VenisonSteaksWithShiitake

Venison Tenderloin Carencro with Shiitake Wine Sauce

Based on recipe from The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by Chef John D. Folse, CEC,AAC

Ingredients

  • 12 vension tenderloin steaks
  • 4 tablespoons local fresh chopped thyme
  • 4 tablespoons local fresh chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons local fresh chopped tarragon
  • 4 tablespoons local minced garlic
  • 2 cups Michigan dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/4 pound dried local shiitake mushrooms (reconstituted in hot water), sliced

Directions

In a bowl large enough for steaks, mix herbs, garlic and red wine. Place tenderloins in bowl, insuring that the mixture is well rubbed into the meat with your hands. Marinate for two hours at room temperature. Reserve marinade for sauce. Steaks must be cooked immediately after finishing marinating. Do not put them into the refrigerator. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Place as many steaks as well fit into the skillet without crowding. Cook to desired doneness (130 degrees for medium), turning once. Place on warm platter. Repeat until all steaks are cooked. Add mushrooms to skillet and saute until brown -- about ten minutes. Remove from skillet. Pour off all but a tablespoon of fat from skillet. Add tablespoon of flour. Whisk into fat until a light brown roux exists. Add reserved marinade and mushrooms. Bring mixture to a boil while continuing to whisk. When the sauce is as thick as you would like, take off heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Place a steak on each plate and cover with a couple tablespoons of sauce.