Why You’ll Love This Venison Steak Marinade Recipe
If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect marinade for your venison steak, you’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and flavor.
It’s quick to whip up, and you probably have most ingredients on hand. The balance of savory and sweet elevates the natural richness of the venison, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
I appreciate how the garlic infuses a robust aroma, while the soy sauce adds depth. Plus, it only takes a few hours to marinate!
Trust me; this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, ensuring your venison steak is always a hit. Enjoy!
Ingredients of Venison Steak Marinade
When it comes to whipping up a delicious venison steak, the marinade is key. The right mix of ingredients can turn a regular piece of meat into something extraordinary. This garlic-infused venison steak marinade isn’t only flavorful but also super easy to make. Plus, just think about how the garlic and soy sauce work together to create a mouthwatering experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty marinade:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. You can totally play around with some of them if you want. For instance, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce to kick up the heat level.
Or, if you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic could work in a pinch, giving it a slightly different flavor. And, of course, if you’re not a fan of garlic powder, just add more fresh garlic. No one’s judging here; we all have our quirks in the kitchen.
Just make sure to balance out the sweet and savory components, so you get that perfect blend that complements the venison, which can sometimes be a bit lean and gamey. Happy cooking!
How to Make Venison Steak Marinade

Making a delicious garlic-infused venison steak marinade is easier than you might think, and trust me, your taste buds are going to be doing a happy dance.
First things first, gather all your ingredients together. You’ll need 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce – that salty goodness is going to bring everything together. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, which is basically the secret handshake of marinades; it just makes everything better.
Next, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, alongside another 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to give it that nice tang. Don’t forget the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which adds richness, plus 1 tablespoon of steak seasoning to boost the flavor profile.
Now, here comes the fun part: the garlic. You’ll want to grab 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a punchy 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to spice things up. Finally, take 3 cloves of garlic, give them a good smash (I like to use the side of my knife – it’s oddly satisfying), and toss those in too.
Once you’ve got everything in a bowl, it’s time to whisk it all together until it’s well combined. Picture yourself mixing a potion; who knew cooking could feel so mystical?
Now, here’s where the magic really happens. Grab your venison steaks and slide them into a resealable ziplock bag. Pour that luscious marinade over the steaks, making sure they’re all coated in that garlicky goodness.
Seal the bag and give it a little massage – yes, I said massage – so the marinade can really get into the meat. Once you’ve done that, pop the bag in the fridge for about 4 hours. If you can hold off, you might want to let it marinate overnight.
Just think about it: your steak will be bursting with flavor, and you’ll be the star of the dinner table. So, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a Tuesday night, this garlic-infused venison steak is sure to impress.
Venison Steak Marinade Substitutions & Variations
While the classic garlic-infused venison steak marinade is a winner, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to keep things exciting.
For a different flavor, try replacing the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, a spicy brown mustard works well too.
Want a sweeter touch? Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of garlic for a unique twist.
Each variation adds its own flair, making every venison steak dinner a delightful adventure! Enjoy the creativity!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your garlic-infused venison steak turns out perfectly, I recommend marinating the meat for at least four hours, but overnight is even better if you have the time.
Remember to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking; this helps it cook evenly.
I love using a cast iron skillet for a good sear, but grilling works wonders too!
Keep an eye on the cooking time; venison cooks quickly, and you want it medium-rare for the best flavor.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Enjoy your delicious meal!