For years we’d have a freezer full of venison every hunting season. Since I grew up in Central Florida, I wasn’t use to the taste of deer meat, and honestly wasn’t a fan. However this venison marinade totally changed my mind!
You can only make so much venison jerky, right? (Although I’m sure my kids would disagree, they could eat jerky all.day.long.)
When we process our deer meat we try to keep as many cuts of steak as possible. I know lots of people turn their meat into ground beef but this venison marinade changed my mind and now we try to get as many steaks as we can.
If you have family members that aren’t fan of the gamey taste of venison steaks you have to try this recipe.
The “gamey” taste is gone and your friends and family probably won’t know they are even eating venison with this recipe.
Venison Marinade for Steak Lovers
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 lbs. venison steaks
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together and pour over venison steaks.
- Marinate for at least 8 hours, preferably 10-12.
- Grill or broil venison to your liking.
For this recipe, don’t shortcut the marinade time. The longer you marinade the venison steaks the better they taste.
In fact, one easy recipe hack is to mix together all the marinade ingredients then place into a bag. Add the venison steak then place in the freezer. I prefer the sealer bags (and if you are processing your own venison meat you probably own one).
The vacuum sealed bag causes the marinade to be fully absorbed by the steaks and the taste is amazing. In fact I recommend using vacuum sealer to marinate the meat even if you aren’t freezing it.
If you plan on making this a freezer meal you’ll need to plan ahead. The venison marinade needs to be frozen with the steaks the first time you freeze it for storage. It’s not safe to thaw and refreeze the deer meat.
The venison marinade and steak will keep in the freezer for at least a month.
My favorite marinades
Serenity says
Thank you for the recipe. My husband got his first deer this year and I have NO CLUE what to do with it (besides chili 🙂 I will give this a shot tomorrow. No pun intended!
TheHappyHousewife says
Tell your husband congrats! But I will warn you, once they get their first one they are addicted, lol!
Toni
Nancy says
Our freezer is now stocked with venison thanks to my husband. He got his first deer this season so now I’m having to learn a few new tricks in the kitchen.
Lisa@blessedwithgrace says
I’m gonna pass this on to my venison loving friend. Thanks for sharing and linking to TMTT.
Phoebe @ Getting Freedom says
OOhhh..can’t wait to try this! A co-worker of my husband’s gave us a deer this year, since we were unlucky.
Michelle says
I was searching for a new venison marinade and this sounds delicious; I cannot wait to try it. I do have a question though, do you use fresh parsley and oregano?
Thanks, Micchelle
TheHappyHousewife says
It depends on if I have it, the measurements are for the dried herbs.
Toni
Michelle says
Thanks Toni,
As it is summer and the garden is bursting with herbs, I used fresh ones and yummy! My grilled venison round steak was tender and delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe again and again and again…..
Nicole says
Can you sub fresh onions for the onion flakes?
TheHappyHousewife says
Yes.
Lindsey says
Hi. I love this recipe. I’m from louisiana,and yes, I do have an alligator in my backyard!!! His name is budroau!!!! I lovvvve him! <3
Terri says
Can I use this marinade for a venison roast or stew meat (given to me by neighbor) to get the yucky taste out and then put it in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours? Do I add additional spices and vegetables. I’m afraid of using a separate stew recipe and for there to be too many different flavors. what do you think?
TheHappyHousewife says
I’m not sure. If I did, I might rinse off the beef before putting in the crock pot to keep there from being too many flavors.