10 Best Venison Seasoning Recipes (Deer/Venison Seasonings)

If you’re a fan of venison, you know that this lean and flavorful meat can make for a delicious and healthy meal.

However, without the right venison seasoning, the unique taste of the meat can be easily overwhelmed or even lost.

That’s where the art of seasoning comes in, allowing you to enhance the natural flavor of venison and create a range of delicious dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best venison seasoning recipes that will take your venison dishes to the next level.

From classic dry rubs to sweet glazes and spicy marinades, we’ve got something to suit every taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned venison chef or just getting started, these seasoning recipes will help you make the most of this delicious meat.

So, let’s dive into the world of venison seasoning and explore the best ways to make your venison dishes shine!

10 Best Venison Seasoning Recipes

Classic Venison Dry Rub

What is a dry rub and how is it used?

A dry rub is a seasoning blend that is applied to the surface of meat before cooking.

It helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat while adding a delicious blend of spices.

Dry rubs are commonly used on grilled or smoked meats, and they can also be used for oven-roasted dishes.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a classic venison dry rub, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

You can also add other spices like paprika or chili powder to suit your taste.

To prepare the dry rub, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Then, apply the rub to the venison, making sure to cover the meat evenly.

You can use this dry rub immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Recommended cuts of venison for dry rub

A classic venison dry rub works well with a variety of cuts of venison, but some cuts are better suited to this seasoning than others.

Recommended cuts include:

• Tenderloin
• Backstrap
• Loin chops

Tougher cuts like shoulder or shank may benefit from a longer marinade or slow cooking to help tenderize the meat.

Using a dry rub is a simple and effective way to enhance the flavor of your venison dishes.

Juniper Berry and Rosemary Seasoning

Juniper berries are a key ingredient in many seasoning blends, and they add a unique flavor to venison dishes.

These small blue-black berries have a piney, resinous flavor that pairs well with game meats like venison.

Juniper berries are also believed to have health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a juniper berry and rosemary seasoning, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Crushed juniper berries
• Dried rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the seasoning to the venison, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can use this seasoning immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Pairing suggestions for venison dishes

Juniper berry and rosemary seasoning pairs well with a variety of venison dishes, including:

• Roast venison
• Grilled venison steaks
• Venison burgers

This seasoning also pairs well with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions.

For a complete meal, serve the venison with a side of roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine.

Juniper berry and rosemary seasoning is a delicious and flavorful way to enhance the taste of venison. The combination of juniper berries and rosemary adds a unique flavor to venison dishes and pairs well with a variety of sides.

Garlic and Herb Venison Seasoning

Garlic and herb seasoning is a classic combination that works well with a variety of meats, including venison.

This seasoning blend adds a savory flavor to venison dishes and complements the natural taste of the meat.

The combination of garlic and herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil create a delicious and aromatic seasoning.

Ingredients and preparation

To make garlic and herb venison seasoning, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the seasoning to the venison, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can use this seasoning immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Best cuts of venison for this seasoning

Garlic and herb seasoning works well with a variety of cuts of venison, but some cuts are better suited to this seasoning than others.

Recommended cuts include:

• Venison chops
• Venison tenderloin
• Venison roasts

The savory flavors of the garlic and herbs pair well with these cuts of venison and create a delicious and aromatic dish.

Garlic and herb venison seasoning is a classic seasoning blend that is sure to enhance the flavor of your venison dishes.

Spicy Cajun Venison Rub

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are often achieved through the use of a variety of spices and herbs.

Cajun seasoning typically includes ingredients like cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

These spices combine to create a complex and flavorful seasoning that pairs well with venison.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a spicy Cajun venison rub, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the rub to the venison, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can use this rub immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Recommended venison dishes for this rub

• Grilled venison steaks
• Venison burgers
• Slow-cooked venison chili

The spicy and bold flavors of the rub complement the natural taste of the venison and create a delicious and flavorful dish.

Maple and Brown Sugar Glaze

Maple and brown sugar glaze is a sweet and savory seasoning that adds a delicious flavor to venison dishes.

The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a caramelized sweetness that complements the natural flavors of the meat.

