Elevate your venison steak to new heights with this delectable Venison Parmigiana recipe. If you’re looking for a delightful Italian twist to your venison, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests alike. The combination of tender venison, seasoned bread crumbs, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. This recipe was born out of a desire to find an alternative to the traditional pan-fried venison, and it turned out to be a resounding success for the cook from Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Phil Zipp. With a straightforward preparation and an hour of baking time, you can enjoy this scrumptious Venison Parmigiana that serves six hungry guests.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless venison steaks
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
PREPARATIONS:
- Pound the venison steaks to a ¼-inch thickness, then cut them into serving-size pieces.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and milk together. In another bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each venison piece in the egg mixture, then coat them thoroughly with the crumb mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the coated venison pieces on both sides.
- Transfer the browned venison pieces to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- In the same skillet with the drippings, sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in the hot water, tomato paste, pepper, salt, sugar, and dried marjoram. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the venison in the baking dish.
YIELD: 6 servings
BAKE TIME: 1 hour
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes or until the venison is tender.
- Uncover the dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the venison.
- Bake the dish for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
TIPS:
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the dish for a couple of minutes after melting the cheese.
- Serve this Venison Parmigiana with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences; you can add some Italian herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavors.
In conclusion, this Venison Parmigiana recipe offers a delightful Italian-inspired twist to your traditional venison steak. The combination of the tender and juicy venison, coated in seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, and smothered in zesty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Originally developed by Phil Zipp from Tomahawk, Wisconsin, this recipe has proven to be a big hit among family and guests alike. With a relatively short preparation time and an hour of baking, you can effortlessly serve up a delicious and hearty meal for up to six people.
The pounding of the venison steaks ensures even cooking and tenderness, while the addition of the seasoned bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese brings a delightful crunch and a burst of savory goodness. The tomato sauce, infused with the flavors of sautéed onions, marjoram, and other spices, provides a rich and tangy base that complements the venison beautifully.
The gooey layer of melted part-skim mozzarella cheese on top adds a comforting creaminess that ties the whole dish together. The result is an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Venison Parmigiana is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate your culinary repertoire. It’s a dish that celebrates the flavors of Italy while showcasing the natural goodness of venison, making it a perfect addition to your collection of hearty and flavorful recipes.
Incorporate this Venison Parmigiana into your next meal plan and indulge in the mouthwatering delight it offers. Let this Italian-inspired venison creation take center stage at your dinner table and watch as your guests savor each and every bite. Embrace the fusion of Italian flair with the rustic charm of venison, and experience a culinary journey like no other.
