Delicious Venison Bites: A Perfect Appetizer Recipe
Welcome to my Venison Bites Recipe! As a home chef who loves hosting parties, I am always looking for new and exciting appetizers to impress my guests. That’s why I created this recipe for bacon-wrapped venison bites that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Venison is lean, flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and savory seasonings in this recipe. But don’t worry if you’re not an experienced game cook – this recipe is easy to follow, even for those who are new to cooking with venison. Plus, it can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends, these bites are sure to wow your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old party appetizers? Why not add a completely different take on your tired old jalapeno poppers and cheeseburger bites? That’s where my bacon wrapped venison bites recipe comes in! Trust me, this recipe will be the hit of any party or gathering.
First of all, let’s talk about the flavor. The combination of garlic powder, black pepper, and season salt gives the venison bites a deliciously seasoned outer layer. And let’s not forget about the bacon wrapped around each bite. The smoked bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the venison.
Speaking of the venison, it is the star of this dish for good reason. Venison is a lean protein that is incredibly flavorful when cooked correctly. In this recipe, you’ll be using venison tenderloin cut into small sized pieces and seasoned to perfection. Trust me, one bite of these tender yet juicy venison bites and you’ll be hooked.
But perhaps my favorite aspect of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use an air fryer or even make them on the grill. You can also switch up the seasoning to give it a cajun twist or even make garlic butter steak bites instead. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the venison with elk or beef for a completely different take on this popular party appetizer.
In conclusion, I believe that my bacon wrapped venison bites recipe will become your go-to appetizer for all future gatherings. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it is also versatile enough to suit any taste palate. Try it out for yourself and see why everyone loves these little bites of heaven!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you will need to make bacon wrapped venison bites recipe:
Meat:
- 1 pound venison tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 5-6 smoked bacon slices, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon season salt
- Black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional:
- Cajun seasoning (for cajun venison steak bites)
- Garlic butter (for garlic butter steak bites)
- Potatoes (for venison backstrap recipes)
Note: For best results, use fresh ingredients. You can also opt to buy pre-cut venison meat if it’s available in your local grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Before we start cooking, we need to prepare the venison tenderloin. To create evenly cut pieces, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the meat against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
Seasoning the Venison Bites
Combine season salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl, then transfer the venison bites to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated with the seasoning.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 390°F and liberally grease the bottom of the basket with olive oil. In batches of 6-8, place the venison bites in a single layer onto the greased basket and cook for 8 minutes.
Wrapping with Bacon
While waiting for the venison bites to cook in the air fryer, let’s prepare our bacon. Cut smoked bacon into halves long-wise and wrap around each venison bite tightly, using a toothpick or skewer to keep it in place.
Finishing Up
When your bacon-wrapped venison bites have 2 minutes left on their baking time, open up your air fryer and flip them over. Brush some cajun butter onto your bacon-wrapped venison bites using a pastry brush. Place back in the oven for another 2 minutes at 400°F or until browned and crispy on all sides.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use, and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many substitutions and variations you can make to the Venison Bites Recipe to make it perfectly suit your taste buds.
For those who want a spicier kick, you can replace the black pepper with cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with prosciutto or pancetta for a different texture and flavor.
If you don’t have venison on hand or prefer to use an alternative meat, try using beef or elk steak bites instead. The recipe works well with different cuts of meat like backstrap, tenderloin, or sirloin.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the venison with Portobello mushrooms for a delicious bite-sized snack.
Finally, if you want to switch up the seasoning, consider using cajun seasoning instead of traditional spices like garlic and black pepper. You can also add additional herbs such as thyme and rosemary for more depth of flavor.
With these substitutions and variations, your Venison Bites Recipe will still be packed with bold flavors and textures that will be loved by all.
Serving and Pairing
These savory bacon wrapped venison bites are a real crowd pleaser and make for the perfect party appetizer! The crispy bacon compliments the juicy venison bites, leaving your taste buds dancing with delight. So why not serve your guests these delicious morsels at your next gathering?
For an elevated presentation, a wooden skewer can be used to hold multiple bites at once, making them easy to grab and go. A side of garlic butter steak fries or roasted potatoes is an excellent pairing that will satisfy even the hungriest guest.
