Once a year, we get a designated day to celebrate romance. I believe it should be 365 days per year, but at least one day is set aside to draw attention to love.
Taking someone special out to dinner is classic, but for game enthusiasts, there’s a unique opportunity to share a love of wild game on this occasion. With a little thought, you can create a memorable and romantic experience with the one you love.
Why wild game is romantic
Wild game has a character all its own. It’s flavorful, versatile and exciting on the plate. Every bite is satisfying and might make you say, “Mmm.” Unlike standard meats, wild game can be dressed up or kept simple. It can be lightly seasoned, boldly spiced, served plain or sauced. Cooked slowly or quickly, it adapts to the moment. Sounds like a perfect match for romance, don’t you think?
Creating a romantic wild game dinner takes some planning, but the options are endless. Does your guest enjoy a classic steak, or do they prefer pasta or creative preparations? All approaches work, and no wild game option is off the table.
Romantic wild game dinner ideas
Start with a fresh salad, perhaps accented with a small skewer of grilled game.
Wild turkey: Slice breast cutlets for a Wild Turkey Parmigiana or dice the breast to sauté with olive oil, butter and garlic. Finish with heavy cream and Parmesan for a rich Wild Turkey Alfredo over pasta.
Duck or goose: Remove the skin and slice breast into cutlets. Coat lightly with olive oil and seasoning, then dredge in flour and sauté until golden. In the same pan, sauté garlic, dried cranberries and sliced mushrooms with a touch of butter. Add sweet Marsala wine and cook until the alcohol evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cutlets to coat them in the sauce and serve with mashed potatoes.
Venison, bear or moose: Grill or pan-sear loins and top with a rich beer cheese sauce. Feeling adventurous? Sauté finely chopped mushrooms, allow to cool, top a seasoned loin steak, wrap in puff pastry and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a stunning venison Wellington-style dish.
The effort you put into a thoughtful wild game dinner will be noticed and appreciated. The possibilities are endless, and sharing the romance of wild game can turn a Valentine’s Day meal into a memorable and delicious occasion.
WildCheff’s Venison Loin with Beer Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds venison backstrap or loin from bear, deer or moose, sliced 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick
- Olive oil
- Sea salt, garlic powder, pepper
Beer cheese sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup beer (Sam Adams Boston Lager recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
Making the steak medallions
1. Bring medallions to room temperature (15–20 min).
2. Coat steaks with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper.
3. Heat a cast iron pan (or grill) with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Swirl the butter until it melts into the olive oil.
4. Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare. Adjust time based on thickness.
Making the beer cheese sauce
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until golden.
2. Add the milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a light boil until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in beer, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder and Cajun seasoning. Return to medium heat and cook 2–3 minutes until bubbling.
4. Add cheese gradually, whisking until fully melted. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
To Serve:
- Plate the venison medallions and spoon the beer cheese sauce over the top.
- Pair with your favorite vegetables or a simple salad.