Description
This venison burger recipe offers a gourmet yet simple meal, featuring lean venison patties topped with a vibrant homemade cranberry onion jam. It’s a healthy and flavor-packed twist on a classic burger, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground venison, lean
- 4 brioche or hearty artisanal rolls
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp onion powder
- 4 slices sharp cheddar or provolone, optional
- Arugula or spinach
- 1 Tbsp oil
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a small saucepan, sauté 1 medium sliced red onion in 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer Jam: Combine 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 0.25 cup water, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, and 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar in the saucepan. Simmer gently until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes. Cool for best flavor.
- Mix Patties: Gently mix 1 lb ground venison with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.25 tsp onion powder. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough burgers.
- Form Patties: Form four 0.5-inch thick patties, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Cook Burgers: Grill or pan-fry patties on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side (internal temperature 135-140°F for medium-rare). Add cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast buns on the grill or in a separate pan until golden brown, 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread a generous layer of the prepared cranberry onion jam on both sides of each toasted bun.
- Layer Toppings: Place a cooked venison patty on the bottom bun. Top with fresh arugula or spinach.
Notes
Venison is very lean, so avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer (135-140°F for medium-rare). For keto/low-carb, serve on crisp lettuce wraps and omit sugar from the jam (or use erythritol). Store-bought cranberry sauce can be used as a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 490 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 17.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: venison burger, cranberry jam, healthy dinner, gourmet burger, easy recipe, weeknight meal, high-protein, lean meat