Are you looking to add a new twist to your favorite comfort food? Venison Stroganoff is here to do just that. With its tender, lean venison and rich, creamy sauce, this dish offers an elevated version of the classic stroganoff we all know and love. Whether you’re already a fan of venison or trying it out for the first time, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow and will bring a unique flavor to your dinner table.
Why Venison?
What makes this dish stand out is the use of venison. Compared to beef, venison has a deeper, gamey flavor that’s both rich and lean, which adds a gourmet touch to the traditional stroganoff. Plus, venison is a great option if you’re looking for a low-fat, high-protein meal. This stroganoff takes full advantage of the meat’s natural flavor, while the creamy sauce balances everything out for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stroganoff:
- 1 ½ pounds venison steak, sliced ¼” thick
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 ounces sliced bella mushrooms (or try wild mushrooms for extra flavor)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brandy
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth, divided
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz bag of egg noodles
Cooking Steps
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add your mushrooms and onions, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized. This browning brings out their natural sweetness. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Once everything is cooked, set it aside.
2. Sear the Venison
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add your venison slices. You want a quick sear—2-3 minutes on each side should be enough. The goal is to get that nice browned crust without overcooking. Once done, set the meat aside with the veggies.
3. Deglaze the Pan
Pour the brandy into the hot pan and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits. This step adds loads of flavor to the dish. Let the alcohol cook off for about a minute, then add 1 cup of beef broth and the Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Venison
Return the venison to the pan, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
5. Cook the Egg Noodles
While the venison simmers, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
6. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of beef broth and the flour until smooth. Add this to the pan, letting the sauce thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish with Sour Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, making sure not to let the sauce boil, as it could curdle. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve
Stir the veggies back into the pan, mixing everything together. Serve the venison stroganoff over the prepared egg noodles, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
Meat Substitutes:
If you don’t have venison, no worries. This recipe works well with beef, pork, or even chicken. Beef tenderloin or sirloin are great choices, but you could also use ground meat for a more budget-friendly option.
Vegetarian Option:
Omit the meat and replace it with extra mushrooms, tofu, or lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a hearty, meatless meal.
Mushroom Variety:
For a gourmet touch, use wild mushrooms like chanterelles or morels. They add a deeper, earthier flavor to the dish.
Add Some Heat:
If you like your stroganoff with a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Gluten-Free:
Replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or serve the stroganoff over mashed potatoes.
Pairing Suggestions
Wondering what to serve alongside your venison stroganoff? Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: This is a great alternative to egg noodles if you’re craving something extra comforting.
- Green Veggies: Lighten things up with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
- Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the stroganoff perfectly.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of venison for stroganoff?
Tender cuts like venison tenderloin or backstrap are ideal, as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re using a tougher cut, just be prepared to simmer it longer.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Venison stroganoff freezes well, but for the best texture, store the sauce and noodles separately. You can freeze the stroganoff for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No problem! You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
Venison Stroganoff is a perfect way to add a gourmet twist to a comforting favorite. The combination of tender venison, rich sauce, and hearty egg noodles makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress your family and friends. So next time you want to mix up your comfort food game, give this Venison Stroganoff a try!