Venison Tikka Masala (Venison Curry)

This rich and creamy Venison Tikka Masala is one of our new favorite venison curry recipes. Enjoy Indian dishes with deer right at home!

Venison Tikka Masala: An Indian-Inspired Comfort Food For Hunters

As deer and elk hunters, we're always looking for exciting new ways to use the venison in our freezers. Sure, venison chili or burgers are classics, but sometimes you want something bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor - something like Venison Tikka Masala. This Indian-inspired dish transforms a humble deer or elk shank into a rich, creamy curry that’s perfect for dinner.

If you’ve never cooked Indian food with venison before, this is your chance. The shank, often overlooked by many hunters, is ideal for braised dishes like this one. It’s full of connective tissue that breaks down into tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking in the Dutch oven. Plus, the spices in this dish - a blend of masala, turmeric, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar - complement deer meat beautifully.

What Is Tikka Masala?

Tikka masala is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. The term "tikka" refers to marinated, grilled pieces of meat, while "masala" means a blend of spices. Together, tikka masala describes a dish where spiced, cooked meat is served in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce.

The origins of tikka masala are widely debated, adding an element of intrigue to its story. Some believe it was created in India, inspired by traditional Mughlai cuisine. Others claim it originated in the United Kingdom, where chefs adapted Indian recipes to suit local tastes. One popular theory credits a Bangladeshi chef in Glasgow, Scotland, with inventing the dish during the 1970s. He allegedly created it to satisfy a customer who wanted more sauce with his chicken.

Regardless of its origins, tikka masala has become a global sensation. Its balanced flavors - spicy, tangy, and creamy - appeal to a wide range of palates. The dish's versatility also allows cooks to use different proteins, such as chicken, lamb, or even venison, as in this recipe.

Why Venison Tikka Masala?

When you think of Indian food with venison, you might wonder how the flavor of deer or elk pairs with the vibrant spices of curry. It’s a match made in culinary heaven! The aromatic blend of masala and turmeric balances the venison beautifully, while the cream and yogurt create a luscious sauce that ties everything together.

Indian food cookbook author Monisha Bharadwaj emphasizes the importance of layering spices for maximum flavor. Following her advice, this recipe introduces the masala seasoning in stages, ensuring a deep, nuanced flavor that highlights the venison without overpowering it. The technique of slow-braising also aligns with her guidance on coaxing the best textures and tastes from tougher cuts of meat like a deer or elk shank.

This venison curry recipe is also a great way to introduce your family to Indian cuisine if they’re not familiar with it. The flavors are warm and inviting, not overly spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone from spice lovers to cautious eaters.

Tested And Approved Indian Dishes With Deer

As you'll find with all of my recipes on this food blog, they've been tested and approved by my wife and our 9-year-old daughter. This is to help assure you that all of my Indian dishes with deer aren't too spicy to serve to your family at the dinner table. If our kid doesn't like it, the recipe doesn't get published, and we try it again until she does!

What Makes This Venison Indian Curry So Special

• Uses the whole shank: Many hunters struggle with how to use tougher cuts like shanks. Slow-braising them unlocks their potential.
• Minimal effort, maximum flavor: While the dish takes time, most of it is hands-off cooking in the oven.
• Family-friendly: Pair it with rice and naan bread, and watch it disappear from plates.

Venison Tikka Masala 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
• 4 Tablespoons masala seasoning
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

How To Make Venison Curry

1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Season the shank generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Shank: Heat olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shank and sear for about 5 minutes, turning until golden brown on all sides.

3. Braise the Shank: Add the onion, carrot, celery, broth, and 2 tablespoons of masala seasoning to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine. Cover with the lid or tightly with foil and transfer to the oven. Let it cook undisturbed for 2½ to 3 hours.

4. Shred the Meat: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and take off the lid. Use tongs or forks to shred the meat off the bone. Discard the bone and any tough tendons or fat.

5. Build the Sauce: Return the Dutch oven to the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of masala seasoning, turmeric, brown sugar, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Finish with Creaminess: Stir in the Greek yogurt and heavy whipping cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup of water to thin it out.

7. Serve: Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like.

Tips For A Great Venison Tikka Masala

Don’t skip the sear: Browning the shank adds depth to the final dish.

Use a good masala blend: A fresh, aromatic masala blend will elevate this dish.

Layer your spices: Adding spices at different stages of cooking builds complexity. Follow the recipe steps to achieve this.

Leftovers are better: Like most curries, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

More Indian Dishes With Deer

If you are a lover of Indian food like we are, check out our Venison Rogan Josh. Or if you are just looking for more great ways to cook with venison shanks, you can find all of my venison shank recipes here.

Come Deer Hunting in North Dakota

If you are headed our way for North Dakota deer season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your camp cook, photographer, or butcher, you can find out more details here.

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