Onion and Basil Stir-Fried Venison Slices

Why people make this dish

Venison is lean, flavourful, and less commonly eaten than chicken or pork — which is a shame, because it has much to recommend it from a nutritional standpoint. In Chinese food therapy, venison is considered warm in nature and is traditionally associated with tonifying qi and blood, strengthening the kidneys, and benefiting those who tend to feel cold, fatigued, or physically depleted. Frozen New Zealand organic venison slices are widely available at Chinese or Asian grocers and specialty frozen-food suppliers. Paired with onion (warming, with natural compounds associated with circulation) and fragrant basil (also considered warming and aromatic), this stir-fry is a satisfying cold-weather dish. A note on technique: for the best texture, stir-fry the venison only to just-cooked — it benefits from a brief, high-heat pass rather than prolonged cooking, which can make it chewy.