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Pickled Deer Heart Recipe
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Pickled Deer Heart Recipe

If you’re looking to try something unique and flavorful, the Pickled Deer Heart Recipe might just be the perfect dish to add to your culinary adventures.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 day
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Deer Heart = 01 cleaned and trimmed
  • Apple Cider Vinegar = 02 cups or white vinegar if preferred
  • Water = 02 cups
  • Sugar = 1/4 cup adjust to taste
  • Salt = 01 tablespoon
  • Black Peppercorns = 01 teaspoon
  • Garlic = 02 cloves crushed
  • Leaves = 02 bay
  • Mustard Seeds = 01 teaspoon
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes = 01 teaspoon for heat (Optional
  • Whole Cloves = 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion = 01 small thinly sliced
  • Fresh Parsley = 1/4 cup for garnish (Optional)

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife (for cleaning and slicing the deer heart into pieces)
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Bowl (for mixing the brine and marinating the heart)
  • Glass Jar or Airtight Container (to store the pickled deer heart while it marinates)
  • Large Pot (for heating the vinegar and spices for the brine)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon (for stirring the brine)

Method
 

  1. Step by Step Instructions:
Step 01: Clean the Deer Heart
  1. Trim off fat and tissue.
Step 02: Rinse and Dry
  1. Wash the heart and pat dry.
Step 03: Slice the Heart
  1. Cut into 1/2 inch bite-sized pieces.
Step 04: Prepare the Brine
  1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a pot.
Step 05: Simmer the Brine
  1. Heat the mixture until sugar and salt dissolve.
Step 06: Add Spices
  1. Stir in peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and cloves.
Step 07: Simmer Brine
  1. Cook for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 08: Sterilize Jars
  1. Boil or run jars through the dishwasher.
Step 09: Pack the Heart
  1. Place the sliced heart into the sterilized jar.
Step 10: Add Extras
  1. Optional – add onions and parsley.
Step 11: Pour the Brine
  1. Cover the heart with the hot brine.
Step 12: Seal the Jar
  1. Tighten the lid and let the jar cool.
Step 13: Refrigerate
  1. Store the jar in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
Step 14: Serve
  1. After marinating, enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
Servings and Preparation Times
  1. Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (for cleaning, slicing, and making the brine)
  2. Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for simmering the brine)
  3. Marinating Time: At least 24 hours (up to 48 hours for the best flavor)
  4. Serves: 1/4 cup per person, depending on how you choose to serve it (usually as an appetizer or snack)

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Meat: For the best flavor, use fresh deer heart. Make sure the heart is cleaned properly before cooking.
  • Slice Thinly: Slice the heart into thin, bite-sized pieces to allow the brine to soak in thoroughly.
  • Balance the Brine: If the brine is too strong, it can overpower the meat. Experiment with the vinegar and sugar ratios to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
  • Let it Rest: After pickling, let the deer heart rest for at least 24 hours to let the flavors develop. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes.
  • Add Extras: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance the flavor, such as adding bay leaves, peppercorns, or chili flakes for a little heat.