Ah, the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the juicy tenderness of a succulent chicken breast, or the mouthwatering aroma of a slow-roasted pork shoulder – there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a well-cooked piece of meat.
But as any seasoned chef will tell you, achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and safety is all about cooking meat to the correct internal temperature. Like any other meat, venison tenderloin has to be cooked to the proper temperature in order to be both delicious and safe to eat.
What Is The Right Internal Temperature For Venison Tenderloin?
The right internal temperature for venison tenderloin is 165°F (73.9°C). The temperature should be taken with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It is important to note that the temperature should be taken in the center of the meat, not the edges.
How To Cook Venison Tenderloin To The Right Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure that venison tenderloin is cooked to the right internal temperature is to use a thermometer. However, a typical method would be to cook it at a temperature of 375°F (190.6°C) for 7-10 minutes.
It is also important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of venison tenderloin will continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is important to remove the venison tenderloin from the heat source when the thermometer reads 165°F (73.9°C). This will ensure that the venison tenderloin is cooked to the right internal temperature.
Why Is Internal Temperature Important?
Cooking food to the right internal temperature is essential for food safety. Bacteria can cause foodborne illness when food is not cooked to the right temperature.
Venison Tenderloin is particularly susceptible to foodborne illness because it can contain higher levels of bacteria than other meats. Therefore, it is important to ensure that venison tenderloin is cooked to the right internal temperature in order to avoid foodborne illness.
When Cooking Venison Tenderloin, It Is Important To Keep The Following Tips In Mind:
– Marinate the meat in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for at least 4 hours, up to overnight
– Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
– Season the meat with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot pan until browned all over
– Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F
– Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving
Venison Tenderloin Recipes
Roasted Venison Tenderloin with wild mushrooms
Ingredients:
-1 lb. venison tenderloin
-8 oz. mixed wild mushrooms
-1 shallot, minced
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1 sprig fresh thyme
-1 tbsp. olive oil
-1/2 cup dry red wine
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, combine the mushrooms, shallot, garlic, thyme, olive oil, and red wine. Season mixture with salt and pepper.
3. Place the venison tenderloin in a roasting pan. Surround with the mushroom mixture. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the venison is cooked to your liking.
4. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Current Thrive Market Promo:
Venison Tenderloin with Port and Cherry Sauce
Ingredients:
-1 lb. venison tenderloin
-1/2 cup port
-1/2 cup dried cherries
-1 shallot, minced
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1 sprig fresh thyme
-1 tbsp. olive oil
-1/2 cup beef broth
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the port and cherries over medium heat until the cherries are plump and the port is reduced by half.
3. In a bowl, combine the shallot, garlic, thyme, olive oil, and beef broth. Season mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Place the venison tenderloin in a roasting pan. Surround with the port and cherry mixture. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the venison is cooked to your liking.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Sources
1. Venison Cooking Tips & Advice | First Light. (n.d.). https://www.firstlight.farm/farm-raised-venison/venison-cooking-tips/#:~:text=It’s%20lean%2C%20don’t%20over,re%20using%20a%20meat%20thermometer.
2. Hemmerling, B. (2021, August 20). Perfect Seared & Baked Deer Tenderloin. Eat Simple Food. https://eatsimplefood.com/perfect-seared-baked-deer-tenderloin/#:~:text=Add%20olive%20oil%20and%20butter.,temperature%20of%20deer%20reaches%20145F.