If you take the gamey taste out of venison...?

Question

Since I met my fiance just about 5 years ago, I got into the whole hunting/eating deer meat thing. I've eaten it the way it came for years, but I wanted to try something different. I found out how to take the gamey taste out of venison and upon pushing this idea on him, a conflict arose:

Does taking the gamey taste out of venison basically take away the whole concept of eating deer meat? He says, "The gamey taste IS venison. Otherwise [he] could go to the store and buy regular beef."

Answer 1

Usually "gamey" means it doesn't taste like it should.
Some people don't care for their wild game meat like they ought, and they think that's what venison is supposed to taste like.
In my experience, deer tastes like deer, elk like elk, bear like bear, and so on. There are many ways to prepare the meat, and it can be delicious if - 1) the animal was properly cared for right after being killed, 2) the meat is prepared properly.
I'd try your new methods, and see if they taste good. Don't explain it as "trying to remove the gamey taste" and he might not object.

Answer 2

I more or less agree with the gentlemen who answered before me.

However, I also understand that not all people enjoy venison fresh off the carcase.

For those folks, there are a couple of options.

If you have a place you can do it safely, let the venison age a few days. Keeping it under 40* F is a necessity to prevent growth of bacteria which will make you ill.

The second, and most commonly used alternative is to soak your venison overnight in water with a a little salt and vinegar added. I don't really know what proportions of salt, vinegar, and water you will need, but I'd say go pretty light on the salt, and don't go overboard with the vinegar. Just as a guess, I say not more than one cup of vinegar and no more than a couple of tablespoons of salt per gallon. After soaking overnight, dry the meat and cook any way you wish. My grandmother used this solution on all wild game meat brought into her kitchen, everything from squirrel and racoon, to venison.

Have you tried Venison Stroganoff? Just use your favorite Beef Stroganoff recipe and substitute venison for the beef. I think you'll like it.

Doc

Answer 3

Guaranteed to work, however it takes a little extra work. First put approx. 1 cup of brewed coffee into a fry pan with venison. Add spices you will cook with (recommend onion and garlic powder - always - approx 1/2 teas each). Simmer until all meat has a grayish coating, and no heavy sign of blood remains. Approximately 1/2 hour. Then drain and cook as you wish with spices. (Yes, cook a second time). If you have a roast, placing in a crock pot with at least one cup of freshly brewed coffee is best, then add spices on top. Pour liquid over the top at least once an hour or every other hour to help reduce gamey taste.

Answer 4

what do you mean take the gamey taste out of venison? i hunt and eat it in many different ways. with seasonings, and without. make it a few different ways, so he can have what he likes, and you can try some of the new stuff you are thinking about.

Answer 5

No matter what you do to it, it's still venison. Marinades or rubs or whatever dosn't turn it into lamb or something. I enjoy the game taste of venison and other wild game large and small. If it still tastes good I don't see what the problem is. Cook it both ways. Switch off once in awhile.

Answer 6

I use varying amounts of garlic depending how strong the wild taste is. When I hunted for big deer the were usually in the rut and quite strong hence just find the amount you prefer and the amount the meat needs.

Answer 7

He is right. I would feel the same way. I will love venison it is allot leaner than any meat you can buy in the store.