How to Tenderize Wild Game Meat

Outdoors Allie • May 09, 2024

When it comes to wild game, learning how to properly tenderize the meat is key to making it enjoyable to eat. Anything other than backstrap or tenderloin requires a bit of finesse. Venison, which is lean and often described as “gamey,” poses a challenge compared to its farm-raised counterparts. Over the last decade of hunting, I've tried out many different ways of tenderizing wild game meat. Some methods have shown they work well, others not so much. Let’s walk through some of my favorite methods for tenderizing wild game meat.

Enzymatic Methods:

In cooking, marinating is like magic for making meat tastier. A marinade is a liquid mixture made of ingredients like oil, vinegar, soy sauce, citrus juice, herbs, and spices. Soaking wild game meat in a marinade adds flavor and tenderizes tough cuts because it contains acidic ingredients as well as enzymes that break down the proteins in the meat, making it softer and more tender. This magic takes time, as the marinating process can range from several hours or overnight, depending on the recipe.

You likely already have all of the ingredients you need for a marinade in your pantry. Here's a basic recipe.

Simple Marinade Recipe for Wild Game Meat:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or any other cooking oil you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (for acidity)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar (if using), and lemon juice or vinegar.
  2. Place your wild game meat of choice in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it's fully coated. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing.
  4. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. For thicker cuts or tougher meats, longer marinating times may be needed for optimal tenderness.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the meat from the marinade, rinse it with water, pat it completely dry with paper towels, and discard any remaining marinade.

Feel free to customize this basic marinade recipe by adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings according to your taste preferences. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to unique and delicious marinades for tenderizing your wild game meat.

Thermal Methods:

Have you ever used a crockpot to make tender stew from an otherwise tough cut of meat? If so, you’ve already been introduced to thermal methods for tenderizing meat. A thermal method involves using heat to break down the tough fibers and connective tissues in the meat, making it softer and more tender. Common thermal methods include slow cooking, braising, and stewing, where the meat is cooked at low temperatures over a long period of time. This is where the saying “low and slow” comes from. These methods allow the collagen in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a tender texture. When it comes to cooking just about any cut from a wild game animal (other than the backstrap and tenderloin), remember low and slow is key. Additionally, incorporating aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs into your slow-cooked dishes can further enhance the flavor profile of the meat, elevating your culinary creations to new heights.

Mechanical Preparations:

Using a meat mallet and Jaccard meat tenderizer are two effective methods for tenderizing meat. With a meat mallet, you gently pound the meat, breaking down tough fibers and connective tissues, resulting in a softer texture. On the other hand, Jaccarding involves using a tool with small blades to pierce the meat, creating tiny channels that help tenderize it and allow marinades to penetrate deeper. Both techniques can be particularly useful for tougher cuts of meat, transforming them into succulent and tender dishes.

It might take some trial and error, but taking the extra time to tenderize will make your wild game meat taste better. Just remember, even if you tenderize the meat, overcooking it can still make it tough. That's where a meat thermometer comes in handy—it ensures you cook your wild game to the proper temperature and avoid overcooking it. And don't forget to take your time and enjoy cooking in the kitchen—it's one of the joys of being a hunter!

--Outdoors Allie