The Flip Flop Method: The Best Way to Grill Venison
Learn the flip flop method, AKA, the best method for grilling venison leg according to Andy Moeckel, whose grandfather discovered the technique after WWII.
The Flip Flop Method: The Best Way to Grill Venison
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Category
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Servings
8
Prep Time
3 hours
Cook Time
30 minutes
Calories
2603
This recipe comes to us from Andy Moeckel, AKA “The Flip Flop Guy,” a longtime collaborator and friend of Montana Knife Company.
My family has been saving legs since 1948. That’s when my grandfather, the late, great Al Giddings, learned how to grill whole venison legs using “the flip flop method” — the definitive way to prepare venison. That method, along with my family’s special butcher’s knife, was passed down from my grandfather to my father, then to me.
For many hunting families in Northern California, mine included, communal flip flop method barbecues represent camaraderie around our outdoor passions. I want you and yours to experience that camaraderie, too — which is why I’m excited to share the flip flop method with you.
Author:Montana Knife Company
Ingredients
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15–20 lb. venison hind leg
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2 bottles of Private Reserve, our flagship sauce
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1 bottle of red wine (cabernet or zinfandel work nicely)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup to 1/2 bottle of rosemary-infused olive oil
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3–5 loaves of French bread
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Several sprigs of fresh rosemary (for basting brush)
Directions
The Flip Flop Method, Step by Step
Remove the top layer of meat and silver skin from the venison leg.
Mix two bottles of Private Reserve sauce, a bottle of red wine, and 1/4 cup to 1/2 bottle of rosemary-infused olive oil, depending on your preference. This is your flip flop sauce.
Using kitchen twine, tie some freshly cut or store-bought rosemary sprigs to the end of a wooden spoon to create a basting brush.
Slice the French bread diagonally to get long pieces. Butter the pieces.
Using the rosemary basting brush, baste one side of the venison leg with your flip flop sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the basted side of the venison leg on a very hot grill.
Baste the top side of the venison leg with your flip flop sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Flip the leg so the seared side faces up.
Cut 1/4-inch steaks off the now-exposed seared side. Serve on your sliced French bread.
Baste and season the venison leg, and flop it over again. Repeat until you finish the meat.
Recipe Note
Pairings and Extras: What to Serve With Grilled Venison
Drinks:
- Red wine: For a bold compliment to the venison, pour a glass of cabernet sauvignon or malbec.
- Brown ale or porter beer: Balance the meat with some malty, caramel-like notes.
- An old fashioned with bourbon: These sweet, oak-like flavors won’t overwhelm the venison.
Side Dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: I like to top my Brussels sprouts with bacon bits and a balsamic glaze.
- Smokey cheddar-chive mashed potatoes: Warm, hearty potatoes make a satisfying accompaniment, especially during cold months.
- Berry salad: Throw in some spinach and goat cheese, and top it off with a red wine vinaigrette.
The flip flop method takes time, but the outrageous layers of flavor it yields are worth it. My family (and my neighbors) can’t get enough of it, and after one bite, yours won’t, either. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
