Ground Venison Tacos Recipe

Ready to take taco night to a whole new level? Let me introduce you to my wild twist on a classic with these savory venison tacos, a delicious adventure that promises to be both flavorful and unforgettable.

The perfect taco is an art, and I believe my Ground Venison Tacos are a flavor- and nutrition-packed masterpiece. Sautéing ground venison with olive oil, onion, and garlic; enhancing it with spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika; and serving it in a corn tortilla is just the start.

Fast and fresh is the name of the game with toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and a hint of cilantro takes these tacos to another level.

They are also needlessly healthful—but let’s not dwell on that.

Ground Venison Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Venison: Lean protein, low in fat, rich in iron and B vitamins, hearty base.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants, enhances flavor and texture.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness, flavor depth, and provides vitamins C and B6.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, adds pungent flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Chili Powder: Adds warmth and spice, rich in antioxidants, supports metabolism.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky flavor, enhances depth, and boosts vitamin A intake.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, citrusy notes, aids digestion, rich in vitamins A and K.
• Tortillas: Provides carbohydrates, forms base for tacos, supports energy supply.

Ground Venison Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground venison
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

How to Make this Ground Venison Tacos Recipe

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, which should be chopped finely, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent; this should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes aromatic.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and put in the ground venison. Brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Combine the meat and the spices by thoroughly mixing them together before adding the next ingredient. The spices are: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (if you don’t have any, use regular sweet or hot paprika instead), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander. Stir the spices into the meat mixture as evenly as you can.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the venison mixture with salt and black pepper as necessary. Lower the heat and keep the mixture warm, allowing the flavors to meld for 3-5 minutes before serving.

6. As the meat cooks, heat the tortillas in a dry frying pan over medium heat or by wrapping them in a wet paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds.

7. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the mixture of ground venison onto each tortilla.

8. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese are the very last things that should be placed atop each taco.

9. Top with fresh chopped cilantro and add any of the following optional toppings:

– Sour cream
– Sliced jalapeños
– Avocado slices

10. Accompany the tacos with lime wedges that can be squeezed over the top just before eating.

Ground Venison Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Spoon (for stirring and breaking apart meat)
3. Knife (for finely chopping onions and mincing garlic)
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Microwave and wet paper towels (optional, for heating tortillas)
7. Small frying pan (optional, for heating tortillas)
8. Serving plate or tray (for taco assembly)

Optional:
– Microwave-safe plate (for heating tortillas if using a microwave)

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute the ground venison with another type of meat?A: Yes, ground beef or turkey are great substitutes if you cannot find venison.
• Q: How do I prevent venison from tasting too gamey?To briefly soak the venison in a marinade or to add a touch more seasoning can help to tone down the wild taste.
• Q: Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?You can use either plant-based meat substitutes that are ground or crumbled tofu for a version that’s not made with meat but is still very much like the original.
• Q: Can I make the taco filling in advance?A: Certainly, you can make the filling and keep it in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days prior to serving.
• Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with these tacos?A: Excellent side dish options are Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad.
• Q: How can I make these tacos spicier?A: For added heat, you can use chili powder, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce. More chili powder will definitely up the ante.

Ground Venison Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 pound of ground venison could be replaced with ground beef or ground turkey.
1 tbsp olive oil is interchangeable with vegetable or avocado oil.
1 medium onion, finely chopped may be replaced with these:

1 cup chopped shallots
or
1 cup chopped green onion.
1 teaspoon ground coriander could be replaced with 1 teaspoon ground cumin for a different flavor profile.
1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro can be swapped for some freshly chopped parsley. Or the herb can be left out entirely.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor Depth For a deeper flavor, consider browning the venison in small batches in the skillet, ensuring it develops a nice crust before combining with the onion and garlic. This will help intensify the meaty flavor of the venison.

2. Perfect Spice Balance Toast the dried spices in the skillet briefly before adding the venison. This process releases their essential oils, elevating the overall flavor profile of the taco filling.

3. Tortilla Texture Heat the tortillas directly over an open flame or in a hot skillet to give them a slight char. This enhances both their flavor and texture, adding a slight crispiness compared to microwaving.

4. Fresh Garnishes Use only the freshest possible garnishes such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro. Consider chilling them slightly before serving, as the contrast between the cool toppings and warm filling creates a delightful textural experience.

5. Lime Zest Boost Zest the lime before juicing it and sprinkle a little zest onto each taco. It will provide an additional fresh citrus aroma and flavor burst, complementing the venison beautifully.