If you're looking to impress your friends and family with something a bit different, venison tenderloin is where it's at! It's packed with flavor and super versatile, so whether you're grilling, wrapping it in bacon, or whipping up some tasty tacos, there's a recipe for every palate. Trust me, once you try these five best recipes, you'll be wondering why you didn't cook venison sooner. Ready to investigate some mouthwatering options?
Classic Grilled Venison Tenderloin With Herb Marinade
Grilling venison tenderloin is a fantastic way to enjoy this lean and flavorful meat, especially when improved with a fresh herb marinade. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with delicious flavors that complement venison's natural richness.
This classic grilled venison tenderloin recipe is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a special dinner, allowing you to impress your guests with a gourmet dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds venison tenderloin
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the herb marinade.
Place the venison tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and remove the tenderloin from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill the tenderloin for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F.
Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your grilled venison tenderloin, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor.
Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as venison can dry out quickly due to its low fat content.
Pair the grilled tenderloin with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and remember to slice against the grain for the most tender bites. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin With Maple Glaze

Bacon-wrapped venison tenderloin with maple glaze is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of tender venison and smoky bacon, raised by a sweet and savory maple glaze. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
The bacon not only adds moisture to the meat but also infuses it with a delicious smoky flavor, while the maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 venison tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the glaze.
Wrap the venison tenderloin with bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks if necessary to keep them in place.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on all sides until the bacon is crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once seared, brush the maple glaze generously over the tenderloin and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5-10 minutes, and then slice and serve, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your venison is at room temperature before cooking, as this allows for even cooking throughout.
Feel free to experiment with the glaze by adding spices like cayenne pepper for a kick or herbs for added flavor.
If you prefer a more pronounced maple taste, let the glaze simmer on the stove for a few minutes to thicken before applying it to the tenderloin.
Always let the meat rest after cooking to retain its juices, guaranteeing a tender and flavorful bite.
Enjoy!
Venison Tenderloin Stir-Fry With Vegetables
Venison tenderloin stir-fry with vegetables is a quick and healthy dish that showcases the rich, gamey flavor of venison while incorporating a colorful array of fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, as it comes together in under 30 minutes and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
The tenderloin, when sliced thinly, cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound venison tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the sliced venison with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, mixing well to coat the meat.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated venison and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Remove the venison from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, stir-frying for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the venison to the skillet, toss everything together, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your venison remains tender, avoid overcooking it, as venison can become tough if cooked too long.
Slice the meat against the grain for the best texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms, and adjust the sauces to suit your palate.
For an extra kick, add a splash of chili sauce or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving!
Stuffed Venison Tenderloin With Spinach and Feta

Stuffed venison tenderloin with spinach and feta is a flavorful and elegant dish that boosts the natural richness of the venison. This recipe combines the earthiness of sautéed spinach with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, resulting in a delightful stuffing that complements the tender meat beautifully. Perfect for a special occasion or an impressive dinner for friends and family, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound venison tenderloin
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butcher's twine or toothpicks
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in the crumbled feta cheese and oregano.
Meanwhile, prepare the venison tenderloin by carefully slicing it lengthwise to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the spinach and feta mixture.
Secure the openings with butcher's twine or toothpicks.
Place the stuffed tenderloin in a baking dish, and roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips:
When preparing the stuffed venison tenderloin, be sure not to overstuff the pocket, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
Additionally, marinating the venison for a few hours prior to cooking can improve its flavor and tenderness.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the stuffing.
If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, feel free to increase the amount used.
Finally, serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Venison Tenderloin Tacos With Avocado Salsa
Venison tenderloin tacos with avocado salsa offer a delicious and unique twist on traditional taco night. The rich flavor of venison combined with the freshness of the avocado salsa creates a perfect balance that will impress your family and friends. This dish isn't only quick to prepare but also showcases the versatility of venison in a fun and approachable way.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound venison tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the venison tenderloin with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the tenderloin for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended).
Remove the venison from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Meanwhile, warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or directly over an open flame until pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing sliced venison on each tortilla and topping with the avocado salsa made by mixing the diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, marinate the venison tenderloin for a few hours or overnight with your favorite seasonings before cooking.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the avocado salsa.
Be sure to let the venison rest after cooking to lock in the juices, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.
Finally, feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.