Pepper Crusted Venison Steak and Red Wine Jus

When your pan of water is boiling, add the potatoes and cook until you can easily slip a knife through, 12-15 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander, then return to the pan, off the heat.

While the potatoes cook, tip the cracked black pepper onto a plate, then lay the venison steaks into it.

Turn the steaks in the pepper until evenly coated, pressing down firmly to ensure it sticks. TIP: Brush off some pepper if needed - it has some heat! IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. 

Pop the asparagus onto a baking tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer.

When the oven is hot, roast on the middle shelf until tender, 10-12 mins.

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. TIP: Venison steaks naturally vary in shape, so adjust the following timings depending on how you like yours cooked.

Once hot, lay the venison into the pan and brown the meat for 1 min on each side.

Lower the heat to medium-high and cook for another 1 min on each side. TIP: Venison is best served rare but cook for 1 min more on each side for medium or 2 mins for well done. IMPORTANT: The venison is safe to eat when browned on the outside.

Once cooked, rest the steaks on a board loosely covered with foil.

Return the (now empty) frying pan to high heat (no need to clean).

Pour in the water for the jus (see pantry for amount) and bring to the boil on high heat.

Stir in the red wine jus paste, then reduce the heat to medium-high. TIP: If your red wine jus paste has hardened, pop it in a bowl of hot water for 1 min.

Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken, stirring regularly, 4-6 mins.