Gourmet Articles

Wild game meats have long been a part of restaurant menus, usually to showcase the talents of chefs who recognize the versatility of these meats. In the past few years, most wild game meats have become available to consumers. As a result, there's been an increased interest in how to choose and prepare various types of wild game meats.

Don't be concerned with trying wild game meats. The market for these meats is exploding, and for good reason. Wild game meats are lean, tasty, low in cholesterol, and easy to prepare. In fact, you'll spend less time cooking these meats because their lower fat content means less cooking time. For a perfect comparison, consider ground sirloin vs. ground beef.

Did you know that several dozen varieties of wild game meats are now available? You can try ostrich, caribou, and alligator. Or how about elk, antelope, and rattlesnake? There are literally dozens more to experience.

What Type Of Cuts Are Available?

Wild game meat is available in the exact same types of cuts as traditional meats. Almost all wild game meats can be purchased as burgers, steaks, and roasts. Quite often, wild game sausage is available, and is a lean, tasty delicacy. Some wild game meats are also available as ribs or racks.

Cooking And Other Preparation

There's really no special preparation necessary for any wild game meats. Just as you'd marinate chicken or pork, you'd similarly marinade lighter texture wild game meats like snapping turtle and rattlesnake. Most wild game meats are red meats, so if you wish to marinade these meats, use something similar to any red meat mixture.

As for actual cooking of wild game meats, the major factor is not overcooking. Red meats like buffalo, elk, ostrich and kangaroo are extremely lean. Therefore, just like any very lean meat, they are best prepared to medium rare, cooked through. Our personal observation is the main reason why people don't like wild game meats is because they're overcooked. These meats can be grilled, roasted, pan seared … the exact same manner you'd cook other red meats.

Regular red meat recipes can be readily substituted with wild game meats. Chili, stew, burgers, roasts, are some common cooking methods. There are great recipes for buffalo meatballs, rattlesnake chili, and alligator jambalaya. Or how about elk medallions, ostrich skewers, and turtle fricassee? Basically, any recipe for traditional meats is perfect for wild game meats. The biggest difference is … less fat, less cholesterol!