Description
Tender Traeger Grilled Venison Backstrap with a vibrant Chimichurri Rub — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly smoky. An easy, gourmet wild game dish perfect for grilling enthusiasts.
Ingredients
For the Venison Backstrap:
1 to 2 lbs venison backstrap (trimmed and cleaned)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for brushing)
For the Chimichurri Rub:
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of one lemon
Instructions
1. Trim venison backstrap, removing silver skin. Pat dry and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix to form chimichurri rub.
3. Preheat Traeger grill to 450°F. Use hickory, oak, or mesquite pellets for a smoky flavor.
4. Brush venison with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Apply chimichurri rub on both sides.
5. Place venison on grill grates. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
6. Lower grill to 350°F. Cook venison for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 130°F (medium-rare).
7. Remove venison from grill. Tent with foil and rest 5-10 minutes.
8. Slice venison thinly against the grain. Drizzle with extra chimichurri and serve.
Notes
Don’t overcook venison — it’s best served medium-rare (130°F).
Rest meat after grilling to retain juices.
Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor in chimichurri.
A small chunk of hickory wood adds extra smokiness.
Pairs well with roasted veggies, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Smoking
- Cuisine: American, Game Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (6 oz venison with chimichurri)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: grilled venison backstrap, venison chimichurri, Traeger venison recipe, wild game grilling, venison recipes