Imagine a dish that transforms humble venison chops into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired recipe combines the rich, wild flavor of perfectly seared venison with a comforting bed of tomato-infused rice, creating a meal that's both rustic and elegant. Whether you're a game meat enthusiast or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dinner, these venison chops are about to become your new favorite recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 venison chops
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove venison chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat venison chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear venison chops for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, creating a flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Remove chops from pan and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to rest.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Add rice to the liquid, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook rice for approximately 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Return venison chops to the pan during the last 5 minutes of rice cooking to reheat and meld flavors.
- Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the rice, top with venison chops, and spoon extra tomato sauce over the dish.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let venison chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Use paper towels to remove moisture from the chops, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcook: Venison is lean and can quickly become tough. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness for the most tender results.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the chops rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final dish.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A cast-iron skillet or similar pan helps create an even, consistent sear and develops rich flavor through caramelization.
- Flavor Boosting: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan while cooking for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Liquid Matters: Use high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall flavor of the rice and sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
