Recipe: Venison with Blueberry Bourbon Sauce

by
posted on December 4, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
venisonwblueberrysauce_lead.jpg

Combine Bourbon and blueberries in this five-star treatment for your venison backstrap.

Meat
2-3 pounds of venison backstrap trimmed and ready for the grill

Blueberry Bourbon Sauce Ingredients
2 cups of fresh blueberries
½ cup bourbon whiskey (Good old Canadian rye whiskey can be a substitute)
½ lemon juiced
⅔ cup of white sugar
1 Tbsp corn starch
½ cup water

1. The loin can be cooked whole or sliced into 1- to 1 ½-inch steaks. Sprinkle with Montreal steak spice of similar seasoning. Do not use anything to overpower the natural flavors of the venison.

2. Meat is to be prepared in a sizzling hot cast iron fry pan. Approximately 3 tbsp. of lard or olive oil is required to grease the pan. Sear back strap or steaks until rich brown, which normally takes about 2 minutes per side. I prefer to cook the meat as one piece, as it will hold the juices better and make it more flavorful. It is important not to overcook the venison if you want tender meat. Medium rare is ideal and anything done past medium will make meat tough.

3. Combine berries, whiskey, lemon and sugar in a small saucepan and heat to a gentle boil. Simmer the contents for 10 minutes until well blended, allowing the flavor and juice of the berries to cook into a sauce.  Stir carefully to keep berries from being crushed in the sauce.

4. To thicken the sauce, add corn starch and water and whip together with a fork. Add starch mixture to simmering berries. Maintain on heat until the mixture is well blended and consistent in texture. Use a spoon to see if the sauce is thick enough to stick to the metal surface and you’ll know it’s ready to serve.

5. When your meal is ready to serve slice the back strap into thin medallions or place steaks on serving plates and top each piece with several heaping tablespoons of the blueberry sauce.

Latest

LEDE USFWS Proposes
LEDE USFWS Proposes

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Cartridge Legacies: The .30-06 Springfield Family Tree

At this point in time, 120 years after its introduction, we hunters should be very familiar with the .30-06 Springfield. But the .30-06 Springfield is also a great dad, having a lineup of famous sons which have earned great reputations for themselves. Let’s dig deeper into the family tree.

First Look: Daisy Red Ryder 250th Anniversary Editions

Daisy Outdoor Products has released three special Red Ryders commemorating our county's 250th Anniversary.

NRA YHEC Nationals Happening in Arkansas

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.