Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “ew” or “what’s that?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. You want something healthy and a little special, but you also need it to be a guaranteed win. For a different kind of easy, cheesy win, you have to try these Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups.
Let me tell you about our secret weapon: Grilled Venison Backstrap Marinated. I know, I know. “Venison?” you say. “My kid won’t touch that!” Trust me on this. With the right approach, this becomes the most requested summer dinner at our table.
It’s all about the magic of a good grilling marinade. It turns this super lean meat into something so tender and flavorful, even my most suspicious eater asks for seconds. Let’s dig into this easy, crowd-pleasing bbq venison recipe together.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2+ hours to marinate)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes active time
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
Here’s the real talk. Kids often balk at game meat because they think it will taste “wild” or tough. This recipe fixes both of those worries completely.
The marinade does the heavy lifting. It adds a familiar, sweet, and savory flavor they recognize and love. Once it hits the grill, it gets those yummy caramelized edges. Sliced thin, it’s tender and easy to eat. I often just call it “special steak,” and that’s all the explanation needed!
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
Nothing fancy here! These are pantry staples that work together to make the meat amazing.
- 1.5 – 2 lbs venison backstrap (often called a tenderloin recipe cut)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting their hands involved makes them so much more excited to try the final product. Here are two super easy jobs.
Job 1: The Marinade Mixer. Have them measure and pour all the liquid ingredients (soy sauce, oil, syrup, Worcestershire) into the bowl or bag. Let them give it a good whisk or squish to mix it all up. It’s like a tasty science experiment.
Job 2: The Garlic Presser. If they’re old enough to safely use a garlic press, this is a great task. If not, they can shake the bottle of onion powder and pepper over the mix. They feel like real chefs!
Grilled Venison Backstrap Marinated Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Grilled Venison Backstrap Marinated Recipe!
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the marinating time scare you. It’s mostly hands-off, making your actual dinner prep a breeze.
- In a bowl or large zip-top bag, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, and onion powder. Mix it well.
- Place the venison backstrap into the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Make sure the meat is fully coated.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- When you’re ready to cook, take the meat out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates so the meat doesn’t stick.
- Remove the backstrap from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
- Place the meat on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Venison is best served medium-rare to medium to keep it juicy.
- Transfer the grilled backstrap to a cutting board. This is crucial! Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This keeps all the juices inside.
- Slice the meat against the grain into thin pieces. This makes every bite incredibly tender. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different taste buds. Here’s how we tweak it to please everyone at our table.
For the sensitive kids, I serve a little extra maple syrup or a side of applesauce for dipping. The sweet pairing is always a hit. For the adults or adventurous eaters, wrap those slices in a piece of crispy bacon before grilling. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick. If you love the combo of savory, creamy, and cheesy, our Crack Chicken Grilled Cheese is another fantastic flavor-packed option.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
Leftovers are a lifesaver! Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, the key is gentle warmth. I lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for just 5-10 minutes. You can also use the microwave at 50% power for short bursts. This keeps the meat from getting tough.
Nutrition Notes
This is a meal you can feel really good about serving. Venison is a fantastic source of lean protein.
- Extremely high in protein and iron.
- Very low in fat compared to beef.
- No added sugars if you use pure maple syrup or honey.
- Naturally gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! This is our go-to marinade for beef steaks, chicken breasts, and even pork chops. It’s a universal flavor booster that works every time.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can cook the marinated backstrap in a very hot cast-iron skillet on the stove. Get the pan smoking hot, add a little oil, and sear for the same amount of time per side. Finish it in a 400°F oven if you want it more done.
My venison is frozen. What should I do?
Thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating. Trying to marinate frozen or partially frozen meat won’t let the flavors soak in properly.
So there you have it. Our family’s not-so-secret recipe for turning a special cut of meat into a weeknight-friendly feast. It proves that with a little patience and a great marinade, you can open up a whole new world of flavors for your crew. For another incredible grilled dish that’s perfect for summer, you must try these Grilled Shrimp Scampi Skewers.
I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy and empty plates to your table as it does to ours. Now, fire up that grill and get ready for some happy diners!
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
