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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Deer Heart Recipe (Venison Heart)

    Published: Dec 9, 2022 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 9 Comments

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    This easy deer heart recipe is loaded with lean meat, onions, and seasoning. It's an easy meal made in just one pan, and it's absolutely delicious.

    A bowl of deer heart garnished with freshly herbs.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storage Directions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Delicious Dinner Recipes
    • Deer Heart Recipe (Venison Heart)

    If you're looking for a healthy recipe that packs a ton of flavor, then you've found it here.

    Deer heart, like other organ meat, is loaded with protein and a ton of B vitamins. It's also so delicious paired with onions.

    Serve it up with your favorite side dishes for steak such as air fryer parmesan potatoes or cheesy potato casserole.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • It's loaded with lean protein and tons of B vitamins.
    • It's not gamey at all. In fact, it tastes like steak!
    • An easy, fool-proof way to prepare this delicacy.

    Ingredients

    You'll only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe. All of them except for the heart can be found at your local grocery store.

    Individual deer heart recipe ingredients.
    • Deer heart: Ask your butcher, they likely can order it for you. There are also online sources such as Broken Arrow Ranch where you can buy them.
    • Seasoning salt: For added flavor over regular salt.
    • Onions: The combination of onions and deer meat is divine!
    • Butter: Used for flavor and moisture when cooking the heart meat.

    See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    Variations

    • All-purpose flour: Cornstarch, rice flour, or potato flour will work beautifully.
    • Deer heart: Beef, veal, or lamb heart will work instead and work well.
    • Onions: Shallots or scallions will add lots of flavor.
    • Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the heart mixture to imbue heat into the dish. I will also occasionally add a teaspoon of our homemade hot pepper sauce or you can use your favorite hot sauce.
    • More vegetables: Add celery or carrots with your onions. You can also add bell peppers, squash, snow peas or zucchini to the skillet to quickly cook once the onions are tender.
    • Add garlic: Right before serving add a little minced garlic if desired.

    Instructions

    Short introduction about this being easy to make, xyz number of steps, don't be overwhelmed by the steps etc.

    Venison heart cut into long pieces.

    To begin preparing the heart, cut it into quarters lengthwise. This will expose all of the internal arteries.

    Removing the arteries from the venison heart using a knife.

    Using a small, sharp knife, carefully trim the fat and thin membrane off the outside of the heart.

    Flip the heart over so you can see the inside. Carefully cut the membrane off to completely expose the muscle.

    A knife cutting the arteries and veins out.

    Carefully cut the arteries and veins out to completely expose just the muscle. Slice the muscle into ½-inch pieces.

    Dredging the pieces of deer heart in the flour mixture.

    In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and seasoning salt. Dredge the pieces of deer heart in the flour mixture.

    Onions and deer heart added to the skillet.

    Place coated pieces in a greased skillet over low-medum heat. Add onions and cook covered for 15 minutes or until meat is heated to an internal temperature of 145ºF. Be sure to stir often.

    Cooked deer heart and onions inside skillet.

    Serve immediately.

    Recipe Tips

    • Use a sharp knife when processing the heart to avoid removing excess amounts of meat.
    • Don't overcook the meat. If you cook it too long, it will get tough.
    • Stir frequently while cooking to avoid burning or overcooking your meat.
    • While venison heart is typically not gamey, you can ensure there is no iron taste by soaking the processed heart in cold water along with a teaspoon or two of salt for 8 hours.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our tasty Venison Burger.

    Bowlful of deer heart recipe.

    Storage Directions

    Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

    Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    Reheat: Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.

    Serving Suggestions

    This delicious recipe is a little like steak and onions. Some people may think it's more like liver and onions. It depends on your tastebuds.

    In either case, there is a variety of delicious sides that will pair well with this deer heart recipe.

    • Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese
    • Cheesy Sweet Corn Casserole
    • Supreme Mashed Potato Casserole
    • Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
    A forkful of venison heart recipe.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is deer heart healthy?

    Yes, it is. It's high in B vitamins and essential minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc.

    What does deer aka venison heart taste like?

    Most people say that it tastes like beef tenderloin. There is rarely a gamey flavor to dear heart.

    Where do you get deer heart?

