Juicy roasted venison loin on a cutting board with fresh herbs

Perfectly Roasted BBQ Venison Loin: A Simple Guide

Perfectly Roasted BBQ Venison Loin: A Simple Guide
mediumstar
20 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat15gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Venison loin (fresh, trimmed of silver skin)500 g
  • Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves (fresh, minced)3 pieces
  • Fresh rosemary (chopped)1 tbsp
  • Salt (preferably kosher salt)1 tsp
  • Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
  • BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)3 tbsp
  • Optional: smoked paprika0.5 tsp

This recipe guides you through roasting a tender venison loin with a delicious BBQ twist. It's simple, beginner-friendly, and ensures a safe and flavorful result. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $25 USD, €23, £20, and ₹2000. The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving, high in protein, low in carbs and moderate in fat, making it suitable for paleo, keto, and low-carb diets. Difficulty level is medium, and total cooking plus prep time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Preheat and prepare venison

1Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F). Pat the venison loin dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. This step helps the meat brown beautifully.

Season the venison

2In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Rub this mixture all over the venison loin evenly. The olive oil and herbs will add flavor and help the meat roast juicily.

Sear the venison loin

3Heat a skillet or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the venison loin and sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned. This locks in flavor and juices.

Roast the venison

4Transfer the pan to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer after 15 minutes. Venison is best at 57-60°C (135-140°F) for medium-rare. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender. For food safety, medium-rare is acceptable if venison is properly handled; otherwise, cook to 63°C (145°F) for medium.

Apply BBQ sauce and rest

5Remove the venison from the oven when it reaches desired doneness. Brush BBQ sauce on all sides and let rest for 10 minutes loosely covered with foil. Resting lets juices redistribute for juicy meat.

Slice and serve

6Slice the venison loin into medallions against the grain. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy your perfectly cooked BBQ venison! Safety tip: Use a clean cutting board and knife used only for cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Cooking Tips

1Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safety and perfect results.

2Trim silver skin from the venison loin before seasoning; it’s tough and chewy.

3You can substitute rosemary with thyme or sage if preferred.

4If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

5Keep raw venison separate from other foods and wash hands and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

Equipment Needed

  • Oven
  • Ovenproof skillet or frying pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Venison loin - around $20; look for fresh, bright red meat without any off smell.
  • [ ] Olive oil - around $0.50 for required amount; choose extra virgin for best flavor.
  • [ ] Garlic - around $0.30 for a bulb; fresh is best.
  • [ ] Fresh rosemary - about $1; pick fragrant, green sprigs.
  • [ ] Salt - $0.10; kosher salt preferred for seasoning.
  • [ ] Black pepper - $0.10; freshly ground gives best taste.
  • [ ] BBQ sauce - $3 for bottle; select your favorite brand or homemade.

Total cost approx. $25

FAQ

How do I know when venison loin is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is at 57-60°C (135-140°F), medium at 63°C (145°F). Always ensure food comes from a trusted source and handle properly for safety.

Can I substitute venison loin with another meat?

Yes, you can use beef tenderloin or pork loin, but adjust cooking times accordingly as these meats have different textures and safe cooking temperatures.

How long can I store cooked venison?

Store cooked venison in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.

What should I do if I accidentally overcook the venison?

Overcooked venison can be tough; try slicing thinly and serving with a sauce or in a stew to help moisten it.