Why You’ll Love This Carolina Style Barbecued Venison Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and tender meat, you’ll absolutely love this Carolina Style Barbecued Venison recipe.
The tangy, rich sauce perfectly complements the gamey goodness of the venison. I find that the slow cooking method really brings out the meat’s natural flavors while keeping it incredibly juicy.
It’s also a fantastic crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Plus, the combination of spices and the hint of smokiness from the grill creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients of Carolina Style Barbecued Venison
When it comes to making Carolina Style Barbecued Venison, the ingredients are pretty straightforward but oh-so-important for creating that mouthwatering dish we all crave. This recipe is all about balance—between the rich, gamey flavor of the venison and the tangy, spicy sauce that brings everything together.
Trust me, if you’ve been searching for the perfect dish to impress your friends or family, you’ve hit the jackpot. Plus, it’s a great excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy some outdoor cooking.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this incredible barbecue:
- 7 to 10 lbs venison shoulder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for the sauce)
Now, let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. The venison shoulder is the star of the show, so if you can get your hands on a fresh cut, that’s a win!
When it comes to the spices, don’t skip out on the red pepper flakes or hot sauce unless you like your barbecue on the milder side; they add that kick that makes your taste buds dance.
And the cider vinegar? It’s the secret weapon for that tangy flavor profile that Carolina barbecue is known for.
Oh, and if you happen to have any leftover sauce, it makes an excellent dip for fries or as a marinade for other meats. Just saying, there’s no such thing as too much barbecue sauce in my book!
How to Make Carolina Style Barbecued Venison
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making Carolina Style Barbecued Venison. First off, you’ll want to fire up that charcoal grill because this recipe is all about that rich, smoky flavor. If you’re using a gas grill, just remember to turn off the burners directly under the meat—nobody wants a scorched shoulder.
While your grill is heating up, grab that 7 to 10 lbs of venison shoulder and give it a good rub down with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper. It might feel a tad messy, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
Once your grill is ready, place the seasoned venison shoulder right on there, cover it, and let it cook on medium to low heat for about two hours. Now, here’s the fun part: every 20 minutes, baste that shoulder with 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil. It’ll keep everything juicy and flavorful.
Oh, and don’t forget to introduce some wet hickory chips to those flames every 30 minutes for that extra smokiness. The smell will have your neighbors peeking over the fence, wondering what’s cooking.
After two hours, it’s time to move the shoulder to a Dutch Oven. Cover it and bake it in a pre-heated oven at 225 degrees for three hours. Patience is key here, but trust me, the outcome is worth it.
When the time is up and that shoulder is slightly cooled, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Then, shred the meat from the bone—this part is oddly satisfying, like a culinary therapy session.
Toss the shredded meat with your fantastic homemade barbecue sauce, which you prepared earlier by boiling together 2 cups of cider vinegar, ½ cup of water, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, and some salt and pepper. The sauce is both tangy and spicy, a perfect match for that rich venison.
Serve it all up on cheap white buns, topped with coleslaw and a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling brave. There you have it—your Carolina Style Barbecued Venison is ready to wow everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
Carolina Style Barbecued Venison Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the art of making Carolina Style Barbecued Venison, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
You can use pork shoulder or chicken instead of venison for a different flavor profile. For the sauce, try swapping brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique sweetness. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños.
Experiment with wood chips, too—apple or cherry wood can provide a delightful twist. Don’t hesitate to play around with vinegar types; apple cider is great, but white or even malt vinegar can work wonders!
What to Serve with Carolina Style Barbecued Venison
To elevate your Carolina Style Barbecued Venison experience, consider pairing it with classic Southern sides that complement its rich flavors.
I love serving it alongside creamy coleslaw, which adds an invigorating crunch, and baked beans for a touch of sweetness.
Don’t forget cornbread—its soft texture absorbs all that delicious sauce beautifully!
For a bit of heat, pickled jalapeños can really make your meal pop.
If you’re hosting, consider an invigorating cucumber salad to balance the richness of the venison.
These sides create a mouthwatering spread that’ll impress everyone at the table and enhance your barbecue experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying Carolina Style Barbecued Venison with those delicious sides, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind for the best results.
First, don’t skip the basting; it keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a smokier taste, use more hickory chips, but be careful not to overdo it.
Also, let the venison rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute.
Finally, adjust seasonings to your taste; everyone’s palate is different. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to experiment with spices in the sauce.
Enjoy the process, and you’ll create a memorable meal!