    If you have a family member or friend who hunts, you can get it from them. You can also order hearts online or ask your local butcher.

    Bowlful of deer heart recipe.

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      Creamy Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
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    YouTube video

    If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

    Deer heart in a bowl garnished with freshly chopped herbs.

    Deer Heart Recipe (Venison Heart)

    Karin and Ken
    This deer heart recipe features flavorful venison heart coated in a seasoned flour blend and cooked with onions until tender.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 476 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • cutting board
    • Sharp knife
    • small bowl
    • whisk
    • large skillet
    • wooden spoon
    • Rubber spatula
    • Tongs

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 venison heart
    • ½ cup flour
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
    • 1 medium onion peeled and sliced
    • ½ cup butter or olive oil
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • To begin preparing the heart, cut it into quarters lengthwise. This will expose all of the internal arteries.
    • Using a small, sharp knife, carefully trim the fat and thin membrane off the outside of the heart.
    • Flip the heart over so you can see the inside. Carefully cut the arteries, veins and membrane off to completely expose the muscle.
    • Slice the muscle into ½-inch pieces.
    • In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and seasoning salt.
    • Coat each piece of heart in flour mixture and place them in a greased skillet over low-medum heat.
    • Add onions and cook covered for 15 minutes or until meat is heated to an internal temperature of 145ºF. Be sure to stir often. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use a sharp knife when processing the heart to avoid removing excess amounts of meat.
    • Don't overcook the meat. If you cook it too long, it will get tough.
    • Stir frequently while cooking to avoid burning or overcooking your meat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 82gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 562mgSodium: 2190mgPotassium: 1362mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 20mg
    Keyword deer heart recipe, venison heart recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published in December 2022. It's been updated with new images and content.

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    Comments

    1. Mitchell says

      November 28, 2023 at 12:47 am

      5 stars
      Here I go sharing what we added to make your terrific recipe a little different. It’s true. We too eat heart throughout hunting season and are excited to try different things to your recipe to switch it up. I don’t mean to offend you. We love your recipe we just don’t want to get sick of it. We’ve never made another heart recipe we’ve enjoyed this much and we’ve been hunting for years. Thank you truly for your recipe. Keeps up the great work. By the way we love your venison burgers too and make them all the time. 😊💕

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 28, 2023 at 1:03 am

        I’m never offended. I’m grateful honestly for the ideas. We’ve been making this recipe the same way for so long and it’s nice to hear your additions. We will be definitely trying them. I’m also happy to hear you like the venison burgers they’re a personal favorite too! You’ve made my day. All the best. Karin

    2. Cory says

      November 28, 2023 at 12:42 am

      5 stars
      The last comment inspired us. We added mushrooms, fresh garlic and a small can of sweet corn to switch things up and we’re so glad we did. What a nice change. We still love the original but during hunting season we eat a lot of heart and it’s been nice to switch it up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 28, 2023 at 12:59 am

        I’m so glad you were inspired to switch this recipe up. I’m grateful for you taking the time to let me know. We’ve made this recipe exactly the same for years. I can’t believe we haven’t experimented sooner ourselves. All the best. Karin

    3. Jamie says

      November 28, 2023 at 12:34 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. Served on its own or on rice it always tastes great. Thanks for sharing this. Added celery and carrots tonight and we thought to try that as well for a change. Definitely worth it. I think we’re going to try serving with pasta next. Thanks for all your hard work. 💕

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 28, 2023 at 12:54 am

        Wonderful additions! I’m going to try that myself. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

    4. Cal says

      November 28, 2023 at 12:29 am

      5 stars
      Made this recipe several times now and absolutely love it. So tasty and easy to prepare im sure we will be making this recipe for years to come. Thx for sharing my friend. You’re appreciated.

      Reply
    5. Billy says

      May 11, 2023 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      My sisters husband hunts sometimes and when they give me some venison I always don't know what to ask for. When I saw this recipe I thought why not. Usually I find deer can get dry. These were so good and juicy. Thanks now I don't have to just feed the deer to my dog.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 28, 2023 at 12:52 am

        Unlucky for your dog and lucky for you! 😉 I’m so glad you’re enjoying this recipe. We love it around here. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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