Venison Sausage Oven Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide

When selecting venison for making sausages, it is crucial to choose fresh, high-quality meat. Look for meat with a deep red color, free of any foul odors or discoloration. If possible, source the venison from a local butcher or trusted game meat supplier who utilizes sustainable and ethical practices.

Before using the meat, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. Trim off any excess fat, silver skin, or connective tissue. These parts can impact the texture and taste of the sausage. Remember, the leaner the meat, the better the result. After trimming, cut the venison into smaller pieces that will fit easily into your meat grinder or food processor.

Preparation Tips

To compensate for the low fat content, it’s crucial to add some fat to the venison sausage mixture. Opt for pork fatback, which has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the venison. Remove any excessive membranes or tissues from the fatback and cut it into small cubes. Adding around 20% to 30% pork fatback by weight to the venison will help provide the desired richness and juiciness to the sausages.

Along with the pork fatback, you can also incorporate other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, can add a delightful aroma. Additionally, experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or fennel seeds to create your own unique blend.

Don’t forget about the binder; adding a suitable binder is crucial for maintaining the shape and texture of the sausage. Traditional options include breadcrumbs, oats, or breadcrumbs soaked in milk. These ingredients absorb excess moisture, ensuring the sausages stay intact during cooking.

Before stuffing the sausages, it’s essential to mix the venison with the chosen seasonings, spices, fatback, and binder. You can use either a meat grinder or a food processor to create a smooth and uniform mixture. It is recommended to grind or process the meat and fatback separately before mixing them together. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced sausage.

Variations

Venison sausage can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can experiment with:

1. Smoked Venison Sausage

For a smoky flavor, consider using a smoker instead of the oven. Smoke the sausages at a low temperature until they reach the desired internal temperature.

2. Spicy Venison Sausage

If you enjoy spicy food, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to the mixture. Remember to adjust the spice level according to your tolerance.

3. Maple Venison Sausage

For a hint of sweetness, incorporate maple syrup or brown sugar into the seasoning mixture. The sweet and savory combination will be a crowd-pleaser.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings, spices, and herbs. The beauty of making your own sausages lies in the ability to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Doneness Checks

When cooking venison sausages, it is essential to check for proper doneness to ensure they are safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the sausage. This step is critical because of the lean nature of venison, making it important to avoid overcooking and drying out the sausage.

Recipe

Now that you have a good understanding of venison sausage preparation, it’s time to explore the recipe. Here’s a delicious and simple venison sausage oven recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground venison

• 8 oz (225g) pork fatback, finely minced

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Natural hog casings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, minced pork fatback, breadcrumbs, garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. If desired, soak natural hog casings in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them and make stuffing easier.

4. Prepare a sausage stuffer or a piping bag with a large round tip if using casings.

5. Stuff the sausage mixture into casings or shape them into patties if casings are not used.

6. Place the sausages on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, ensuring they are not touching each other.

7. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade venison sausages with your favorite side dishes or integrate them into various recipes like pasta dishes, breakfast skillets, or sandwiches.

In Conclusion

Venison sausages offer a wonderful and unique culinary experience. Incorporating the lean and gamey venison into sausages can be both delicious and healthy. In this comprehensive article, we explored the food science behind venison sausages, discussed culinary details, covered selection and cleaning, shared preparation tips, suggested variations, explained doneness checks, and provided a flavorful venison sausage oven recipe. So why not give it a try? Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade flavors with every bite of these delectable venison sausages!

Sources

FAQS On Venison Sausage Oven Recipe

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Venison Sausage In The Oven?

To make venison sausage in the oven, you will need ground venison, pork fat, spices such as salt, black pepper, and sage, as well as casings and kitchen equipment like a meat grinder and sausage stuffer.

How Do I Prepare The Casings For Venison Sausage?

Before using casings for venison sausage, soak them in lukewarm water for 30 minutes to soften them. Then rinse and drain them before stuffing the sausage inside.

Can I Substitute Pork Fat With Another Type Of Fat?

Yes, you can substitute pork fat with other types of fat such as beef suet or lamb fat. It is important to have a high-fat content to help bind the sausage and keep it moist and flavorful.

How Do I Cook The Venison Sausage In The Oven?

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the venison sausage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For a crispy exterior, broil the sausage for the last few minutes.

How Do I Store And Reheat Leftover Venison Sausage?

To store leftover venison sausage, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little oil or butter over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can also microwave them for 30 seconds to a minute.