Ingredients
For the Venison:
1ยฝ pounds venison backstrap, silver skin removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
ยฝ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Blackberry-Chipotle Salsa:
2 cups fresh blackberries
2โ3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
ยฝ red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeรฑo, seeded and minced
โ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 2 limes
ยฝ teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
12 small corn tortillas
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
1 avocado, sliced
ยผ cup fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Clean and trim venison backstrap of all silver skin. Pat dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil with garlic, herbs, and spices. Rub mixture over meat and let rest 20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare salsa by gently mashing half the blackberries. Mix with remaining whole berries, chipotles, adobo sauce, onion, jalapeรฑo, cilantro, honey, lime juice, and salt.
3. Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add thin layer of high-heat oil. Sear backstrap 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135ยฐF internal temperature).
4. Transfer meat to cutting board and rest 5 minutes. Slice against grain into ยผ-inch pieces.
5. Warm tortillas over gas flame or in foil in 350ยฐF oven until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced venison, blackberry-chipotle salsa, queso fresco, avocado, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Donโt overcook the venison โ it should be medium-rare to medium for best texture and flavor.
The blackberry salsa can be made up to 2 hours ahead, but not longer to prevent mushy berries.
Always warm tortillas just before serving for the best texture.
Store components separately if there are leftovers.
For a lower-carb option, use butter lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 590
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: venison backstrap tacos, wild game tacos, blackberry chipotle salsa, deer meat tacos