26 venison recipes

Looking for venison recipes? Want to know how to make the perfect venison stew or venison burger? Try our ideas below then see our top pheasant recipes.

Venison is a sustainable meat choice in the UK. The lean red meat is at it's best over winter, meaning it's brilliant in hearty pies, stews and casseroles. A great choice for winter dinner parties, we've also got a recipe for venison tartare, or try venison steaks for quick midweek meals.

Venison recipes

Thai-style venison stir-fry with fried egg

Ready on the table in 20 minutes, this stir-fry is based on the classic Thai dish pad kra pow. The original can be fairly fiery, so adjust the chillies according to your taste.

Venison stew

Make our warming venison stew with sloe gin and cheesy polenta. This rich winter recipe may take a little time, but it's definitely worth it, a comforting recipe the whole family will love.

Venison pastistio

Put a seasonal spin on classic Greek pastitsio by swapping beef for venison mince. Its rich, gamey flavour pairs beautifully with the warming spices in the sauce, creating a hearty, comforting dish with a sophisticated twist.

Venison pie

Venison, chestnut mushrooms and red wine meet in this comforting pie that’s perfect for an autumnal pick-me-up. Discover more easy pie recipes.

Venison chilli

The deep game flavour of the venison holds up well to spices and chocolate in this exciting chilli recipe. Serve with rice and soured cream for an cosy winter meal.

Venison toad-in-the-hole

Try this simple twist on a classic comfort food dish, swapping out everyday pork sausage for venison. For extra veg, try our sausage and sweet potato toad in the hole recipe.

Venison, thyme and port lattice pie

Rich venison in port gravy is encased in buttery lattice pastry to create the ultimate winter pie – serve with potatoes and greens for a weekend treat.

Venison casserole

This recipe for venison and juniper casserole is easy to make and under 300 calories, but delivers all the winter comfort you'd want thanks to the rich game meat. Tuck into more casserole recipes all winter.

Venison pie

Get venison involved in this poacher's pie. It's a twist on a classic steak and ale pie, swapping out the chunks of beef for mixed, diced game – this could include wild boar, partridge and pheasant as well as venison.

Venison wellington

Our recipe is a great twist on a classic British favourite, replacing the beef with game. It takes a little while but is easy to make and will be an impressive centrepiece on the table. To try making the classic, see our beef wellington recipe.

Wild venison, field mushroom and ale pudding

Try this easy steamed suet pastry pudding with wild venison, mushroom and ale. Ideal comfort food for entertaining or for a family meal.

Venison meatballs

Homemade spiced venison meatballs with a fresh chopped salad and plenty of hummus, all ready in less than half an hour.

Venison steaks with mushroom peppercorn sauce

A lean and versatile meat with a slight gamey taste, these tender venison steaks pair wonderfully with the rich, creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce.

Venison curry

Venison takes centre stage in this bold keema-style curry, where the rich, gamey meat perfectly complements the vibrant, aromatic spices. Serve it with a cooling raita, warm roti, sliced red onion, and a squeeze of fresh lemon to balance the richness.

Venison burgers

These posh venison burgers look really impressive and are ready in 30 minutes or less. Worcestershire sauce gives the patties an even deeper flavour and, stacked up with mustard, mayo and cheese in a brioche bun, they're even better. We have plenty more burger recipes where this came from.

Venison tortellini in brodo

This venison dish comes straight from the kitchen at Italian-inspired Maria G's in Kensington. It's a bit of a labour of love but is absolutely worth the effort for an impressive main. Check out more homemade pasta recipes for a weekend kitchen project.

Venison steaks with caraway crushed swede

Pair venison steaks with buttery crushed swede in this winter warmer – it will be ready and on the table in less than an hour. Try more swede recipes to make the most of this winter veg.

Venison steaks with stir-fried sprouts

Serve delicate slices of seared venison with a bubble-and-squeak-style hash made from Brussels sprouts, floury potatoes, walnuts and fruit for a satisfying wintry supper. See more winter comfort food recipes.

Venison carpaccio with pickled red cabbage

A lovely restaurant-standard starter. Paper-thin slices of venison are marinated with herbs and served with a red cabbage salad and a parmesan, olive oil and lemon dressing. A great, novel way to prepare this sustainable game meat.

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

One of our favourite (giant) nibbles to serve at a party. Rich, meaty venison dogs with punchy vinegary slaw, all wrapped up in a sweet brioche bun. Try more of our favourite hot dog recipes.

Venison steaks with buttered celeriac

Venison steaks are a great cut of meat – lean, healthy and able to make a simple dish feel like something special. This recipe celebrates winter with celeriac, redcurrant jelly and orange zest. Perfect comfort food for a cold night.

Venison tartare with blueberries and juniper

Soft and beguiling venison tartare is joined by spicy blueberries in this sophisticated starter. You can also serve with croutons or toast. Next, try our salmon tartare recipe.

Venison and mutton kofte

Try this venison and mutton kofte for a dinner with a difference, served with cauliflower couscous, flatbread and harissa.

Mini venison wellington with parsnip purée

Try this mini venison wellington for two for a special occasion such as Valentine's Day.

Roast venison and pear salad with toasted hazelnuts

Turn your hand to this smart, warming salad of roast venison and pear for an easy yet impressive entertaining dish.

Spiced venison loin with celeriac remoulade

Kick-start your dinner party with this sophisticated venison starter. A blend of fennel, coriander and cumin seeds gives the venison loin a gentle spice.

When is venison in season?

UK venison season starts in October and ends in February. Venison is at its best between November and February.