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Looking for a hearty and flavorful start to your day? This Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage brings together the natural richness of venison with a perfect blend of spices, offering a protein-packed option that’s perfect for breakfast. With a delicious kick of heat, this recipe is an ideal choice for those who love bold flavors and appreciate the lean, gamey taste of venison.
Whether you prefer making sausage patties or stuffing casings for breakfast links, this Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. Serve it alongside eggs, toast, or even in a breakfast sandwich for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients for Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage
• 2 lbs ground venison
• 1/2 lb alternative fat source (e.g., ground beef fat or olive oil)
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat level)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
Directions for Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage
1. Prepare the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground venison and your alternative fat source, whether it’s beef fat, olive oil, or another option. Mix until both are evenly combined.
2. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle in the paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, dried sage, cayenne pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the spices into the meat, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate Water: Slowly pour in the cold water while stirring the meat mixture. This helps to bind the sausage and gives it a slight stickiness that makes it easier to shape into patties or stuff into casings.
4. Chill the Mixture: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sausage mixture for at least 1 hour. This allows the spices to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the sausage.
5. Shape the Sausage: After chilling, shape the mixture into patties using your hands, or if you prefer sausage links, stuff the mixture into casings.
6. Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. For patties, cook each one for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully browned and cooked through. If you’re cooking sausage links, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the sausage hot with your favorite breakfast sides, such as eggs, hash browns, or toast.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving (assuming 4 patties per pound of meat)
Servings: 4 servings
Tips for Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage
• Fat Alternatives: While traditional recipes use Beef fat, you can substitute it with beef fat or even healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil. This keeps the sausage juicy without compromising on flavor.
• Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. If you want a milder sausage, reduce the cayenne and use less crushed red pepper.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the sausage mixture ahead of time. Simply shape the patties, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer-safe bag for quick and easy breakfast options.
• Cooking Options: In addition to pan-frying, you can bake the patties or links in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Benefits of Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage
• Lean Protein: Venison is significantly leaner than beef, making it a great option for those looking to reduce fat intake while maintaining high protein levels.
• Rich in Nutrients: It’s packed with essential nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and zinc, all of which are important for energy and immune function.
• Low in Cholesterol: Venison has less cholesterol compared to traditional breakfast meats, making it a healthier alternative for heart health.
Conclusion
Zesty Spicy Venison Breakfast Sausage is the perfect way to start your morning with a flavorful, protein-rich dish. By using venison, you’re getting a lean, nutritious alternative to traditional breakfast sausages. The blend of spices adds a perfect kick of heat, but you can easily adjust it to your taste. Whether served with classic breakfast sides or stuffed into a breakfast sandwich, this sausage will become a favorite in your household.
Experiment with different fat sources and spice levels to make it your own, and enjoy the benefits of homemade sausage free of preservatives and additives. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can always have some on hand for a quick and satisfying breakfast!
FAQs
Can I use a different meat besides venison?
Yes! This recipe works well with other lean meats such as turkey or chicken. If you use a lean meat, make sure to add a fat source like beef fat or a healthy oil to maintain moisture and juiciness.
Can I make this sausage without the heat?
Absolutely. Simply omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for a milder, non-spicy sausage. You can also add herbs like rosemary or parsley for added flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have sausage casings?
No need to worry. You can simply form the sausage into patties or leave it as ground sausage to use in breakfast burritos, casseroles, or omelets.
How do I store leftover sausage?
Store cooked sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
