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How to Make Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe (Deer Meat)

If you are looking for the perfect venison burger, you will love this grilled venison burgers recipe.

Cooking with venison meat instead of ground meat can be difficult at first but you have come to the right place.

These simple tricks will show you how to make flavorful burgers using this lean meat.

Keep in mind that this post sharing tips for cooking with venison and how to make this grilled venison burgers recipe contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.

Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

Is Deer Meat Leaner Than Beef?

Yes, deer meat (also known as venison) is generally considered leaner than beef.

Deer meat typically has a less fat content and fewer calories per serving than beef, which makes it a good choice for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake.

One reason for this is that deer are typically more active than cattle, and as a result, their muscles are leaner.

Additionally, deer are generally not raised for meat production in the same way that cattle are, so they may have a more varied diet that includes a greater proportion of natural vegetation.

However, the exact level of fat and calories in deer meat can vary depending on factors such as the animal’s age, diet, and level of physical activity, as well as how the meat is prepared.

It’s also worth noting that different cuts of beef and deer meat can vary in their fat content, so it’s important to consider the specific cut of meat when comparing the two.

For more information on the nutritional values of venison visit the USDA site.

Air Fryer Burger Recipe

Why Is Worcestershire Sauce Used in So Many meat Recipes?

Worcestershire sauce is used in many meat recipes because it has a complex flavor that can enhance the taste of meats.

The sauce is made from a blend of ingredients, including vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, garlic, and various spices, which gives it a unique savory and tangy taste.

One reason why Worcestershire sauce is often used in meat recipes is that it contains glutamic acid, which is an amino acid that enhances the umami flavor of foods.

Umami is often described as having a savory or meaty taste, and it can make meat dishes taste richer and more satisfying.

In addition, Worcestershire sauce is also acidic, which can help tenderize meat by breaking down its proteins.

This can make meat more tender and flavorful, especially when it’s used in marinades with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or as a seasoning during cooking.

Overall, Worcestershire sauce is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to many different types of meat dishes, from burgers and meatloaf to steak and beef stew.

ground deer meat field to freezer process

Can You Purchase Ground Deer Meat at the Grocery Store?

In some areas, it may be more common to find big game or ground venison (another name for deer meat) at specialty butcher shops, game processing facilities, or local farmers’ markets but deer meat is not usually found at your local grocery store.

While you may not be able to hit up your local grocery stores for venison patties, you can purchase venison online from Amazon or specialty meat suppliers that offer game meats such as New Zealand venison or a Venison French Rack of Ribs.

Some are fresh cuts like venison tenderloin, while others already mixed the proper fat ratio to make the wild game burger easier to cook.

Since venison is lean meat and does not contain much fat it is usually mixed with beef fat or ground pork to make things like cooking venison burgers more user-friendly.

However, the best way to get deer burgers on your table is to find an avid hunter in your area that is willing to share.

Lucky for me, my husband is an avid hunter and he hits the woods every deer season to stock our freezer.

We then process our own meat at home using a meat grinder, add beef fat or pork fat, and make a variety of venison recipes throughout the year.

Doing this allows me to choose the cut of venison I want such as venison steaks, and I always plan for lots of ground venison burgers.

So I usually make some venison burger patties or save ground meat for this deer burger recipe.

Air Fryer Burger Recipe

Why Add Fat to Venison?

Adding fat to venison can help improve the texture and flavor of the meat. Venison is a very lean meat, which means it has a low fat content.

While this can be a healthy choice for some, providing health benefits, it can also result in meat that is dry and tough if it’s cooked improperly.

Adding fat to venison can help counteract this by providing moisture and tenderness to the meat.

It can also help enhance the flavor of the meat by providing richness and depth.

Additionally, when fat is added to ground venison, it can help bind the meat together and prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

There are several different types of fat that can be added to venison, including bacon, pork fat, or beef fat.

Bacon is a popular choice because it has a strong flavor that pairs well with venison, while pork or beef fat can provide a more neutral taste.

