Venison Backstrap
The backstrap or loin of a deer is very much like filet mignon. I prefer venison backstrap to filet mignon, however. The best examples of this cut comes from a two to three year old deer, preferably a doe. With this fantastic meat it takes so little effort to create a gourmet entree. Some cooks like to wrap the slices of loin in bacon, just as a filet mignon. In the interest of keeping the meat low fat and healthier, I choose not to add the bacon. Venison is one of the heart healthiest meats available, if prepared properly.
INGREDIENTS PER BACKSTRAP:
1/8 Teaspoon salt per steak
3 Tablespoons of a very light olive oil or safflower oil in a cup or small bowl.
2 Tablespoons of very coarsely ground black pepper
1 Venison Backstrap
PREPARATION:
I prefer to cook a backstrap on a gas or wood grill. If that is not available this meat can be prepared under the broiler in your kitchen stove as a second alternative. Remove any fat or membrane from the meat. Rinse. Slice the backstrap across the grain, into two inch slices. Make a butterfly cut on each of the two inch pieces. (cut the two inch pieces in the middle almost completely through. Leave about a quarter inch uncut and open the two pieces like a book. You should end up with what appears to be a steak that is double the surface area as the original and about one inch thick. Preheat your grill or broiler (don't put the meat on a cold grill). Brush the top of each steak with the olive oil. Apply salt and sprinkle the pepper liberally on the steak. Put the steaks on the grill. Cook six minutes, turn steaks over, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle the tops with pepper. Cook for six or seven minutes or until medium rare. Due to the leanness of the venison, it will become tough if over cooked. Serve immediately.