Instant Pot Venison Shanks and Polenta
Tender venison shanks cooked in an Instant Pot with vegetables and red wine, served over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty wild game meal
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2-4 boneless deer shanks, (these are mule deer shanks)
- 1-2 tsp kosher salt
- 1-2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- pinch of salt, to taste
- polenta or mashed potatoes, for serving
- grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing
Instructions
- Season venison shanks generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on Saute mode. Sear shanks 15 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes and red wine. Secure lid. Pressure cook for 75 minutes, allowing natural steam release.
- Remove shanks; shred meat with a fork. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Serve shredded venison, vegetables, and sauce over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or wide egg noodles.
- Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- The shank is a tough cut with lots of sinew; pressure cooking breaks it down into tender, shreddable meat.
- Venison shanks are versatile—use shredded meat for tacos, enchiladas, pulled sandwiches, or Italian-style dishes.
- Keep seasonings simple to let the natural flavor of wild game shine, but feel free to add herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Polenta, mashed potatoes, or noodles all work beautifully as a base to soak up the rich sauce.