Ingredients:
- 4 venison steaks (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Better Buy BBQ Wood Chips (such as oak, cherry, or hickory), soaked in water for about 30 minutes
Instructions:
Prepare the Grill with Wood Chips:
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). If using a gas grill, create an indirect heat zone by turning off one side of the burners. On a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side.
Season the Venison:
Pat the venison steaks dry with paper towels. Brush each steak with a light coating of olive oil, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Prepare the Wood Chips:
Drain the soaked wood chips and wrap them in a double layer of aluminum foil, creating a packet. Poke a few holes in the top of the packet to allow the smoke to escape. Place this packet directly on the grill grates, preferably over the direct heat side of the grill.
Sear the Venison:
Place the seasoned venison steaks directly over the hot, direct heat zone of the grill. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
Move to Indirect Heat:
After searing, move the venison steaks to the indirect heat zone. On a gas grill, this means placing them on the side without direct heat. On a charcoal grill, this means moving them away from the coals.
Add Wood Chips for Smoke:
Open the grill lid and place the foil packet of soaked wood chips directly on the hot grill grates, as before. Close the lid to allow the smoke to infuse the venison.
Continue Grilling:
Continue grilling the venison over indirect heat for about 5-8 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 125°F/52°C for rare, 135°F/57°C for medium-rare, 145°F/63°C for medium, 155°F/68°C for medium-well, and 160°F/71°C for well-done.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the venison from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve immediately.
Grilling venison with Better Buy BBQ Wood Chips adds a unique and delightful smoky flavor to this lean and flavorful meat. Enjoy your wood-smoked grilled venison with your favorite side dishes for a memorable outdoor meal.