Venison Medallions, Coffee-Rubbed with Bourbon Coffee Sauce
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Wild-harvested Maui Nui venison medallions rubbed in smoky coffee and seared to a perfect medium-rare, then finished with a bold, bittersweet bourbon coffee sauce.
Pat venison dry and season lightly with salt. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.
Mix coffee, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Rub evenly over venison and let marinate on the rack uncovered for another 30 minutes to 72 hours.
Bring to room temp 1 hour before cooking.
Sear the Venison
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (370–400°F).
Sear medallions for 90 seconds per side. Rest for 3 minutes.
Return to skillet for a second sear: 90 seconds per side until internal temp reaches 125–130°F.
Remove and rest another 3 minutes.
Make the Bourbon Coffee Sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil if needed.
Sauté shallot and garlic until soft and golden.
Carefully deglaze with bourbon and reduce by half.
Stir in coffee, stock, brown sugar, and mustard. Simmer 5–6 minutes until reduced.
Off heat, whisk in cold butter to emulsify. Season to taste.
To Plate
Spoon sauce onto plate. Slice venison and fan on top.
Drizzle more sauce, finish with cracked pepper or herbs.
Storage: Keep the venison and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the venison briefly and gently to avoid overcooking it, and warm the sauce slowly on the stove.