Alice'S Hunter'S Special
A hearty deer tenderloin dish simmered in a flavorful tomato and onion gravy, perfect for wild game lovers seeking a savory, comforting meal with bold southwestern notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tenderize slices of deer tenderloin.
- Melt shortening in a frying pan.
- Dip pieces of tenderloin in seasoned flour.
- Brown the meat quickly on each side.
- Remove the meat and set aside.
- Drain off all shortening, leaving about 3 tablespoons.
- Saute onions in the remaining shortening until browned.
- Add mashed Ro-Tel tomatoes with juice to the pan.
- Pour in 1 cup water and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add a dash of hot sauce and enough catsup to color the gravy.
- Return the meat to the gravy or serve with it separately.
- Serve over wild rice or biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the deer tenderloin slices in a mix of garlic salt and black pepper for at least an hour before cooking. If you don’t have Ro-Tel tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes and a bit of diced green chili. Adjust the hot sauce according to your spice tolerance and consider adding a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alice's Hunter's Special over fluffy wild rice or warm biscuits for a hearty meal. It pairs well with a side of tangy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. For an additional touch, consider serving with a side of Vinegar Sweet Pickles for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the gravy and meat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. This method helps maintain the dish's moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alice'S Hunter'S Special contains roughly 89 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of deer tenderloin?
Yes, you can substitute deer tenderloin with other game meats like elk or bison. For a more accessible option, pork tenderloin or chicken breast can also work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require varying amounts of time to cook through.
Is it necessary to use shortening for browning the meat?
While shortening provides a rich flavor and high smoke point, you can use vegetable oil or butter as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different taste, so choose based on your preference. Just ensure your pan is hot enough to achieve a good sear on the meat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy and cook the meat ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy and meat together for optimal flavor. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).