The Best Cast Iron Venison Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds venison loin
about 2-inches thick
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
Directions
- 1
Place the steak on a cutting board and tenderize using a Jaccard meat tenderizer.
- 2
Pat the meat dry with paper towels and then let the steak sit on a plate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
- 3
Pat the meat dry again with paper towels if necessary, and then season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper.
- 4
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and place a large cast iron skillet in the oven for about 5 minutes until it's smoking hot. Turn on a stovetop burner to medium-high heat.
- 5
Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven and place it on the hot stovetop burner. Add the canola oil to the skillet, carefully swirl it around to coat the pan, and then add the venison steak.
- 6
Let steak sizzle for about 2 minutes, then use tongs to flip it over and cook about 2 more minutes. Press down gently to ensure even contact between steak and pan. When the steak has developed a dark brown crust on both sides, add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet and immediately transfer the skillet to the oven.
- 7
After 3 minutes, use an instant-read thermometer to insert into side of steak to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare meat, 125 to 130 degrees is ideal. Keep checking the steak every 90 seconds until you reach the proper temperature.
- 8
Once you've reached a perfect medium-rare temperature, remove the steak and transfer it to a cutting board and tent lightly with foil. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes. The steak will continue cooking after being removed from heat.
- 9
Serve in 6-ounce pieces or thinly slice with a sharp knife, cutting away from your body and with the top edge of the knife leaning toward your body. Make sure to slice across the grain of the meat.
- 10
Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as French Fries, mashed potatoes scalloped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, or asparagus.
The Best Cast Iron Venison Steak Recipe
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About this Recipe
Looking for a way to transform your venison into a truly unforgettable meal? This Cast Iron Venison Steak recipe offers a quick yet elegant solution, bringing restaurant-quality wild game flavor to your home kitchen with ease.The magic happens in the cast-iron skillet, where the intense, even heat creates an enviable, savory crust while locking in the natural juices of the venison loin. This method celebrates the lean and protein-packed nature of venison, achieving a tender, delicious steak without the need for complicated marinades, rubs, or outdoor grilling. It's a testament to how simple techniques can yield extraordinary results.Get ready to enjoy a lean and incredibly healthy deer steak that's bursting with the rich, gamey flavors you crave. You'll bite into a remarkably tender and juicy venison steak, perfectly complemented by the beautiful crust formed by the cast iron, butter, garlic, and fresh thyme. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a satisfying dining experience, transforming a beautiful cut of venison loin into a true delicacy for any occasion.This recipe focuses on showcasing the inherent quality of a venison loin, emphasizing a minimalist approach to seasoning. It achieves incredible flavor through the simple combination of salt, black pepper, butter, garlic cloves, and a sprig of fresh thyme, making complex rubs or extensive marinades unnecessary. While designed for venison loin, this cooking method can inspire similar preparations for other lean cuts of wild game.Perfect for special moments or even an elevated weeknight meal, this Cast Iron Venison Steak makes a fantastic centerpiece. Consider it a superb choice for a family get-together or as a unique and memorable Easter Sunday dish, offering a fresh take on traditional holiday fare.