This glaze is perfect for creating a delicious and succulent venison dish.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a maple and brown sugar glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the glaze to the venison during the last few minutes of cooking, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can also use this glaze as a marinade for venison roasts or chops.

Best cuts of venison for this glaze

• Venison tenderloin
• Venison backstrap
• Venison chops

These cuts of venison are lean and tender, making them perfect for a sweet and savory glaze.

Italian Venison Sausage Seasoning

Venison sausage is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy venison.

Italian venison sausage is a classic variety that combines the savory flavors of venison with traditional Italian seasoning.

This seasoning blend creates a delicious and aromatic sausage that is perfect for grilling or using in pasta dishes.

Ingredients and preparation

To make Italian venison sausage seasoning, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fennel seeds
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Thyme

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Add the seasoning blend to ground venison and mix thoroughly.

Stuff the seasoned venison into sausage casings, or form into patties for grilling.

Tips for making venison sausage at home

• Use cold meat and equipment to ensure the sausage stays at a safe temperature while preparing.
• Experiment with different ratios of meat to fat to find your preferred level of richness.
• Use natural hog casings for an authentic sausage texture.
• Store any unused sausage in the freezer for future use.

Asian-inspired Venison Marinade

Asian cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, which are often achieved through the use of a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces.

An Asian-inspired venison marinade combines these flavors to create a delicious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil add a savory and aromatic flavor to the venison.

Ingredients and preparation

To make an Asian-inspired venison marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Add the marinade to the venison and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Grill or roast the marinated venison until cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Best cuts of venison for this marinade

• Venison tenderloin
• Venison backstrap
• Venison flank steak

These cuts of venison are lean and tender, making them perfect for marinating and grilling.

Mediterranean Herb Venison Seasoning

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and bold flavors.

A Mediterranean herb venison seasoning combines these flavors to create a delicious and aromatic seasoning.

Ingredients like rosemary, thyme, and oregano add a savory and herbaceous flavor to the venison.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a Mediterranean herb venison seasoning, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Dried rosemary
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the seasoning to the venison, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can use this seasoning immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Recommended venison dishes for this seasoning

• Venison roasts
• Grilled venison chops
• Venison stews

The herbaceous flavors of the seasoning complement the natural taste of the venison and create a delicious and aromatic dish.

Coffee and Cocoa Rub

A coffee and cocoa rub is a unique and flavorful seasoning that adds a delicious and complex flavor to venison dishes.

The combination of coffee and cocoa powder creates a rich and smoky flavor that complements the natural taste of the venison.

This rub is perfect for creating a delicious and unique venison dish.

Ingredients and preparation

To make a coffee and cocoa rub, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground coffee
• Cocoa powder
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Apply the rub to the venison, making sure to coat the meat evenly.

You can use this rub immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Best cuts of venison for this rub

• Venison roasts
• Venison steaks
• Venison ribs

These cuts of venison have a rich and meaty flavor that pairs well with the smoky and savory flavors of the rub.

Shop Bought Venison Seasonings

Store-bought venison seasonings are a convenient and easy way to add flavor to your venison dishes.

They come in a variety of flavors and blends, making it easy to find a seasoning that complements your dish.

They are also pre-mixed and ready to use, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Top 3 store-bought venison seasonings

• Hi Mountain Jerky Seasoning – Venison Blend: This seasoning blend is perfect for making venison jerky, with a bold and smoky flavor that complements the natural taste of the meat.
• LEM Backwoods Seasoning – Cracked Pepper & Garlic: This seasoning blend is a savory and flavorful option that is perfect for grilling or roasting venison.
• McCormick Grill Mates – Montreal Steak Seasoning: While not specifically marketed for venison, this seasoning blend is a classic option that pairs well with the rich and meaty taste of venison.

Tips for choosing quality seasonings

• Look for seasonings that are specifically marketed for venison, as these blends are often formulated to complement the natural flavor of the meat.
• Check the ingredient list to ensure the seasoning is made from high-quality ingredients, without any fillers or additives.
• Read reviews and recommendations from other hunters and cooks to find a seasoning that has a proven track record of delivering delicious results.