Some recipes may call for butter, cream, egg yolks, or cheese as a way to add fat and flavor to venison dishes for the best results.

Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

Ingredients Needed for this Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

To make this easy venison burger recipe you will need the following simple ingredients:

The bread crumbs or cracker crumbs are used to hold in the fat and juices in this easy recipe. They also help to add a great flavor that improves the taste of venison.

How to Make the Perfect Venison Burger

The first step to making the best venison burgers is to add ground deer meat to a large bowl. Add the seasonings and crackers to a small bowl for easy access.

Using your hands, mix the rest of the ingredients except the Lawry’s, save that for later.

The next step is to form your delicious venison burgers which are similar to forming beef burgers.

This delicious deer burger recipe makes six burgers so after mixing all of the ingredients, form a burger patty six times.

Place the formed burger patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, this step helps the whole thing stay together during the cooking process.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can do this with an airtight container if you prefer but you should still line the dish or at least spray cooking spray or olive oil inside to prevent it from sticking.

Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

How to Cook the Best Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

The next step is to cook the best burger on the grill. I set my (charcoal grill or gas grill) grill to medium-high heat and allow it to warm up for about 4-5 minutes until reaches 450°F.

Place the patties on the grill grate, sprinkle on the Lawry’s seasoning, and cook on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes.

Then flip the burgers over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F as checked with a meat thermometer.

The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your burgers and the perfect time will vary depending on your personal preference.

Medium rare cooks may think the perfect burger contains some red meat while I prefer no pink at all.

Pay attention to the cooking time so you know the exact amount that works for you the next time you make this juicy burger recipe.

Be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post for all of the ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

How Do You Cook Burgers Indoors?

If you prefer to cook this recipe inside, you can use a cast iron skillet to resemble the flavors of the grill.

While you do not need a cast iron pan to cook on the stovetop I have found this to be the best way to make my favorite venison recipe indoors.

If you have an air fryer, you may want to check out this Air Fryer Burger Recipe for Juicy Burgers.

grilled venison burgers recipe

Favorite Toppings to Add to this Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

I love to serve these juicy venison burgers on toasted hamburger buns. I usually choose brioche buns or keto burger buns, even when making regular hamburger recipes using ground beef.

I also like to add a variety of toppings to help up my burger game such as cheddar cheese or a slice of Colby jack cheese.

Tomatoes, lettuce, grilled onions, green bell pepper, red pepper, and pickles are also a favorite.

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More Easy Venison Recipes

You may also enjoy trying some of my other favorite venison recipes.

Slow Cooker Venison Stew

Easy Venison Chili Recipe

Italian Style Venison Meatballs

Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

Grilled Venison Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Lbs. of Ground Venison (Deer Meat)
  • 6 Crushed Crackers
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1 Teaspoon of Lawry's Seasoning

Instructions

    The first step to making the best venison burgers is to add ground deer meat to a large bowl. Add the seasonings and crackers to a small bowl for easy access.

Using your hands, mix the rest of the ingredients except the Lawry's, save that for later.

The next step is to form your delicious venison burgers which are similar to forming beef burgers.

This delicious deer burger recipe makes six burgers so after mixing all of the ingredients, form a burger patty six times.

Place the formed burger patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow it to warm up for about 4-5 minutes until reaches 450°F.

Place the patties on the grill grate, sprinkle on the Lawry's seasoning, and cook on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes.

Then flip the burgers over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F as checked with a meat thermometer.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

Marysa

Thursday 23rd of March 2023

This sounds like a great use for venison. It would be nice to make a big batch of these and freeze them.

Catalina

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

I never can say no to a burger. Especially if it's homemade! Need to try to make with venison!

Gervin Khan

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Oh my, this burger patty looks absolutely delicious! It makes this burger looks great and very appealing! Loved it!

Beautiful Touches

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Those burgers look so good, its been a long while since I've last had any venison but I do love a good deer burger when I get the chance!

Zab Zaria

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

This recipe is looking so delicious! This will be on my list of things to try in the future.

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