Koji Cured Venison

Axis deer is considered to be one of the best tasting game meats in the world.  

Axis Deer was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the mid 1800s, when Hong Kong gifted them to King Kamehameha V.  Wild populations have since exploded on Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, while Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu have successfully removed them.

The invasive axis deer endanger our ecosystems by eating our native plants and spreading other invasives.

For this course, Maui Nui Venison, which sources wild axis deer on Maui, is served similarly to a classic steak.  Bone-in venison loin is marinated in koji to increase its umami flavor profile, and is served with cream stewed lūʻau leaf instead of the classic creamed spinach.