Backstrap is the equivalent of a beef tenderloin—lean and very tender if cooked properly (i.e., not overcooked). I prefer mine medium-rare, but if you don’t have access to backstrap, feel free to substitute pork tenderloins. Recommend hickory or oak pellets.
2 -3 lbsvenison tenderloins or 2 -3 lbs pork tenderloin
1/4cupdry red wine
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoonssoy sauce
1 1/2tablespoonsred wine vinegar or 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoonchopped fresh rosemary, plus
extra rosemary sprig, for garnish
1 teaspoonfresh coarse ground black pepper, plus more for grilling
1/2cupgood-quality olive oil or 1/2 cup vegetable oil
coarse salt
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Instructions
Trim any silverskin off the tenderloins and transfer to a sturdy resealable plastic bag.
Make the marinade: Combine the red wine, garlic, and soy sauce in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in the chopped rosemary and the pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil; whisk until the mixture is emulsified. Pour the marinade over the meat and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.
When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 450 degrees F (or High) and preheat, lid closed, for 15 minutes.
Remove the tenderloins from the marinade (discard the marinade) and pat dry. Knock off any pieces of garlic or rosemary. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and less generously with coarse salt.
Arrange the tenderloins at a diagonal to the grill grate and sear, turning with tongs as needed, until well-browned on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Continue to cook until the tenderloins reach your desired degree of doneness, 15 to 20 minutes total for medium-rare (135 degrees F on a meat thermometer). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing on a diagonal. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.