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.
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.
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