Venison burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers Lean, low in fat, and packed with protein, venison makes for a satisfying meal However, it can be tricky to find sides that complement the unique, gamey flavor of venison. You want something hearty enough to stand up to the burgers, but not so heavy it overpowers them. That’s where this list of 12 side dish ideas comes in handy!
Fries
You can’t go wrong pairing venison burgers with crispy, golden fries The saltiness plays perfectly against the rich meatiness of the burgers Shoestring, waffle cut, sweet potato – take your pick! Just go easy on the dipping sauces, as you don’t want to mask that venison flavor.
Onion Rings
With their satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness onion rings make a great match for venison. The burst of flavor and texture from each bite is the perfect counterpoint. Beer-battered rings are ideal, as the yeastiness connects with the earthy qualities of the meat.
Salad
A fresh salad is a healthy way to lighten up this hearty meal. Go for lots of crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Top with a simple vinaigrette rather than a creamy dressing, as you don’t want to overwhelm the burger. Add some blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles for a little extra kick.
Baked Beans
No bbq is complete without a side of baked beans. Their touch of sweetness and smoky flavor complement venison perfectly. You can spice them up with chili powder, cayenne, garlic, or brown sugar. Just don’t go overboard, or you’ll overshadow the meat.
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw is a classic burger sidekick. The slight tang cuts through the unctuousness of the venison. Opt for coleslaw made without mayo, or with just a bit mixed in. Too much mayo will make the slaw too heavy for the lean burgers. Some grated apple adds nice tartness and crunch.
Corn on the Cob
In summer, sink your teeth into tender grilled corn alongside your venison burger. The natural sweetness balances the gaminess in a delicious way. Just rub the corn with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and grill until lightly charred. Sprinkle on some cotija cheese if you like.
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potato fries or wedges offer a fun spin on regular fries. The subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with venison, while the fiber helps fill you up. Just toss wedges or fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper and bake until browned and tender. You can also top baked whole sweet potatoes with fixings like bacon, cheese, or green onion.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Earthy, meaty mushrooms like portobello or cremini are made for venison burgers. Saute them in butter or olive oil with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. The umami-rich fungi connect with similar qualities in the meat. Grill the mushrooms for extra smoky flavor if cooking outside.
Veggie Skewers
If you’re firing up the grill for venison burgers, take advantage by threading colorful veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and onions onto skewers. Brush with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. The brightness of the veg balances the deep flavors of the burger.
Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, mac and cheese is a divine match for venison. The creamy, cheesy pasta soaks up the delicious juices from the burger. And the mild cheese doesn’t overpower the meat. Just be sure to avoid mac and cheese with an overly assertive cheese like cheddar.
Mashed Potatoes
You can’t really go wrong with a classic like mashed potatoes. The fluffy spuds soak up any delicious juices from the venison burger. Stick to mashed russets with butter, cream and salt and pepper. No need to get fancy and risk competing with that scrumptious meat flavor.
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery, garlicky – what’s not to love about garlic bread with your venison burger? The rich bread soaks up meaty juices perfectly. Brush slices of French or Italian bread with melted butter mixed with minced garlic before broiling until toasted. Sprinkle on some shredded parmesan too if desired.
There you have it – 12 hearty, delicious sides for your venison burgers. From crispy fries to cool, crunchy coleslaw, you’re sure to find the perfect match. What will you serve alongside your venison patty?
STEP BY STEP | MAKING THE BEST VENISON BURGER RECIPE
Step 1: Before beginning, place a stick of butter in the freezer.
The second step is to heat the grill to medium-high (450–500F) if you are cooking the burgers on one. If you are cooking on a stove, get a big pan (cast-iron is best) and put it on the right burner. You’re going to want to heat the pan for 3-5 minutes before cooking, so keep that in mind.
Step 3: Mix together the venison, balsamic, Worchestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork and my hands. You should “fluff” the meat with a fork so it’s not too packed down.
Step 4: Grate about 2 tablespoons of very cold butter into the meat mixture just before you shape the patties. I use an old-fashioned cheese grater for this. Mix again quickly just to distribute, but not so much that the butter melts.
Step 5: Form the meat into 4 evenly sized balls and then shape them into patties. Make a hole in the top of the burgers with your thumb to help the juices run off.
Step 6: Put the burgers on the grill or in a hot pan and cook each side for 5 to 8 minutes. I like to just flip the burgers once so they have a nice crust. If you’re using cheese, add your cheese when you flip your burger over.
Step 7: If you like your burgers more well done, you can pull them at 150F to 160F, even though I use an internal read thermometer and do it at 140F to 145F.
Step 8: Let your venison burger patties rest for 5-10 minutes (SERIOUSLY) before assembling and eating. Voila!
NOTE:
When I tell people to add butter to burger meat I sometimes get flack from the health police. To me, it makes a huge difference, but of course, it isn’t 100% necessary. If you’re wanting to not use the butter, just don’t use it. But, your butter won’t be as juicy and it’s only about 1/2 Tbsp. per serving. I always opt for very high quality, grass-fed butter, by the way.
Making perfect venison burgers isn’t hard. All you need to do is add a bit of fat and a few flavors to make this underrated meat shine on burger night.
Feel free to be as creative as you want with the toppings. You can go with the classic lettuce, tomato, and cheese, or try something new with caramelized onions and blue cheese. Now that you have the perfect venison burgers, serve them with your favorite sides, like my quinoa tabbouleh, crispy potatoes, or a fresh summer salad. So, get ready to embrace the fun of summer grilling with these tasty, juicy venison burgers!.
It’s not hard to make perfect venison burgers. It’s also a fun adventure that will add a new twist to your burger nights! Since venison is lean, you need to add some fat, like bacon or beef tallow, to keep your burgers juicy and flavorful. Fire up your grill and get ready to savor that smoky, mouthwatering goodness!.
Deer meat is often ground up and used to make venison burgers, but they often turn out dry, tough, and gamey. If this is often the case for you, you’re probably cooking deer burgers the same way you cook beef burgers. For a more exciting wild game burger night, try these easy tips. They will also help you use up that ground venison you have in the freezer. (For more venison cooking tips check out my free guide!).
That being said, we always make venison burgers when we have ground venison lying around. These are so flavorful and juicy that I like them even more than regular beef or turkey burgers. The best part is the lean, grass-fed, responsibly sourced protein.
How To Make The Best Deer Burgers: Venison Burgers Made The Right Way!
FAQ
What sides go with venison burgers?
What is best to mix with deer burger?