BEAR STEWING STEAK
Because bear meat has a higher fat content than other game, it’s ideal for slow cooking. The stewing steak can come from the shoulder or outer thigh, for example. Recipes for large game also work for bear, it’s just that bear feels a bit more exciting.
Keep in mind
You can’t always find bear to buy. Availability depends on carefully controlled hunting – and on who you happen to know in the areas where bear is hunted at all.
Don’t worry too much when cleaning the meat. Remove anything you don’t want but keep the fat and tissue as it will give your stew a good flavor and texture.
How to cook bear stew
The meat needs to take its time to become tender so slow cooking is ideal. But game needs less time than other meat, especially if you have salted it in advance. Your stew should never boil, just simmer, and maintain a temperature of 85°C.
Don’t cut the meat into too small pieces as it will shrink as it cooks. Cubes about 3 x 3 x 3 centimeters are a good size.
The basics when slow cooking game:
- Slice the meat into fairly large pieces (they will shrink as they cook).
- Salt the meat at least an hour in advance – for flavor and more tender meat.
- Brown the pieces of meat in oil and butter.
- Cook according to the recipe. Remember that your vegetables need less time to cook.
You’ll find more ideas for cooking game under cooking game.
The classic
Full-bodied bear stew with bacon.
