Venison Burger Recipe: The Ultimate Guide

Venison burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Packed with flavor and lean protein, these burgers are perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting. In this guide, we’ll share the best venison burger recipe, along with tips and tricks to make your burgers juicy and flavorful every time.

Venison burger

Recipe by SouhailDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

269

kcal

A juicy and flavorful venison burger recipe that combines lean venison meat with a few simple ingredients to create the perfect burger for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 pound ground venison
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons cold butter (grated)
Burger buns (brioche recommended)
Toppings: cheese (Pepper Jack or Colby Jack), lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, etc.

Directions

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Grate the cold butter and gently mix it into the meat mixture until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making sure they are slightly larger than the buns as they will shrink during cooking.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. Only flip the patties once to keep them intact and juicy.
Prepare the Buns and Toppings: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill. Prepare your desired toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and ketchup.
Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked patties on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings and cover with the top half of the buns.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious venison burgers!

Notes

Venison is a lean meat, so adding fat like butter helps keep the burgers juicy.
Grating the butter and mixing it into the meat ensures even distribution.
Use brioche buns for a rich, buttery flavor that complements the venison.

Additional tips for the best Venison Burger Recipe

Keep it Cold:
- Why: Keeping the venison and butter cold helps maintain the structure of the patties. Cold fat will melt during cooking, creating pockets of moisture that keep the burgers juicy.
- How: Chill the ground venison and grated butter in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix and form the patties. You can also chill the mixing bowl and utensils for extra precaution.
Don’t Overwork the Meat:
- Why: Overworking the meat can break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a dense and tough burger.
- How: Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Handle the meat gently when forming the patties to maintain a tender texture.
Preheat the Grill:
- Why: A hot grill ensures a good sear on the outside of the burgers, which locks in the juices and adds a delicious charred flavor.
- How: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Flip Once:
- Why: Flipping the burgers multiple times can cause them to break apart and lose their juices.
- How: Place the patties on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Only flip them once to ensure they stay intact and juicy.
Rest the Burgers:
- Why: Allowing the burgers to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist burger.
- How: After removing the burgers from the grill, let them rest on a plate for about 3-5 minutes before serving. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of venison for these burgers?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for venison if you prefer a different flavor. Venison is leaner than beef, so if you’re using ground beef, you might need to add a bit of fat (like oil) to achieve a similar texture and moisture.

How do I keep venison burgers from being too dry?

Venison is lean, so to keep your burgers juicy, you can mix in a small amount of fat, like ground pork or beef, or add ingredients like grated onion or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture for moisture and flavor.

…and to conclude

Venison burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a lean, flavorful alternative to beef. With this best venison burger recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends with juicy, delicious burgers every time. Happy grilling!

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