How to Grill Venison Steaks (and the Best Seasoning for Deer Meat)

Want to know how to grill venison steaks the right way? Keep it simple. Bring the meat to room temperature, season it well with a bold blend like Dad Spice, and grill it hot and fast to medium rare. Venison is lean, so the biggest rule is do not overcook it.

Why venison is different from beef

Deer meat is very lean. It has little fat to keep it juicy. That means it cooks faster than beef and dries out if you leave it on too long. Cook it to medium rare and you get a tender, rich steak.

The best seasoning for deer meat

Venison has a deep, slightly wild flavor. A bold, savory seasoning balances it out. Dad Spice is a favorite for deer meat because the smoke and citrus soften the gamey edge while letting the meat shine. Plenty of our customers say venison is their top way to use it.

How to grill venison steaks

1. Take the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat them dry and rub on a little oil.
3. Season both sides well with Dad Spice.
4. Heat the grill to high.
5. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak.
6. Pull them at about 130 degrees F for medium rare.
7. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.

How to keep venison tender

• Do not cook past medium. Well done venison gets tough and dry.
• Use a thermometer. See our doneness chart for target temps.
• Let it rest before slicing so the juices settle.
• Slice thin and against the grain.

Season your next batch with The Classic from the shop.