Venison Ribs — A Venison Eater’s Venison
Learn how to prepare venison ribs using three different methods, plus our recommendations for the perfect pairings of drinks and sides.
Venison Ribs — A Venison Eater’s Venison
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Category
Dinner
Cuisine
American
Servings
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours
Calories
350
This recipe comes to us from Casey Bard, CEO of Tacticalories Seasoning Co. and longtime collaborator and friend of Montana Knife Company.
When it comes to hunting, my old man, affectionately nicknamed “Bump” by our family, is the real deal. He cares more about putting meat on the table than trophy racks, which I deeply respect.
Years ago, he introduced me to venison ribs, a delicacy many hunters overlook. Since then, we’ve been perfecting our cooking methods, and I’m excited to share them with you today.
Cooking Methods for Venison Ribs
Preparing venison ribs requires a bit of extra work, but it’s worth it. You’ll need a bone saw or loppers to cut through the ribs, getting as close to the spine as possible to remove both sides of the rib cage. Then, use your tools to break the venison ribs down into pieces that will fit on your smoker or grill.
Now that you’ve prepared your venison ribs, you can cook them any number of ways. My family and I are partial to these three methods:
Casey Bard, CEO of Tacticalories Seasoning Co.
Ingredients
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Venison Ribs
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Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
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Venison Ribs
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1 Cup Beef Broth
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Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
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Venison Ribs
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4-6 T Butter
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1 Cup Beef Broth
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Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
The Quick Smoke Method for Venison Ribs
The Low and Slow Crock-Pot Method for Venison Ribs
My Go-To Method for Venison Ribs
Directions
The Quick Smoke Method for Venison Ribs
Give your venison ribs a quick, low-temperature smoke. Set your smoker to 225° and let the ribs absorb that smoky goodness for about 30 minutes.
Next, slather those ribs with your favorite sauce and finish them on a sizzling hot grill. Keep a close eye on them — venison is lean and can dry out in a flash.
The Low and Slow Crock-Pot Method for Venison Ribs
Break down your venison ribs into smaller pieces so they fit in your Crock-Pot.
Add a cup of rich beef broth, set your Crock-Pot to low, and let those ribs simmer for a good 8–10 hours.
When they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, finish them on a hot grill with your go-to barbecue sauce for a little extra char and flavor.
My Go-To Method for Venison Ribs
Give your venison ribs a generous coating of Bruiser Blend Big Game Rub.
Add a cup of rich beef broth, set your Crock-Pot to low, and let those ribs simmer for a good 8–10 hours.
When they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, finish them on a hot grill with your go-to barbecue sauce for a little extra char and flavor.
Recipe Note
What to Pair With Venison Ribs
Drinks
Need to wash down your venison ribs? You’ve got a few solid options that’ll complement the meat’s rich, smoky flavor:
- Bold, Hoppy IPA: A good, bitter IPA cuts through the venison ribs’ richness and the barbecue sauce’s sweetness, making for a satisfying contrast.
- Robust, Spicy Zinfandel: If you’re more of a wine drinker, zinfandel is the way to go. This red wine’s bold, spicy flavors pair perfectly with the venison ribs’ gamey taste.
- Smooth, Oaky Bourbon: Bourbon and barbecue are a match made in heaven, and venison ribs are no exception.
No matter which drink you choose, the key is to find something that won’t overpower the venison ribs’ bold flavors.
Side Dishes
When it comes to side dishes, you want something that’ll balance out the venison ribs’ richness and round out your meal:
- Creamy Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw is the perfect counterpoint to the venison ribs’ smoky heat. Plus, it’s easy to whip up — just shred some cabbage and carrots and mix in a homemade or store-bought dressing.
- Smoked Baked Beans: If you’re already firing up the smoker for your venison ribs, why not throw on a pot of baked beans, too? Load ’em up with bacon, onions, and your favorite seasonings.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Throw some ears of corn on the grill alongside your venison ribs and let them get nice and charred. Brush them with butter, sprinkle on some salt and pepper (or get fancy with some chili lime seasoning), and watch them disappear.
These sides are all easy to prepare, and they’ll make your venison ribs feel like a real feast. They’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers, so you can focus on enjoying your meal and the great company that comes with it.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into the game, don’t leave venison ribs in the field. With a little patience and the right technique, you can turn venison ribs into a delicacy that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.
