We’ve always loved the bold flavors of venison, and our Deer Garlic Sausage Recipe brings that wild game to life with a simple garlic twist. It’s a rustic favorite rooted in hunting traditions, perfect for turning fresh deer meat into savory links that’ll wow your family and friends.
Drawing from classic sausage-making techniques, we’ve infused this recipe with aromatic garlic to create a lean, flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or adding it to pasta, it’s an easy way to elevate your meals with a touch of adventure.
Join us as we dive into this hearty recipe, designed for home cooks ready to savor the great outdoors on their plate.
Ingredients
To bring our Deer Garlic Sausage Recipe to life, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that capture the bold, savory essence of venison infused with aromatic garlic. We’ll list them in the order they’re used, including precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for seamless preparation.
- 2 pounds ground venison: Use fresh, lean deer meat as the base for our hearty sausage; ensure it’s well-chilled to maintain texture during mixing.
- 1/2 pound pork fat: Adds moisture and richness; trim and dice it finely before incorporating to balance the venison’s leanness.
- 6 cloves fresh garlic: Minced for optimal flavor release; we’ll add this early to let its pungent notes infuse the meat mixture.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt: Provides essential seasoning; measure accurately to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Ground fresh for a spicy kick; include it right after salt to build layers of taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Crushed to release its earthy aroma; this herb complements the garlic’s intensity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth; use a fine grate for even distribution in the blend.
- 1/4 cup red wine: Choose a dry variety for depth; we’ll pour this in next to help bind and moisten the mixture.
- 4 feet natural hog casings: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes before use to make them pliable for stuffing the sausage.
These ingredients not only ensure our recipe is simple and nutritious but also deliver the adventurous, outdoor-inspired flavors that make Deer Garlic Sausage a standout choice for any meal.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Deer Garlic Sausage recipe seamlessly, we need a few essential tools that ensure precision and efficiency in handling the venison and seasonings. Transitioning from selecting high-quality ingredients like ground venison and fresh garlic, gathering the right equipment allows us to mix, grind, and stuff with confidence, capturing the bold, adventurous flavors of this outdoor-inspired dish.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment we recommend:
- Meat Grinder: Essential for processing the 2 pounds of ground venison if it’s not pre-ground, ensuring a consistent texture that locks in the hearty, gamey essence.
- Sausage Stuffer: Our go-to tool for filling natural hog casings with the seasoned mixture, helping achieve uniform sausages that grill up perfectly for backyard BBQs.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like pork fat, garlic, and spices, allowing us to blend everything evenly for that irresistible garlic twist.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: Accurate for measuring out precise amounts, such as 1/2 pound of pork fat or 1/4 cup of red wine, to maintain the recipe’s nutritional balance and flavor profile.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for portioning seasonings like sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, guaranteeing the recipe’s simplicity without any guesswork.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Used for prepping garlic cloves and other add-ins, providing the control needed to create a smooth, flavorful base.
- Food Thermometer: Helpful for checking internal temperatures during cooking or storage, ensuring safety while preserving the dish’s rich, savory appeal.
With these tools in hand, we can move forward to the preparation steps, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, let’s craft our flavorful Deer Garlic Sausage with precision and ease. We will walk you through each step to deliver a juicy, aromatic sausage bursting with the bold taste of venison and garlic.
Prepare the Meat
First, ensure your venison is ready for mixing. If the 2 pounds of ground venison isn’t already ground, pass it through a meat grinder using a medium die to achieve a coarse texture that locks in moisture and enhances the gamey flavor. Next, cube the 1/2 pound of pork fat into small, even pieces—about 1-inch cubes—for seamless blending and to add necessary fat content that keeps the sausage tender. Mince the 6 cloves of fresh garlic finely to release its pungent, earthy aroma, which will infuse the meat with a robust garlic twist. This preparation step sets the foundation for a sausage that’s not only nutritious but also packed with authentic, outdoor-inspired depth.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared ground venison and cubed pork fat for a balanced fat-to-lean ratio that ensures juiciness. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, sprinkling them evenly to distribute flavors thoroughly. Pour in the 1/4 cup of red wine and use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and uniform—this step binds the ingredients, creating a cohesive blend that amplifies the savory, herbaceous notes of our Deer Garlic Sausage. For accuracy, we recommend checking the seasoning by cooking a small patty and tasting it.
Stuff the Sausages
Once mixed, set up your sausage stuffer with natural hog casings, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand to make them pliable and easy to work with. Load the meat mixture into the stuffer and begin filling the casings, twisting them into 6-inch links as you go to form perfectly portioned sausages—aim for a firm but not overly tight fill to prevent bursting during cooking. Work methodically to produce 8-10 sausages from the batch, ensuring each one has an even distribution of the garlic-infused venison blend that promises a hearty, adventurous bite. If air pockets form, prick them gently with a sharp knife to maintain texture and avoid dry spots.
