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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Deer Steak Recipe – On the Stovetop

    By: Jessica · Posted: Jul 5, 2018 · Updated: Oct 16, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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    Jump to Recipe 39 comments
    4.63 from 77 votes

    Deer Steak Recipe – Skillet: There are many deer steak recipes, but this quick & flawless recipe using browned butter, salt & pepper in a skillet, is great!

    Deer Steak Recipes - How to cook deer steak on the stove

     

    Deer Steak Recipe – On the Stovetop

    The other night, I decided that I wanted deer meat for dinner. I had been looking at it in the freezer for a little while, and I knew it was time.

    Now if you saw my first deer meat recipe…my Fried Deer Meat as seen below…

    How to Cook Deer Meat: Fried Steak, Tenderloin & Backstrap

    …then you know it’s my ALL TIME favorite thing to eat, and favorite way to eat deer meat.

    So when I love something as much as that recipe, it’s hard from me to steer in a different direction of cooking deer meat.

    Grill Deer Meat or Fry it in a Pan?

    But for some reason, I didn’t have the heart to cut up these perfectly cut steaks into small pieces and decided to give searing them (like I did with my beef steak recipe) a try. I’m so glad that I did, because it turned out pretty tasty, and my family thought so too.

    Should I Marinate Deer?

    Well honestly, that’s totally up to you. I actually had 4 deer steaks in the package that I was using, so I decided to cook the deer steak, TWO different ways, in case you prefer one or the other.

    If you have some time to allot to cooking your deer steak, and you prefer to have a marinade flavor, instead of the deer flavor… then I’d say go with this recipe below…

    Note: I grilled the steaks in the deer steak marinade recipe below, but you can easily marinate them and fry them in a pan too!)

    Get the Marinade for my Other Deer Steak Recipe HERE

    How to grill and marinate deer steaks

    Not Much Time? Want to Capture the Flavor of Venison?

    Then this is a recipe you’ll love. It only uses butter, salt and pepper and is ready in minutes.

    There’s something about the flavor of browned butter, salt and peppercorn medley on a cut of meat.

    So if you’re ready to cook your deer steak, let’s get to it! (My mouth is watering just thinking about it!)

    How to Cook Deer Steak

    As with all of the recipes here on the blog, I’ll give tidbits of how to make the dish, throughout the photos in case you’re a visual person, but feel free to scroll to the bottom of this post for a straight-and-to-the-point, recipe card where it lists the ingredients and instructions.

    Earlier I mentioned that I had 4 deer steaks thawed out, but that I split them up so I could do two in the pan and two on the grill for a future recipe. But I’m so glad that I did for this recipe too because these two deer steaks were big, and PLENTY for the three of us that were eating it.

    Deer meat recipes - how to cook deer meat

    Room Temperature Deer Steaks

    You’ll want your deer steaks at room temperature, before cooking them. But if you roll like I typically do, you’ll find yourself ready to cook them when you get home, and there is no way your family is going to wait for the steaks to come to room temp before it’s time to cook and eat them. I get it. So it’s not a BIG deal at all.

    What Happens if the Venison Steak’s NOT Room Temperature?

    It’s not the end of the world. You may just need to tweak your cook time a little bit to reach the desired “doneness” that you prefer.

    So just keep that in mind if you will.

    Kosher salt and peppercorn medley pepper for cooking deer steaks

    It’s Not Just Salt  + Pepper

    Alright, listen up… when it comes to my meat, I SWEAR by kosher salt, peppercorn medley, and salted butter. I do this with my favorite steak recipe, my cheeseburger recipe… and now this deer steak recipe.

    Do you HAVE to have kosher salt and peppercorn medley? Well no, but if you see it at the store next time, grab it. Or buy it on Amazon now, so you don’t forget —-> Buy the kosher salt and the peppercorn medley.

    Season deer steak with salt and pepper

    Butter is Love

    Yeah, I know. I always say butter is my friend. But when it comes to cooking deer in a skillet or on the grill, butter is important for the “dryness” that can tend to take over with this lean meat.

    Deer is more lean than beef (usually), so the fatty juices may not be in abundance with your deer steaks. So cooking in butter, and even brushing with butter (like I’ll show you in my grilled deer meat recipe coming soon), can help with keeping the steak from drying out.

    Brown the Butter…

    You’ll want to brown your butter before placing your deer steaks in the skillet. To me, there’s a BIG difference in the taste of melted butter and butter that has browned a little bit. Like, a heavenly difference.

    Browned Butter in a cast iron skillet for deer steaks

    Quick Tidbit about Steak Thickness

    For this recipe, I used deer steaks that were about ½ inch thick.

    Keep this in mind when you’re cooking yours, and following my times and cooking temps. Your steaks may be thinner or even thicker.

    Steaks are about ½ inch thick - when cooking deer steaks

    Cooking the Deer Steaks

    Once my butter has browned, and the skillet is at medium-high heat, I place my seasoned steaks right in it. (Make sure that skillet hisses at you when you put that steak in, so you know it’s hot enough, ok?)

    Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Here’s where you want to watch it, depending on how you really want your steaks.

    If you want them well-done, then you’ll want to cook them longer than the 3-4 minutes on each side.

    We wanted ours about medium, so we stuck with 3-4.

    Longer = Tougher

    *** Just remember that the steaks keep cooking after you remove them from the skillet, and when you let it rest. I say this because if you’re wanting your steaks a specific temperature, deer meat will begin to get “tougher” the more it cooks.

    How to cook deer steaks and deer meat on the stove

    Rest + Butter

    Once the steaks were done, I pulled them off of the cast iron, so they could rest (well, and so I could snag these photos), and I added another tablespoon of butter for good measure. (Not necessary. Well, unless you’re having me over for dinner of course, cause… I like butter.)

    Oh that green stuff? Not necessary. I just threw it on for a Pinterest-friendly image, and because it was the only little sprig left of my fresh herb garden. I scorched the rest of the herb plants this summer already. (SMH)

    Deer steak recipes - how to cook deer meat

    Now that’s a good deer steak…

    Deer steak medium - how to cook deer meat recipe

    More Steak Recipes

    If you’re a steak lover like those in our house, then you’ll definitely want to check out the ever so popular steak recipe here on the blog where I show you how to cook a steak in the oven!

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Steak Recipe:

    This is possibly the easiest recipe on the entire blog! Toss your pork steaks in the slow cooker with some bbq sauce and a little salt & pepper and follow these steps for slow cooker pork steaks!

    So, tell me… what is YOUR favorite way to cook deer meat? I think frying the backstrap in flour is still my favorite, but when I have deer steaks handy, this recipe is definitely a good choice.

    Recipe

    Deer steaks on platter topped with butter and parsley.

    Deer Steak Recipe – In a Skillet

    Jessica Burgess
    Deer Steak Recipe – Skillet: There are many deer steak recipes, but this quick & flawless recipe using browned butter, salt & pepper in a skillet, is great!
    4.63 from 77 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Resting Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 28 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 steaks
    Calories 156 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ inch-thick deer steaks
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon peppercorn medley or to taste
    • 3 Tablespoon salted butter

    Instructions
     

    • Allow steaks to come to room temperature. (Approx. 20-30 minutes.)
    • Coat deer steaks with salt and pepper.
    • Over medium-high heat, add butter to skillet, and let melt and brown.
    • When butter is melted and brown, gently place steaks in the skillet, making sure they don’t overlap one another.
    • If the skillet doesn’t sizzle at you, remove steak and wait until skillet is hotter.
    • Cook steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side.
    • Remove steaks from skillet and place on a plate to rest for 3-4 minutes. During this time, you can coat with more butter if you prefer, to help maintain a juicy deer steak.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1steak | Calories: 156kcal | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 734mg | Vitamin A: 530IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keywords deer steak recipes, game meat recipe, how to cook deer meat
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      4.63 from 77 votes (66 ratings without comment)

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    1. KGL says

      March 25, 2025 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is all time favourite ,
      I cooked this for lunch at the gun club for the range officers today.
      I used rosemary and garlic to season the brown butter.
      Served it with garlic mashed potatoes and buttered peas and onions .

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        March 25, 2025 at 8:11 pm

        Oh yum!!! I love rosemary and garlic together! Thank you for sharing, and I’m so glad that you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Le says

      January 19, 2025 at 5:58 pm

      Delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 21, 2025 at 9:27 am

        Oh good! I’m so glad that you liked this deer steak recipe, thank you!

        Reply
    3. Dali says

      January 21, 2024 at 5:41 pm

      4 stars
      Yummmmmy!!!!!

      Reply
    4. Addison says

      November 13, 2023 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 13, 2023 at 6:01 pm

        Hi Addison! We’re thrilled that you loved this deer steak too! Thank you so much for sharing.

        Reply
    5. Charlien Bispo says

      October 24, 2023 at 11:37 pm

      This was the first time that I have ever cooked deer steak or any deer meat. I used the marinade recipe that was included and I followed all the directions exactly. I fried my steak for 4 minutes in butter on each side, basting it constantly. I also rested it for four minutes. I am so impressed with my first deer steak! It was a perfect medium rare and it was tender and delicious. Thank you for all the directions and tips and that wonderful marinade recipe. I couldn’t have done it without you.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        October 25, 2023 at 6:34 am

        Hello Charlien! I am thrilled that you’re happy with this deer steak recipe. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a note, letting us know!

        Reply
    6. Jennifer says

      February 03, 2023 at 10:38 pm

      Excellent! I’m a very adventurous cook, but venison is new to me. I was feeling not-so-willing but here we were with three new hunters in the family and three deer recently filling the freezer! Found this recipe as my help. 😉 it scored 110%. Hubby said “wow, awesome, way better than I’d expected, really really delicious”. Both boys ate a whole steak. One said “this is my favorite meat by far.” The other wanted another! I even tried some and enjoyed it. The recipe is simple and a keeper. Thank you!! Doing a happy dance here!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        February 04, 2023 at 10:31 am

        Hi Jennifer! This makes me SOOO happy! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that your family loved it. I love being able to help others discover new foods that they love… especially when it’s easy, and something the whole family loves!

