17 game recipes

Braised quail

This Macedonian recipe sees quail pan-fried in butter, then roasted in a rich red wine and onion stock. Poussin or chicken thighs make good substitutes, too.

Posh venison burgers

In the mood for something fancy? Whip up a batch of these impressive venison burgers – they are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Rabbit korma, chamomile golden raisins and wild rice

For a korma with a difference, try this spiced and creamy braised rabbit, sat on wild rice with fragrant golden raisins. Serve with a hoppy IPA and some naan breads and that’s your Friday night dinner sorted.

Roast partridge and cinnamon pears with warm barley and roots salad

If you’re looking for an easy recipe to cook game at home, check out chef Mark Lloyd’s recipe for roast partridge, nestled in a warm barley base.

Game dumplings with bashed neeps

Give this impressive recipe from Mark Hix a go for a fancy dinner of homemade game dumplings, matched with crushed swede and a red wine sauce.

Venison steaks with stir-fried sprouts

Delicate slices of seared venison are paired with a bubble-and-squeak style hash from Brussels sprouts, floury potatoes, walnuts and fruit, making an extra special meal for two.

Venison wellington

A brilliant twist on a classic British favourite: this venison wellington requires two hours to prepare, but it’s simple to follow and is sure to impress dinner party guests.

Game pie

This twist on a classic steak and ale pie replaces chunks of beef for mixed game – think venison, wild boar, partridge and pheasant pieces.

Venison casserole

Winter comfort in a bowl – this recipe for venison and juniper casserole is easy to make and delivers all those warming flavours you’d expect from a casserole.

Pulled pheasant broth with sage and horseradish dumplings

If you want to cook with game, this is a great recipe to start with: pulled pheasant is submerged in an aromatic broth with smoky pancetta and buttered cabbage, not forgetting those fluffy horseradish dumplings.

Venison and sloe gin stew with cheesy polenta

This meaty stew is bursting with warming, winter flavours – meltingly tender venison is cooked with sloe gin and cheesy polenta, making a comfort recipe the whole family will love.

Wild boar sausage toad in the hole

This simple twist on a British classic swaps pork for wild boar, perfect for when the evenings begin to have a little chill to them.

Game pie

A great alternative to pork pie, this recipe for game pie is a challenge but totally worth it. Serve in wedges with mustard or chutney.

Venison dogs with pickled beet slaw and cheat’s brioche buns

Perfect comfort food for a festive party or cold Christmas night – try these rich, meaty venison dogs with punchy vinegary slaw, all wrapped up in a sweet brioche bun. This recipe relates to the hot dog at the bottom of the image above.

Wild venison, field mushroom and ale pudding

For an easy yet impressive main to present to guests or family, check out this steamed suet pastry pudding with wild venison, mushroom and ale.

Venison carpaccio with pickled red cabbage

This restaurant-standard winter stater of venison, marinated with herbs and served with a red cabbage salad, is perfect for entertaining friends and family.