These Deer BBQ Sandwiches are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love. After a few hours in the oven, the deer meat comes out juicy and tender.
Deer Barbecue Sandwiches: A Crowd-Pleaser For Game Day
When it comes to creating meals that wow both your family and friends, few recipes deliver like these Deer BBQ Sandwiches with Pimento Cheese. Whether you're serving them at a football party or a laid-back weeknight dinner for you and the kids, this BBQ sandwich recipe combines tender, smoky venison with creamy, tangy toppings for a sandwich that’s unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of barbecue sandwiches, this is your next must-try dish. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to fit into any busy parent’s schedule.
Venison BBQ
Cooking wild game can sometimes feel intimidating, but this Venison BBQ recipe simplifies the process for busy parents like me. The slow-cooked deer shank becomes incredibly tender, soaking up a rich blend of spices and the BBQ sauce. The optional addition of pimento cheese adds creaminess and a touch of Southern flair - a tribute to my Southern roots! Meanwhile, pickled red onions and hamburger pickles create a perfectly balanced bite. And to be honest, my wife wouldn't be happy if I didn't supply a huge pile of hamburger pickles for her BBQ sandwich.
How to Make Deer BBQ Sandwiches
1. Prepare the Shank
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Season the deer shank generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shank and sear it for about five minutes, ensuring it’s golden brown on all sides.
2. Build the Flavors
Once the shank is browned, add the onion, carrots, celery, broth, and all the seasonings to the Dutch oven. Stir everything well, cover with a lid or foil, and place in the preheated oven. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 ½ to 4 hours. The long cooking time ensures the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
3. Shred the Meat
After removing the Dutch oven from the oven, take off the lid. Use tongs or forks to shred the meat from the shank bone. Discard the bone and any tendons or fat that aren’t appealing. This step transforms the venison into the perfect barbecue texture.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce
Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded meat and mix well. Simmer the mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. This step allows the sauce to meld with the meat, creating a flavorful base for your sandwiches.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
Cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half and pile on the BBQ venison. Top with a generous dollop of pimento cheese, pickled red onions, and hamburger pickles. The combination of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors will have your taste buds singing.
Tips For A Great BBQ Sandwich
- Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: The sauce you pick makes a big difference. Opt for a tangy, smoky variety that complements the venison.
- Make It Ahead: The meat mixture can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or football party.
- Customize Your Toppings: While pimento cheese and pickled red onions are a winning combo, feel free to add coleslaw or jalapeños for extra crunch or heat.
Why Deer BBQ Is Awesome!
If you’ve never tried making Deer BBQ sandwiches, this recipe is the perfect introduction. Venison is generally lean and can dry out easily. However, using deer shanks in a Dutch oven and cooked for hours until it's falling off the bone guarantees a juicy outcome. Plus, using a deer shank ensures you’re making the most of the animal, honoring every part. When paired with the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls and the creamy tang of pimento cheese, it’s a barbecue sandwich like no other.
More Wild Game Sandwich Recipes
If you are looking for more wild game sandwich ideas like Venison Sliders or a Rabbit Reuben, we've got plenty to choose from right here.
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The Best Deer BBQ Sandwiches with Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 whole elk or deer shank
- salt & black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 cups venison or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite)
- pimento cheese
- pickled red onions
- hamburger pickles
- 1 (12-oz.) pkg. Hawaiian sweet rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Season deer shanks with salt & pepper.
- Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven on stovetop burner over medium-high heat. Add shank and fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown all over.
- Add onion, carrot, celery, broth, and seasonings. Mix well, cover with lid or tightly with foil, and place in the oven at 350 degrees F, undisturbed, for 3 ½ to 4 hours.
- Take Dutch oven out, remove lid, and use tongs or forks to shred meat off of the shank bone. Discard the bone and any undesirable tendons or fat.
- Add BBQ sauce to the meat mixture and combine well. Simmer on stovetop over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Serve the Deer BBQ on buns topped with pimento cheese, pickled onions, and pickles.
