Three Delicious Venison Recipes to Try at Home

Make the Most of Pembrokeshire Venison from Prendergast Butchers

Venison is one of the finest meats available, offering a rich flavour that’s leaner than beef while being packed with protein, iron and essential nutrients. Whether you’re trying venison for the first time or looking for new ways to enjoy it, it’s a wonderfully versatile meat that works just as well in comforting family meals as it does for special occasions.

Here at Prendergast Butchers, we’re delighted to have Pembrokeshire venison available in store. Sourced locally, it offers exceptional quality, fantastic flavour and supports local producers.

Here are three delicious recipes that show just how easy it is to cook.

1. Slow Cooked Venison Stew with Red Wine

A comforting classic that’s perfect for cooler evenings.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1kg Pembrokeshire venison diced
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 250ml red wine
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Toss the venison in the flour with a little seasoning.
  2. Heat the oil in a casserole dish and brown the meat in batches.
  3. Remove the meat and gently fry the onions, carrots, celery and garlic for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato purée before adding the wine. Simmer for 3 minutes.
  5. Return the venison to the pan and pour in the stock.
  6. Add the herbs, cover and cook gently in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan) for around 2½-3 hours, until the meat is beautifully tender.

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery crusty bread.

2. Pan-Fried Venison Steaks with Garlic Butter

Simple, elegant and packed with flavour.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 Pembrokeshire venison steaks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 30g butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Fresh thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Season well with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a frying pan until very hot.
  4. Add the oil and cook the steaks for:
    • Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
    • Medium Rare: 3-4 minutes per side
    • Medium: 4-5 minutes per side
  5. Add the butter, garlic and thyme during the final minute, spooning the butter over the steaks.
  6. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serve alongside roasted new potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a fresh watercress salad.

3. Venison Burgers with Caramelised Red Onion

A fantastic alternative to a traditional beef burger.

Makes: 4 burgers

Ingredients

  • 600g minced Pembrokeshire venison
  • 1 egg
  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper

For the onions

  • 2 red onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

Method

  1. Mix the venison with the egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning.
  2. Shape into four equal burgers.
  3. Cook the onions gently in butter for around 15 minutes before adding the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Cook until soft and sticky.
  4. Grill or fry the burgers for around 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring they’re cooked through.
  5. Serve in toasted brioche buns with the caramelised onions, mature Welsh cheese, rocket and your favourite burger sauce.

Perfect served with chunky chips or homemade slaw.

Why Choose Venison?

Venison isn’t just delicious – it’s also one of the healthiest red meats you can buy.

Venison is:

  • Naturally lean with less fat than beef
  • High in protein
  • Rich in iron and vitamin B12
  • Full of flavour without being overpowering
  • Locally sourced here in Pembrokeshire

Its rich taste pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, juniper, rosemary, red wine, blackberries and root vegetables.

Visit Prendergast Butchers

If you’ve never cooked venison before, don’t be put off—it cooks much like beef, and our friendly team is always happy to offer advice on the best cuts and cooking methods.

Whether you’re looking for steaks, diced venison or mince, our locally sourced Pembrokeshire venison is available in store while stocks last.

Pop into Prendergast Butchers and discover why venison is becoming one of the nation’s favourite premium meats. We look forward to helping you find your next family favourite.