Cook the Sausages
For the best results, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat (around 375°F) to sear the sausages and lock in their juices. Place the stuffed sausages on the cooking surface and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3 minutes to achieve an even, golden-brown crust while the inside reaches an internal temperature of 160°F—use a food thermometer for safety and to preserve the succulent, smoky flavors. If grilling outdoors, brush with a light oil to enhance char and complement the venison’s natural taste; for pan-frying, add a splash of the red wine from earlier to create a flavorful pan sauce. Once done, let the sausages rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish that’s not only simple but also a nutritious highlight for any meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Deer Garlic Sausage recipe even more convenient for busy schedules, we can prepare it ahead of time while preserving its bold, garlicky flavors and juicy texture. This approach lets us enjoy the hearty, outdoor-inspired taste of Deer Garlic Sausage whenever we crave it, without starting from scratch.
Preparing the Sausage Mixture in Advance
We recommend mixing and grinding the ingredients up to 24 hours ahead. Here’s how:
- Step 1: After grinding the venison and cubing the pork fat as outlined in our preparation section, combine them in a large mixing bowl with minced garlic, seasonings, and red wine. This step infuses the mixture with the pungent aroma of fresh garlic and the rich depth of herbs, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
- Step 2: Mix thoroughly until the blend is cohesive, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
- Step 3: For optimal results, let the mixture rest in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the sausage’s savory profile.
Stuffing and Storing the Sausages
If we plan to stuff the casings, we can do so ahead and store the links for later use. Follow these steps for safety and quality:
- Step 1: Stuff the casings as described, ensuring they are even and free of air pockets. Once stuffed, divide the sausages into portions for easy use.
- Step 2: Place the uncooked sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them uncovered for 1–2 hours to form a light pellicle—this helps with browning later and locks in the sausage’s succulent texture.
- Step 3: Transfer to freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed containers. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Keep below 40°F (4°C) to retain moisture and prevent spoilage. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the fridge overnight for safe handling and to preserve the garlic’s aromatic punch. |
Cooking from Make-Ahead Prep
- Step 1: If frozen, thaw the sausages in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This ensures even cooking and maintains the sausage’s tender, flavorful interior.
- Step 2: Grill or pan-fry as per the original instructions, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The sizzling sound and garlic-infused steam will signal that golden-brown crust we love.
- Step 3: Let the cooked sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices, delivering that perfect balance of spice and succulence in every slice of Deer Garlic Sausage.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this deer garlic sausage recipe with us
It’s a fantastic way to bring bold, nutritious flavors into your kitchen
Whether you’re grilling for friends or adding it to family meals, it’s sure to impress
Let’s keep the adventure alive and make every bite count in our culinary journeys
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deer Garlic Sausage?
Deer Garlic Sausage is a flavorful recipe using ground venison mixed with garlic and seasonings, blending traditional hunting flavors with a modern twist. It’s simple to make, nutritious, and perfect for BBQs, pasta, or everyday meals, offering an adventurous taste of the outdoors.
What ingredients are needed for Deer Garlic Sausage?
You’ll need 2 pounds of ground venison, 1/2 pound of pork fat, 6 cloves of fresh garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of red wine. Use natural hog casings for stuffing. These high-quality ingredients ensure a bold, nutritious flavor while keeping the recipe straightforward.
How do I prepare Deer Garlic Sausage?
Start by grinding venison and cubing pork fat, then mince garlic and mix all ingredients thoroughly. Check seasoning by cooking a small patty. Stuff into casings evenly to avoid air pockets, then form sausages. This process is simple and efficient with the right tools, resulting in a hearty, homemade treat.
What equipment is required to make Deer Garlic Sausage?
Essential equipment includes a meat grinder for processing venison, a sausage stuffer for filling casings, a mixing bowl for blending ingredients, and a food thermometer for safety. These tools ensure precision and help create professional-quality sausages at home with minimal effort.
Can I make Deer Garlic Sausage ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance by mixing ingredients and refrigerating. You can also stuff and freeze sausages for up to 3 months. This makes it convenient for busy schedules, preserving flavors and texture for later use.
How should I store Deer Garlic Sausage?
Store uncooked sausages in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw frozen sausages in the fridge before cooking to maintain juiciness. Proper storage keeps the bold flavors intact and ensures food safety.
What are the nutritional benefits of Deer Garlic Sausage?
This recipe is nutritious, featuring lean venison for protein, garlic for antioxidants, and herbs for added vitamins. It’s low in carbs and pairs well with healthy sides, making it a wholesome option for meals while delivering rich, satisfying flavors from natural ingredients.
How do I cook Deer Garlic Sausage?
Grill or pan-fry the sausages over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety, creating a golden-brown crust. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This method keeps them juicy and flavorful, ideal for various dishes like BBQs or pasta.