Skip to main content

Iconic Venison Backstrap Recipe

Learn how to properly cook the finest cut of venison with this simple venison backstrap recipe

Iconic Venison Backstrap Recipe

You can find other venison backstrap recipes, but they won't be nearly as good as this one. (Photo courtesy of Chef Derek St. Romain)

Print Recipe

Undoubtedly the most iconic and coveted cut of meat a hunter can enjoy, the venison loin is great for pan searing or grilling. More commonly referred to as the backstrap, this cut offers tremendous cooking potential. The following simple recipe will help you properly prepare and enjoy the choicest of game meat.

Yield: 1 venison backstrap
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 venison backstrap
  • 4 ounces olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic purée
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Buttermilk

Directions:

  1. Soak the venison backstrap in 40 percent fat content buttermilk and fresh rosemary for 48 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. After the meat is done marinating, rinse off all buttermilk and rosemary and leave the meat out at room temperature for about 45 minutes. (Never cook any red meat that’s cold. Always allow it to reach room temperature first.)
  3. Once the meat has set out, coat in olive oil, cover in salt and pepper, and then rub in the garlic. Let the meat sit for another 15 minutes before you start the cooking process.
  4. In a cast-iron skillet (or on a grill), turn on high heat for 3 or 4 minutes before placing the meat in the pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, turning 3 to 4 times for a medium-cooked loin. Once the loin is cooked, let it sit out again for another 10 minutes for the meat to settle. (If you cut the venison backstrap too soon, all of the juices and flavor will simply run out of the meat.)
  5. Cut the loin into medallions but then “reassemble” it to serve. Having a big bowl of horseradish cream sauce at the ready helps to make this one incredible main dish!

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

First Time's a Charm

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Big Sky, Big Bucks

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Early-Season Archery

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Whitetails & Wheel Guns

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Love & War

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Living the Dream

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Wyoming Whitetail Crossbow Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Stan Potts' Debut NAW Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

September Black Hills Whitetail Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Gordon's First NAW Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Land Management

The Basics of Trapping

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Learn

The Basics of Trapping Predators

North American Whitetail Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the North American Whitetail App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now