German Grilled Venison Medallions with Cranberry Sauce

Introduction

Indulge in tender, juicy venison medallions grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, served with a rich, homemade cranberry sauce. This traditional German-inspired dish combines smoky, seared venison with the sweet and tangy touch of cranberries for a meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs venison medallions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

• Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
• Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
• Light the paper and allow the fire to establish. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the venison medallions

• Season the venison medallions generously with salt and pepper.
• Melt 1 tbsp of butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill.

Step 3: Sear the venison

• Place the medallions on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
• Sear for 1-2 minutes per side to create a deep, golden crust.
• Move the venison medallions to the outer griddle to continue cooking to the desired doneness.
• Remove the medallions from the grill when they are 15°F below the target temperature.

Step 4: Make the cranberry sauce

• On the flat cooktop, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
• Add fresh cranberries, honey, and orange juice.
• Stir in cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and Dijon mustard.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Serve the dish

• Plate the venison medallions and spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the top.
• Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired.

Tips

• Let the venison rest for at least 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare.
• For an extra rich flavor, add a splash of red wine to the cranberry sauce while cooking.

Variations

• Spiced Apple-German Style: Replace cranberries with diced apples and add nutmeg for a classic apple-venison pairing.
• Red Wine Reduction: Instead of the cranberry sauce, make a red wine reduction using shallots, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme.
• Blackberry Glaze: Swap cranberries for blackberries with honey for a different fruity touch.
• Garlic & Herb Butter: Skip the sauce and coat the medallions in garlic-infused butter before serving.
• Spicy Mustard Sauce: Use German mustard with a touch of horseradish for a bold flavor boost.

Best Pairings

• Mashed potatoes with roasted garlic
• Grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• A hearty German red wine such as Dornfelder
• Dark rye bread on the side
• Pickled cabbage for a tangy contrast

Conclusion

This German-inspired grilled venison medallion recipe is perfect for showcasing the incredible capabilities of the Arteflame grill. The combination of seared, juicy meat and tangy cranberry sauce brings a bold balance of flavors. Enjoy grilling to perfection in an effortless, lidless experience that enhances every bite.