Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri
Tender venison cubes marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty, spicy chimichurri sauce for a vibrant meal. This mediterranean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes venison loin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped fresh oregano
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound venison loin cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated venison cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the venison is cooked to medium-rare and has charred grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the skewers with any remaining chimichurri sauce spooned over or on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri?
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 Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri 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 Herb-Marinated Grilled Venison Skewers with Spicy Chimichurri?
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.