Manitoba Venison Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

A plate of Manitoba venison tacos, filled with tender, slow-braised venison and topped with a crisp cabbage slaw

Welcome to this week’s edition of our our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, where we explore the culinary delights of Manitoba while promoting food security and digital literacy in the food sector. This week, we are thrilled to present a mouthwatering dish that celebrates the rich flavors of our local ingredients: Manitoba Venison Tacos. These delectable tacos are not only a feast for the eyes but also highlight the importance of sustainable practices and community support in our food systems.

Our chosen meal features tender, slow-braised venison seasoned with prairie spices, all nestled in warm corn tortillas. Topped with a vibrant cabbage slaw, enhanced by locally sourced carrots and a zesty lime vinaigrette, these tacos promise a burst of flavor with every bite. The rustic presentation on a wooden table adorned with fresh herbs and wildflowers invites you to gather around and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company. Join us as we delve into this delightful recipe and inspire your culinary creativity!

Recipe: Manitoba Venison Tacos with Prairie Slaw

Experience the rich essence of Manitoba with these savory venison tacos. Slow-braised to perfection, the venison is infused with prairie spices, creating a tender filling that pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing slaw. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, making this dish a perfect centerpiece for any casual gathering or family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb venison (shoulder or roast), cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh herbs and wildflowers, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.
2. Add the venison chunks to the pot and sear on all sides until browned. Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the meat, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Pour in the broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the venison is tender and easily shredded.
4. While the venison cooks, prepare the cabbage slaw by combining the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss to combine.
5. Once the venison is ready, shred it using two forks and mix it back into the pot with the cooking juices.
6. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet until soft. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of venison in each tortilla, topping with the vibrant slaw.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and wildflowers for a beautiful presentation.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of Manitoba with friends and family!

We hope you are inspired to recreate this dish and capture its beauty through your own lens! Share your culinary adventures with us and help promote food security through delicious, locally sourced meals.

Prompt Engineering: How You Can Make This Image:

Prompt: Capture a plate of Manitoba venison tacos, brimming with tender, slow-braised venison seasoned with prairie spices, nestled in warm, soft corn tortillas. Top with a vibrant, crisp cabbage slaw, enhanced by local carrots and a zesty lime vinaigrette. Use a 35mm lens at f/4, shooting from a slight overhead angle to accentuate the textures of the venison and slaw. The setting should be a rustic wooden table adorned with natural elements like fresh herbs and a hint of wildflowers, illuminated by soft, diffused natural light to create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the warmth of a casual gathering.

About Our 2025 Summer Program

Welcome to our Come Eat With Me Manitoba recipe series, where every week we whip up a brand-new recipe and image inspired by Manitoba’s amazing culinary scene. It’s not just about creating mouth-watering food images—it’s about exploring the world of sustainable agriculture, and discovering how digital tools are changing the way we think about food security and creative entrepreneurship. With AI tools as our creative sidekick, artists craft beautiful food visuals while learning the ins and outs of design, digital media, and food product development!

Each week, we’re not just building skills in creative problem-solving and technology—we’re pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and having fun with the process. So, join us each week to learn, create, and explore how technology and food can mix to shape a deliciously creative future!. This program was funded by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and we thank them for their support in making our activities possible.