Before you begin, make sure the meat is free of extra fat. To cook the meat, use as little oil or butter as possible. Also, when seasoning, take care not to use too much salt.
Red Wine Venison Stew
This stew is made with venison and has a smooth, viscous sauce that clings to the veggies and meat as they slowly boil together. Beef chuck roast works excellent here as well, but it will contribute extra fat to the final stew, so skim it before serving.
Direction:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; add venison, and toss to coat.
- Heat two tablespoons of bacon drippings in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, occasionally rotating, until venison is thoroughly browned, about 15 minutes per batch, working in four batches. Place the venison on a platter. As needed, add additional bacon drippings, one tablespoon at a time, between batches. (If required, deglaze the Dutch oven with water [save this water and return it to the pan before adding the broth], then wipe it clean.) Then add two tablespoons of bacon drippings to the next batch.)
- Place the thyme, cloves, juniper berries, bay leaves, and lemon peel strips in a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and fasten them with kitchen twine before setting it aside.
- Combine the onions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and the remaining two tablespoons of bacon drippings in a Dutch oven. Cook, stirring periodically, for about 15 minutes, or until onions are softened. Add the tomatoes, broth, cheesecloth bundle, lemon juice, and browned venison to the platter, along with any drippings. Return to a medium-high simmer and place in the prepared oven. Cook, uncovered, for 2 hours or until venison is fork-tender, adding in the wine after 1 hour.
- Return the Dutch oven to the stovetop and heat to a low simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the stew from the heat and skim the fat off the surface. Remove the cheesecloth bundle and throw it away. To taste, season with salt and pepper. Serve with parsley and sour cream over egg noodles.
How Healthy Is Venison?
Here are some health benefits of venison:
Venison Is A High-Quality (And Complete) Source Of Protein
There are around 24g of protein in 100g of venison, which is good portion size. Venison (like all animal products) is a complete protein, as it contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies can’t manufacture on their own (thus the name “essential,” as we must consume them).
Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders and large muscles, despite popular belief. Protein’s importance extends beyond growth and repair (though these are significant) to include things like immune system support, hormone production support, and aiding in the formation of critical enzymes.
Venison Is Lower In Saturated Fat Than Other Red Meats
Most of us should be thinking about lowering our saturated fat intake. It’s not that we need to eliminate saturated fat thoroughly; instead, we need to make more place for other fats (such as olive oil) and other foods (like fruit, veg, and whole grains).
Due to its lower saturated fat content than other red meats, venison is an excellent seasonal substitute for red meats such as beef, allowing you to reduce your saturated fat intake. Our deer haunch steaks with roasted root vegetables have a lean flavor that we enjoy (and maybe a cheeky glass of red).
Venison Is A Great Source Of Haem Iron
Iron deficiency is one of the most frequent nutrient deficits in the United Kingdom. Venison is a fantastic source of haem iron, a form of iron that our bodies typically absorb pretty well. Non-haem iron is a form of iron found in plant-based sources absorbed slower than haem iron.
While a plant-based diet can undoubtedly exceed iron requirements, iron insufficiency is significant among vegetarians and vegans. This Autumn, eating a little venison to boost your iron levels could be a terrific idea — especially for individuals at high risk of deficiency (like young women).
Venison Is Brimming With Zinc
Zinc is another essential nutrient that can be difficult to obtain at times. An oyster is by far the best source of zinc, with only two oysters meeting the average daily requirement. Unfortunately, oysters aren’t commonly included in the weekly grocery list, and zinc levels can suffer as a result.
Following oysters, venison is one of the best sources of zinc, with 100g of venison supplying around 32% of daily requirements. With zinc being a vital vitamin for our immune system, skin health, and reproductive health (especially in males), a good piece of zinc-rich venison could benefit our health in multiple ways.
Venison Is Filled With An Array Of Essential B Vitamins
Venison contains a large number of B vitamins. Both B12 and 6 are present, and these nutrients are crucial for the ever-so-slightly important aspect of brain health (among other things). As a result, deficiency can affect mood and cause depressive symptoms. B vitamins are essential for energy production and can affect everything from hair to digestion.
So, the next time you’re sitting down to a beefsteak this Autumn, give venison a try. It’s in season, long-lasting, and loaded with nutrients (not to mention delicious). Along with our wild game, you’ll find our premium venison assortment – from diced to backside, and there’s plenty for all your stews, roasts, and pies.
Conclusion
First, venison is a lean cut ideally cooked in a stew or sauce. A slow stew or pot roast will make the sinewy cuts melt in the mouth and accentuate the flavor. For an osso buco style, venison can be substituted for the veal. Use a robust red wine such as Syrah or a Reserva Rioja to match the dish. If you’re cooking venison as the main course, it’s best to stick to a red wine that’s low in alcohol. A lighter wine like a Reserva Rioja is ideal. A Northern Rhone Syrah or a light chardonnay would be a good match for an Italian-style meal. A Northern Rhone Syrah would also work with venison.