New Hampshire Grilled Venison Medallions

Introduction

There's nothing quite like savoring tender, smoky grilled venison medallions — especially when you're grilling over an Arteflame Grill in beautiful New Hampshire. This recipe takes advantage of the Arteflame's center grill grate to lock in all the natural juices of the venison with a perfect 1,000°F sear, while the surrounding flat top griddle gives you full control to finish it to perfection. Whether you're cooking for a small gathering or preparing a romantic outdoors dinner, this dish brings rich, wild flavor front and center with bold notes of rosemary, garlic, and red wine, all infused right on the grill — no pots, no pans, and no oven required.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs venison medallions (about 6-8 pieces)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for marinade depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center fire bowl of the Arteflame Grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them. You’ll be ready to cook in about 20 minutes.
3. Let the center grate reach 1,000°F and allow the surrounding flat cooktop to heat up for even grilling zones.

Step 2: Marinate the Venison

1. In a bowl, mix red wine, rosemary, minced garlic, melted butter, and Dijon mustard (if using).
2. Place the venison medallions in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours in the fridge)

Step 3: Sear the Venison

1. Remove venison from marinade and pat dry with paper towels; season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Place medallions directly on the center grill grate of the Arteflame for a quick sear — 1–2 minutes per side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Top

1. Move the medallions to the surrounding flat top griddle, closer to the center if you want medium rare (internal temp of 130–135°F).
2. Continue grilling and flipping occasionally until they are 15°F below your final desired temp (they’ll carryover cook after removal).
3. Let the venison rest under foil for 5–10 minutes off the grill before serving.

Tips

• Use melted butter to baste the venison as it finishes grilling — it adds rich flavor and enhances searing.
• Don’t over-marinate; red wine's acidity can break down the meat if soaked too long.
• Place sliced vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or zucchini on the flat top during the finishing phase — the Arteflame’s wide cooktop lets you multitask.
• A meat thermometer is key — aim to pull the meat 15°F early to avoid overcooking.
• For added flavor, toss a sprig of rosemary directly onto the fire to subtly infuse the smoke.

Variations

1. Maple Balsamic Glazed Medallions: Swap red wine and rosemary for a glaze made of balsamic vinegar and New Hampshire maple syrup for a sweet and tangy twist.
2. Garlic and Herb Butter Medallions: Mix compound butter with parsley, thyme, and roasted garlic; baste during the cook right on the flat top for a rich herb finish.
3. Smoky Chipotle Venison: Add chipotle paste and smoked paprika to the marinade for a spicy Southwest heat.
4. Wild Blueberry Venison: Incorporate crushed wild New Hampshire blueberries into the red wine marinade for a wild sweet finish that pairs beautifully with game.
5. Asian Fusion Medallions: Marinate with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic for a savory umami version with crispy grilled edges.

Best Pairings

• Grilled wild mushrooms or a medley of squash and onions
• Red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
• Grilled rosemary potatoes on the flat top
• Crisp cranberry or arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Freshly baked flatbread or cornbread from the Arteflame Pizza Oven

Conclusion

Grilling venison medallions on your Arteflame Grill in New Hampshire creates a rustic, gourmet experience you’ll be proud to serve. With searing heat from the center grate and the even finish of the Arteflame's flat top griddle, every bite of these medallions bursts with deep, wood-fired flavor. Whether you're relaxing outdoors or entertaining, this meal is a celebration of local ingredients, bold flavor, and the joy of open-air grilling.