The Ultimate Venison Patty Recipe: Flavorful, Lean, and Easy

Venison, known for its leanness and rich flavor, makes for incredibly delicious patties. This recipe provides a foolproof guide to creating juicy, flavorful venison patties perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or a standalone meal. We'll cover everything from selecting the right venison to mastering the perfect cooking technique.

Choosing Your Venison

The quality of your venison directly impacts the final taste of your patties. Ideally, opt for ground venison with a higher fat content. While venison is naturally lean, a little fat adds juiciness and flavor. Aim for a blend with at least 15-20% fat. You can achieve this by mixing lean ground venison with ground beef or pork fat.

Ingredients for Juicy Venison Patties

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 patties, depending on size.

• 1 lb ground venison (with 15-20% fat)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Venison Patty Recipe

Step 1: Combining the Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground venison, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties. If using cheese, add it now.

Step 2: Forming the Patties

Shape the mixture into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make them slightly larger than you want them to be, as they will shrink during cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the Venison Patties

You have several options for cooking your venison patties:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired internal temperature (160°F is recommended).
• Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your venison patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This guarantees they are safe to eat and cooked properly.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Venison Patties

Serve your perfectly cooked venison patties on buns with your favorite toppings for a hearty venison burger. Consider adding lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and your favorite burger sauce. They also make fantastic additions to salads or can be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Venison Patty

• Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing can make the patties tough.
• Let the patties rest: Allow the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
• Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different herbs and spices to create unique flavor combinations.

This comprehensive guide ensures you'll create mouthwatering venison patties every time. Enjoy!