Fire up your grill and tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible Grilled Venison Bites, affectionately known as Cajun Deer Balls. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or game-day celebrations, this recipe combines tender, marinated venison steak with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, smoky bacon, and a touch of brown sugar for subtle sweetness. Wrapped in crispy bacon and seared to perfection, these bite-sized delights offer a smoky, spicy kick with a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Cajun marinade infused with garlic, paprika, and a splash of hot sauce elevates the venison, making each bite bursting with delicious flavor. Quick to prep and grill, these savory appetizers are garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve beautifully alongside cold drinks and dipping sauces. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or looking to explore venison recipes, these bacon-wrapped wonders make for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Cut the venison steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the venison pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Soak the toothpicks in water for approximately 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
Wrap each marinated venison cube with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Place the bacon-wrapped venison bites on the preheated grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps evenly and the venison is cooked through but still tender.
Remove the grilled venison bites from the grill and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Calories |
1463 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.8 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.0 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 449 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 9959 mg | 433% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.1 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 169.6 g | 339% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 2380 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.