Smoked Venison Steaks with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

• 2 pieces venison steaks
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 stick butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup smoking wood chips
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the smoking wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to ensure they smoke properly.

2. 2

   Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).

3. 3

   While the smoker is heating, prepare the venison steaks. Pat them dry with paper towels.

4. 4

   Rub the venison steaks with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

5. 5

   Once the smoker is ready, add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box.

6. 6

   Place the venison steaks on the smoker rack and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

7. 7

   While the steaks are smoking, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

8. 8

   Add minced garlic (from the 4 cloves) and fresh thyme to the melted butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

9. 9

   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon zest. Set aside.

10. 10

    Once the venison steaks are done smoking, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

11. 11

    Slice the venison steaks against the grain and serve topped with the garlic butter.