13 Herbs that Go with Venison Stew

The four herbs that go best with venison stew are rosemary, thyme, sage, and marjoram. Rosemary has a strong, woody aroma that will complement the natural taste of the venison.

Thyme is a subtle complement to the meat’s deep flavor, while sage and marjoram provide just enough spice to keep your stew spicy without overpowering the rest of the dish.

From oregano to rosemary, there are plenty of herbs that will turn an ordinary venison stew into something extraordinary.

Below, we’ve listed our 13 favorite herbs for venison stew, just in time for you to make your holiday meal prep a little easier!

13 Herbs that Go with Venison Stew

If you’ve ever made venison stew, you know that it can be tough to get the right flavor.

There are a lot of herbs out there that pair perfectly with venison—but which ones?

How does one go about figuring out which herbs go best with venison stew?

If you want to learn about which herbs pair best with venison stew, read on!

1. Basil

This herb is known for its pungent, peppery flavor and aroma.

Fresh basil pairs well with oregano, parsley, garlic, and many other Italian seasonings.

It’s also an excellent addition to meat dishes like venison stew because it helps bring out the juiciness of the meat.

2. Bay leaves

A sprig of bay leaf is a classic addition to any stew.

These aromatic leaves add an earthy, woodsy taste that pairs well with venison.

Add one or two whole leaves to your stew and remove them before serving.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just for roast chicken!

This fragrant herb is great for adding depth of flavor and aroma to your venison stew.

You can add a few sprigs of rosemary at the beginning of cooking, and remove it before serving.

Or, chop fresh or dried rosemary and add it toward the end of cooking.

4. Thyme

Thyme is another great herb for adding flavor to your venison stew.

It has a sweet, yet savory taste that goes well with your meat and vegetables.

You can add thyme at the beginning of cooking, letting the long stems simmer in the broth, then removing them before serving.

Or, you can chop thyme and add it toward the end of cooking to get more concentrated flavor.

5. Parsley

Parsley is a common herb that most people grow in their homes.

It’s one of the most versatile herbs and can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.

It’s also used as a garnish to give the final dish an appealing green color.

Because it has such a mild flavor, parsley goes well with just about any meat, making it perfect for venison stew.

6. Sage

Sage is a herb that has been used since Roman times, and it may be one of the best herbs to pair with venison.

It’s especially good if you’re using ground meat in your dish.

It has a strong, earthy taste that comes from its high concentration of oils, which can soften fatty meats like venison, making them more palatable.

Just a little sage can go a long way in making your dish taste even better.

7. Juniper Berries

These berries have a piney, fruity flavor and are typically used in marinades for wild game meat.

They can be used fresh or dried; if you use them fresh, cut them in half and add to your stew at the beginning of cooking time.

If you use dried ones, crush them before putting them into your stew with other dry ingredients like spices.

8. Sweet Marjoram

If you’ve never tried marjoram in your stew, you’re missing out on a truly unique flavor experience.

This herb has been used in cooking since ancient times, and it’s still incredibly popular today.

It’s often compared to oregano, but it’s sweeter, making it an ideal option for pairing with venison stew.

It’s also available year-round, which means you can make savory stews all year long.

9. Tarragon

This herb is a common addition to stews and soups because it has an anise-like sweetness and licorice-like fragrance that pairs well with game meats like venison.

Use it to create marinades for your venison before cooking or add it in at the end of the cooking process for a refreshing finish.

10. Oregano

Oregano is a classic herb used in Italian cuisine and it pairs particularly well with venison.

This herb is known for its warm, spicy flavor and can be used to season your stew both before cooking and at the end of cooking.

11. Mint

Mint is an herb often used in drinks and desserts.

But the flavor of mint can also work well in savory dishes, such as a venison stew.

For instance, you might try adding some dried mint to your stew base for a light touch of flavor.

12. Chamomile

The floral, sweet taste of chamomile is a perfect complement to the rich flavor of venison.

Add it to your stew for an extra touch of sweetness and a more complex flavor profile.

13. Chives

Chives are an herb with a mild onion flavor, used commonly in French cuisine.

They have round, bright green leaves that are versatile enough to go in many different dishes.

If you like onions but don’t want the intensity of them, chives will be a great addition to your venison stew.

How Do You Add Flavor to Venison?

When you prepare venison stew, there are many ways to add herbs.

You can add herbs when you brown the meat, when you sauté the vegetables, or when you add the liquid.

For example, before adding the broth, sprinkle some thyme and rosemary into the Dutch oven.

Adding herbs to venison stew gives flavor and color to your dish.

Herbs are also used in cooking because they are a natural way to make food taste better.

If your guests have a special dietary preference such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, they will appreciate you adding herbs to their stew.

It’s important to know what type of herbs to use in your venison stew recipe:

• Thyme adds flavor and taste
• Rosemary adds color and texture
• Sage adds flavor and taste
• Garlic adds color and texture
• Marjoram adds flavor and taste