Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender venison tenderloin marinated in a fragrant spiced red wine blend and grilled to smoky perfection. This mediterranean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes blends venison tenderloin, red wine, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup red wine, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 sprig chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp lemon zest; whisk to blend.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb venison tenderloin into a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove venison from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Grill the venison tenderloin for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning once to develop a nicely charred crust.
  5. Step 5: Transfer venison to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
  6. Step 6: Serve slices drizzled with reserved marinade reduced over medium heat for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Red Wine Marinade?

Mediterranean bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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