Lean and flavorful, venison eye of round gets a quick balsamic-rosemary marinade and a hot, fast cook for tender slices (keep it rare to medium-rare). A warm apple bacon jam brings smoky, tart, and lightly sweet balance.
1large firm fleshed apple,peeled, cored and 1/2-inch diced
1/2tspground fennel
1tbsplemon juice
1tspgrated lemon zest
1teaspoonmaple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Venison
Marinate the venison steaks. In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients together besides the steaks. Add the steaks to a freezer bag and pour the marinade over the venison. Marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
Make the Apple Bacon Chutney
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until browned and crisp (about 8 Minutes). Transfer the bacon onto a paper towel while reserving about two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan. Lower the heat to medium low and add the onion, fennel, garlic, apple, ground fennel and rosemary to the pan.
Cover and cook for about 6-8 minutes (or until soft) while stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat. Stir in the bacon, remaining ingredients and season to taste. Can be made two days ahead.
Grill the Venison
Remove the excess marinade from the steaks and let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Brush with oil, season with salt and pepper. Cook to an internal temperature between rare and medium-rare.