Traeger Venison Backstrap Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful

The Roasted Venison Tenderloin recipe from Traeger involves marinating the venison in a mixture of red wine, garlic, soy sauce, rosemary, black pepper, and olive oil for at least 8 hours. The marinated venison is then grilled at 450°F until medium-rare, ensuring a tender and flavorful dish. The process includes steps for trimming, marinating, searing, and cooking the tenderloins to perfection, with a final resting period before slicing and garnishing with rosemary sprigs.

Ingredients:

• 2 (1 to 1-1/2 lb) venison tenderloin
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil or vegetable oil
• Freshly ground black pepper (as needed)
• Coarse salt (as needed)
• Rosemary sprigs (as needed)

Steps:

1. Trim silverskin off the tenderloins and transfer to a resealable plastic bag.
2. Make the marinade: Combine red wine, garlic, soy sauce, and red wine vinegar. Stir in rosemary and pepper, then whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
3. Pour marinade over the tenderloins in the bag, refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat Traeger to 450°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
5. Remove tenderloins from marinade, pat dry, and season with black pepper and coarse salt.
6. Sear the tenderloins on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side until well-browned.
7. Continue cooking until medium-rare (135°F on a meat thermometer), about 15-20 minutes.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing on a diagonal. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Roasted Venison Tenderloin

For the adventurous home cook and outdoor grilling enthusiast, mastering the art of cooking venison tenderloin can elevate your culinary repertoire. Venison, known for its rich and distinct flavor, provides a healthier alternative to traditional red meats, and when prepared with care, it can be a true delicacy.

The Marinade: Building Flavors The journey to a perfect venison tenderloin begins with a robust marinade. Using a base of dry red wine not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with deep, savory notes. Garlic adds a punch of flavor, while soy sauce and red wine vinegar contribute umami and a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Fresh rosemary, an herb synonymous with game meats, imparts a woody fragrance, and black pepper adds a subtle heat. The olive oil, acting as a binder, ensures the marinade penetrates the meat thoroughly, guaranteeing a burst of flavor in every bite.

Grilling Techniques: Precision and Care Grilling venison tenderloin requires precision. Preheating your grill to 450°F ensures a hot sear, which locks in juices and creates a delectable crust. Turning the tenderloin frequently ensures even cooking and prevents over-charring. A meat thermometer is essential for achieving the perfect medium-rare, where the internal temperature should read 135°F. This temperature allows the venison to remain tender and juicy, avoiding the toughness that can come with overcooking.

Resting and Serving: The Final Touches Once off the grill, allowing the venison to rest is crucial. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice succulent. Slicing the meat on a diagonal not only presents well but also shortens the muscle fibers, making the venison easier to chew. Garnishing with rosemary sprigs not only enhances the visual appeal but also reinforces the herbaceous notes introduced during marination.

Why Venison?

Venison is not just a gourmet delight but also a nutritious choice. It's leaner than beef, packed with protein, and lower in fat. Cooking with venison also connects you with sustainable eating practices, often sourced from local hunters or farms that practice ethical wildlife management.

By following this recipe, you embrace a culinary tradition that honors the natural flavors of game meat, enhanced with a blend of complementary ingredients and precise grilling techniques. The result is a dish that is as impressive in taste as it is in presentation, perfect for a special gathering or a hearty family meal.