How to Cook Deer Steaks on a Grill

Olive oil is the key to a deer steak marinade.

Grilled deer steaks are a tasty, healthy alternative to beef steaks. When cooked properly, deer steaks are tender and full of flavor; deer meat tends to be a little dry -- since it is so lean -- but with the right marinade it can be succulent and juicy.

Things You'll Need

• Deer steaks
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon pepper
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine one part Old Bay, one part lemon pepper seasoning and one-half part garlic powder to make a dry rub (you can use your own recipe if you like).

2. Sprinkle a heavy layer of dry rub both sides of your deer steaks.

3. Place the deer steaks in zippered storage bags and add enough olive oil to coat both sides well. Place the bags in the refrigerator for at least two or three hours, turning them every now and then to coat the steaks evenly. Letting the olive oil soak into the venison for several hours will infuse the flavors of the rub and provide moisture to the meat.

4. Start the grill and bring it to a medium-high heat. If you'd like a smokier flavor, add soaked wood chips to the charcoal when your grill is ready to cook. For a gas grill, you can add wood chips to an aluminum boat placed right on the grill top.

5. Place the deer steaks on the grill, allowing an inch between steaks. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes per side, depending on how you like your steaks cooked. The olive oil will cause slight flareups, so use caution. A little bit of flare, however, will help sear in the juices and produce better results.

6. Remove steaks from the grill to rest on a platter for five minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using wood chips, soak them for an hour in water before cooking.

• Have a spray bottle handy to help tame flare-ups.