If you’re looking to add some extra zing to these already fantastic appetizers, consider whipping up a Cajun butter dipping sauce or a jalapeno cream cheese spread on the side. These pairings offer a completely different take than the tired old party dips and will truly make a lasting impression.
For drink pairings, red wine works splendidly with the rich flavors of these venison bites. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah will balance nicely with the bold bacon flavors, offering an added dimension to your palate.
In summary, it’s pretty clear that these bacon wrapped venison bites will be a hit with everyone at your next event. Don’t forget to pair these little bites of heaven with a robust glass of wine or two, and you’re sure to have a memorable evening!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making venison bites in advance could be an excellent way to save time and stress for the big event. To make it ahead, you can prepare the uncooked bites and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe instructions as usual.
Should you have any leftovers, gently reheat the venison bites in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (180°C) until they are hot and crispy again. Alternatively, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for future enjoyment. However, be reminded that reheating or refreezing may slightly alter the texture and quality of the dish, so don’t expect any leftovers to taste exactly like fresh-baked ones.
To retain their flavors, I recommend storing venison bites separately from sauces and dips until serving time. This keeps them from getting soggy and mushy before they reach your guests’ plates, which makes them more delicious to eat.
Another great way to use leftovers creatively is by making Venison cheeseburger bites: shred extra-cooked venison meat and mix with minced garlic, chopped onions, garlic butter, soy sauce Worcestershire sauce, seasonings like black pepper plus your favorite cheese; then shape into bite-sized balls or patties and pan-fry or air-fry until cooked. These cheeseburger bites make excellent leftover snacks and appetizers that render a completely different take on your popular party appetizer.
Enjoy venison bites as leftovers or transform them into mouth-watering venison cheeseburger bites – either way; you’re bound to keep your leftover game strong.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking venison, it’s essential to follow some tips that will help you achieve the perfect results for your bites recipe. Here are some of my favorite tips:
1. Don’t Overcook
Venison is a lean meat that can easily become tough if overcooked. To keep the meat tender and juicy, make sure not to cook it beyond medium-rare.
2. Marinate for Flavor
Venison can have a gamey taste, so marinading it in olive oil, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce before cooking is an excellent way to add flavor to your bites recipe.
3. Cut Consistently
When cutting your venison into bite-sized pieces, try to be consistent with the size of each piece so that they cook evenly.
4. Use an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make sure that your bacon-wrapped venison bites come out crispy on the outside while still being tender on the inside.
5. Get Creative with Seasonings
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper or garlic butter steak seasoning, or even cajun seasoning for cajun steak or cajun beef steak.
6. Let it Rest
Allowing your venison bites to rest for five minutes after cooking will give them time for any juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
7. Keep an Eye on Temperature
It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer when cooking venison bites recipe to prevent overcooking or undercooking. The internal temperature should reach 135°F(57°C) for medium-rare cooked meat.
8. Use Quality Venison Meat
Lastly, using quality venison meat will make a significant difference in the taste of your bacon-wrapped venison bites or cheeseburger bites recipe. If possible, opt for fresh cuts like venison tenderloin cut or backstrap sourced from trusted provisions hunter recipe shops nearby.
By following these steps and making careful choices during preparation and cooking, you’ll create deliciously mouth-watering dishes consistently from our Venison Bites Recipe, which everyone loves at your party.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the venison bites recipe is a fantastic choice for any party or event. The dish provides a delicious and unique take on traditional steak bites with the addition of tender and juicy venison. The recipe can be tailored to fit your personal taste preferences, with options for substitutions and variations included in the article.
By following the step-by-step instructions and utilizing the tips and recommendations provided, you are sure to create mouth-watering bacon-wrapped venison bites that will dazzle your guests. Be sure to serve them alongside recommended pairings like potatoes, cajun butter sauce, or even jalapeno cream cheese poppers.
Additionally, using an air fryer to cook the bites can produce even better results in a healthier way. With make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips provided in the article, you can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and serve hot at your event.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this recipe for your next party or gathering. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that will surely impress your guests with its unique flavor and succulent texture. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Venison Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small venison roast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons season salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut roast into 1/2 inch cubes, soak in milk for 2 hours in refridgerator.
- Drain from milk.
- Combine remaining ingrds in large zip lock bag, add venison and toss lightly to coat.
- Fry in a kettle or fryer for 5 mins or until med golden brown.
- Drain and serve before cooled.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!