Recipe: Venison with Blueberry Bourbon Sauce

by
posted on December 4, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
venisonwblueberrysauce_lead.jpg

Combine Bourbon and blueberries in this five-star treatment for your venison backstrap.

Meat
2-3 pounds of venison backstrap trimmed and ready for the grill

Blueberry Bourbon Sauce Ingredients
2 cups of fresh blueberries
½ cup bourbon whiskey (Good old Canadian rye whiskey can be a substitute)
½ lemon juiced
⅔ cup of white sugar
1 Tbsp corn starch
½ cup water

1. The loin can be cooked whole or sliced into 1- to 1 ½-inch steaks. Sprinkle with Montreal steak spice of similar seasoning. Do not use anything to overpower the natural flavors of the venison.

2. Meat is to be prepared in a sizzling hot cast iron fry pan. Approximately 3 tbsp. of lard or olive oil is required to grease the pan. Sear back strap or steaks until rich brown, which normally takes about 2 minutes per side. I prefer to cook the meat as one piece, as it will hold the juices better and make it more flavorful. It is important not to overcook the venison if you want tender meat. Medium rare is ideal and anything done past medium will make meat tough.

3. Combine berries, whiskey, lemon and sugar in a small saucepan and heat to a gentle boil. Simmer the contents for 10 minutes until well blended, allowing the flavor and juice of the berries to cook into a sauce.  Stir carefully to keep berries from being crushed in the sauce.

4. To thicken the sauce, add corn starch and water and whip together with a fork. Add starch mixture to simmering berries. Maintain on heat until the mixture is well blended and consistent in texture. Use a spoon to see if the sauce is thick enough to stick to the metal surface and you’ll know it’s ready to serve.

5. When your meal is ready to serve slice the back strap into thin medallions or place steaks on serving plates and top each piece with several heaping tablespoons of the blueberry sauce.

Latest

Lead Photo Double Rifle
Lead Photo Double Rifle

An Ode to the Double Rifle

There are few who appreciate double rifles more deeply than our regular contributor, Phil Massaro. From the guns' storied history, to their heft and utility, the double rifle has fascinated Phil for a lifetime, and he has carried them in pursuit of game at home and abroad. Read on for his tribute to the classic design.

New for 2026: Spartan Precision Equipment Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod

Spartan Precision Equipment has announced the Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod, a shooting support system engineered for exceptional stability, rapid deployment, and lightweight performance for hunters and long-range precision shooters.

D.C. Legislators Who Understand Hunting and Shooting’s Role in Conservation

Yes Virginia, there are members of U.S. Congress and the Senate who hunt, fish or participate in the shooting sports despite their Beltway jobs.

Lever-Actions, Riflescopes and Suppressors?

The historic lever gun, modern optics, fancy ammunition, and suppressors all in one hunting unit. Should that even be allowed? Welcome to the clash of old versus modern.

Remington Collaborates with Original Grain on the Hunt Club Series

Remington Ammunition has announced Original Grain as an Official Remington Brand Licensee. The two companies have recently partnered to launch The Hunt Club series of watches. At launch, the four-watch collaboration includes Mother of Pearl Chrono, Ebony Barrel Chrono, Silver Barrel Auto and Black Chrono, with more styles planned.

Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic and Its Influence on Hunting Strategies

Looking for a new lens through which to view your chosen hunting strategy for a specific scenario? Why not consider the natural predator/prey dynamics at work in the mind of your quarry. Read on, as Barb Melloni explores the why behind some popular hunting practices.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.