Venison Steak with Cherry Sauce | Wild Table

Backstrap is a cut of venison that is prized by most hunters, so it makes sense to make something special with it! This cherry sauce is a perfect way to take your venison steak to the next level. Simmer some dark, sweet cherries in a delicious sauce with sherry, shallots, thyme and a few other ingredients after you’ve cooked your steak to perfection in a cast iron pan. Slice the steak and spoon the cherry sauce over the top. The combination of the sweet and tangy sauce with the rich, earthy venison makes the perfect centerpiece for a beautiful, sophisticated meal.

Tips and Tricks:

• This recipe uses venison backstrap but any type of meat and cut of steak will work!
• This recipe uses fresh sweet cherries but you can use frozen cherries as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb venison backstrap (or other steak cut)
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lard (or other cooking fat)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
• 2-3 thyme sprigs
• 1 cup sweet sherry
• 1 teaspoon brown mustard
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup fresh or frozen dark, sweet cherries, pitted and halved

Instructions: 

1. Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Season steak all over with salt and pepper.
2. Add lard to pan and swirl to coat pan. Add in steak and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium-rare. Remove steak to a plate to rest.
3. Turn heat down to medium. Add butter to pan and swirl to coat pan. Add in shallots and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until shallots are starting to soften and thyme is fragrant.
4. Add in sherry to deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer and add in mustard and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine then add in the cherries. Simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat.
5. Slice steak into ½" slices and serve with cherry sauce on top. Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at: https://peaktoplate.com/venison-steaks-with-cherry-sauce/

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