| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 794 | 47g | 16g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 19g | 0g | 63g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Canadian Maple Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin
Presenting the Dish of the Day
The smoky sweetness of the Maple Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin fills the kitchen, the traditions of an old-style Canadian feast etched into every mouth-watering slice. This recipe is a testament to Canada, a country famed for its wilderness and the rich, hearty flavors that emerge from its kitchen tables.
Inspired by the recipes of Chef Michael Smith, a culinary icon in The Great White North, I’ve taken some creative liberties to make this dish my own.
But why the fixation on Canadian cuisine? Well, my connection with this delightful country happens to be Laura, my Canadian belle. Every once in a while, Laura craves home-style Canadian cooking, and it’s my mission to bring that to our dinner table.
The Harmony of Flavors
This recipe has it all: sweetness from the maple syrup, a dash of eastern zest from soy and ginger, a perfect caramelization from the beautifully wrapped bacon, and the star of the show being the venison tenderloin cooked to perfection. It’s no accident that this dish immensely reminds us of another fan-favorite: Bacon-wrapped Duck. However, swapping the duck with venison brings a unique complexity and rich flavor to the dish.
An Unforgettable Feast
The Maple Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin is a star on its own, but pairing it with side dishes like mashed potatoes or sauteed vegetables elevates the entire meal. These sides, in their simplicity, complement the dish instead of overwhelming it, making it a complete feast. Because isn’t that what food is all about? Bringing joy to those we love.
So, as you embark on the journey of preparing this dish, remember to put love into every slice, marinate, and wrap. I promise, the end result will be a culinary masterpiece that you and your family will adore.
What You’ll Need
- 2 venison tenderloins (approximately 3 lbs total)
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup of pure Canadian maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Method
Step One
Clean the venison tenderloins, making sure to remove any excess fat or silverskin. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step Two
Combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined to form the marinade.
Step Three
Place the tenderloins in a deep dish or ziplock bag and pour over the marinade. Ensure the meat is well-coated. Allow the venison to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of two hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
Step Four
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, warm the olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
Step Five
Remove the tenderloins from the marinade, reserving the leftover liquid for basting. Wrap each tenderloin snugly with the bacon slices, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
Step Six
Sear the bacon-wrapped tenderloins in the skillet for approximately three minutes per side or until the bacon starts to crisp.
Step Seven
Transfer the seared tenderloins to a roasting pan. Pour the remaining marinade over the top, and place in the preheated oven.
Step Eight
Roast the venison for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Make sure to baste the meat with the pan juices every few minutes.
Step Nine
Once cooked, remove the venison from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat, ensuring it is moist and flavorful.
Step Ten
Remove toothpicks, slice, and serve the Maple Bacon-Wrapped Venison Tenderloin warm, garnished with your choice of fresh herbs if you wish. Enjoy!