        Reply
    7. Mary Teague says

      May 19, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        May 21, 2021 at 9:05 am

        Hi Mary! You don’t have to use a cast iron skillet!

        Reply
    8. Miss Cindy says

      February 18, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for my soldier son while visiting. He loved it! I served it with homemade chimichurri, mashed caulitators, and big Caesar salad. Thanks for the easy instructions and the tips on cooking venison. No hunters in my family, just a fantastic friend who is an excellent hunter and meat processor. Lucky me!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        February 19, 2021 at 8:06 pm

        I love this SOOO much! Please thank your son for his service. I’m so glad you enjoyed this and that he did too!

        Reply
    9. Sheri says

      December 30, 2020 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      Just made them. Perfect! Thanks

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        December 31, 2020 at 2:26 pm

        Yay! I’m so glad that you liked them too. Thank you so much for sharing that and for leaving a review!

        Reply
    10. Samantha says

      November 28, 2020 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      Simply AMAZING! My husband was very reluctant about pan frying venison round steak. Soooo glad he did! He added little gluten free seasoned flour, did exactly what you wrote and it turned out delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 29, 2020 at 1:22 pm

        Excellent!! I’m so glad that it worked for you. Thank you so much for letting me know and for leaving a 5-star review! 🙂 Don’t forget to check out the other deer recipes here on the blog too! I think you’ll also love them!

        Reply
    11. Grammie Hunter says

      November 05, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Its been years since we were able to hunt This year was a good year.Was worried s little about cooking the steaks Used your recipe and everyone couldn’t get enough the whole time my grandson took a bite He is just m
      Hum mmm mmm the whole eating his stk Was a BIG hit in our house next comes A roast
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 06, 2020 at 7:49 am

        Hi there! I’m so glad that you were able to try this recipe and that everyone liked it! Thank you for letting us know and for leaving a review! It means a lot!

        Reply
    12. Nathan says

      November 03, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      Used your recipe on some deer steak tips and they turned out great!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 03, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        Oh that’s awesome!! Thank you so much for trying it and for letting me know what you thought of them too! Never thought about doign tips! That’s genius. I may have to do that with elk this year!

        Reply
    13. philipbar says

      July 27, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      5 stars
      Now I know how to cook the turdy pointer I got last season! Actually used your recipe tonight, and it came out great! My wife loved it too, and she’s not that keen on eating deer. Thanks

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        July 27, 2020 at 11:12 pm

        Hahahaha! I JUST said to my husband earlier today “Oh was that I turdy pointer I saw?” Lol! That’s hilarious. I’m so glad that you liked the recipe and she did too. Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Debbie Lynch says

      February 03, 2020 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you for the recipe on venison turned out perfect

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        February 03, 2020 at 11:06 pm

        Oh good! I’m so glad. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know that you liked the deer steak recipe!

        Reply
    15. Lara says

      January 09, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      I always soak my deer meat in a little vinager water. I added some accent. Otherwise followed directions. I fooled my family. They thought they were eating beef steak. It was so tender and juicy. Awesome

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 14, 2020 at 7:27 am

        Haha!!! I love it! I may have to try that vinegar water at some point, thank you!

        Reply
      • Yvonne says

        February 14, 2022 at 12:48 pm

        Red or white vinegar?

        Reply
    16. Yvonne says

      June 04, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      I loved the frying in butter! I had marinated the steaks in vinegar for tenderness & removes the strong game taste first though. I will definitely try this again because my man thought it was blackstrap. Thanks

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        June 04, 2019 at 4:32 pm

        Yay!!! That is SO exciting. Love your idea of marinating in vinegar! Definitely doing that sometime! Thank you!

        Reply
    17. Chenin says

      March 02, 2019 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      This is amazing!! Thanks for the great tips!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        March 03, 2019 at 3:58 pm

        Yay! I’m so glad that you liked it! You’re so welcome.

        Reply
    18. John says

      March 02, 2019 at 9:46 pm

      Really good, added minced garlic to the brown butter and garlic butter on finished steak. This was quick and easy, tasted great. Wife loved it.

      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        March 03, 2019 at 3:58 pm

        Oh good John! I’m so glad that you and she loved it! Thank you for letting me know!

        Reply
    19. TASHENA Smith says

      January 30, 2019 at 9:56 pm

      4 stars
      Thanks for the tips & recipe!! Hubby loves them 😋😋😋

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        January 31, 2019 at 11:46 am

        You’re so welcome! So glad that you liked them!! 🙂 XO

        Reply
      • Nick C says

        December 22, 2019 at 3:40 pm

        Try marinating for 1 hour in Italian dressing . Delicious

        Reply

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