Gordon Ramsay Venison Pie Recipe – A Rich & Hearty Classic

Gordon Ramsay’s venison pie is a rich, deeply flavored dish that combines tender venison, a luscious red wine gravy, and a golden, flaky crust. This British-inspired game pie is perfect for a cozy winter meal or a special occasion, offering bold flavors and a luxurious texture. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a restaurant-quality venison pie in your own kitchen.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie?

Gordon Ramsay’s venison pie is a slow-cooked game pie featuring succulent venison, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a rich red wine sauce, all encased in a buttery, golden puff pastry crust. The slow braising ensures the meat is tender, while the pastry provides the perfect crispy contrast.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Sausage Casserole
• Gordon Ramsay Bangers and Mash
• Gordon Ramsay Pasta Carbonara
• Gordon Ramsay Roast Leg of Lamb

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• Rich and Hearty Flavor – Venison has a deep, gamey taste that pairs perfectly with red wine and herbs.
• Tender, Slow-Cooked Meat – The braising process makes the venison melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Golden, Crispy Pastry – A flaky puff pastry crust adds texture and richness.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – A luxurious dish that impresses guests.
• One-Pot Comfort Food – A complete, warming meal with bold flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• For the venison filling:
  • 2 lbs (900g) venison, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
  • 1 cup beef or venison stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• For the pastry:
  • 1 sheet of high-quality puff pastry
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

1. Sear the venison – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Brown the venison in batches, then remove and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables – In the same pan, add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until soft.
3. Build the flavor base – Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf, then cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
4. Deglaze with red wine – Pour in the red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes until reduced.
5. Add stock and simmer – Return the venison to the pan, add beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then cover and let simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender.
6. Thicken the sauce – Stir in flour and cook for another 5 minutes to reach the desired consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. Prepare the pastry – Roll out the puff pastry and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Assemble the pie – Spoon the venison filling into a baking dish, then cover with the pastry, sealing the edges.
9. Egg wash and bake – Brush the pastry with beaten egg yolk and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve hot – Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie?

• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes – A perfect side to soak up the rich sauce.
• Serve with roasted root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, or beets complement the flavors.
• Enjoy with a side of buttered peas – Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• Pair with crusty bread – Great for dipping into the sauce.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine – A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz enhances the dish.
• Serve with a fresh green salad – Lightens up the richness of the pie.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• Use high-quality venison – Look for fresh, grass-fed venison for the best flavor.
• Sear the meat properly – This enhances the depth of flavor.
• Let the filling cool slightly before adding pastry – Prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Brush the pastry with egg wash – Ensures a glossy, golden finish.
• Simmer the filling for at least 1.5 hours – This allows the venison to become fork-tender.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor – Thyme and bay leaf enhance the taste.
• Let the pie rest before serving – Allows the filling to set, making slicing easier.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• Spicy version with chili flakes – Adds a slight kick to the dish.
• Cheesy crust for extra richness – Sprinkle-grated cheddar on the puff pastry before baking.
• Mushroom-heavy for an earthy taste – Double the mushrooms for added depth.
• Game meat blend with wild boar or rabbit – Mix with other game meats for complexity.
• Guinness-infused for a deep flavor – Substitute half of the red wine with Guinness stout.
• Caramelized onions for sweetness – Stir in caramelized onions to balance the flavors.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for long-term storage – Freeze the fully baked pie for up to 2 months.
• Store filling separately – The filling can be refrigerated for 3-4 days before assembling the pie.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie

• Reheat in the oven for best results – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot.
• Use the stovetop for the filling – If reheating just the filling, warm it over low heat.
• Avoid microwaving the pastry – This can make it soggy; always reheat in the oven.

FAQs

How do you keep venison tender in a pie?

To keep venison tender in a pie, slow-cook it for at least 1.5 to 2 hours in a flavorful broth with red wine and stock. This breaks down the tough fibers and results in melt-in-your-mouth meat. Letting the meat rest in the sauce before baking also helps retain moisture.

Can I make venison pie ahead of time?

Yes, venison pie can be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling and baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months and bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What is the best pastry for venison pie?

The best pastry for venison pie is puff pastry, as it provides a crispy, golden crust that complements the rich filling. Shortcrust pastry can also be used for a sturdier, more traditional pie texture.

What can I use instead of red wine in venison pie?

If you prefer not to use red wine, substitute it with extra beef or venison stock, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These alternatives provide depth of flavor without alcohol.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s Venison Pie is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that highlights the bold flavors of game meat, slow-cooked in a luscious red wine sauce, and topped with golden puff pastry. Whether you’re making it for a cozy winter meal or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and bring gourmet flavors to your home kitchen!

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