Wild Game Recipes - Bear Recipes |
Bear meat can be excellent when properly prepared, and when cooked, it is very much like pork. A young animal does not need to have its meat marinated, although this helps to tenderize the meat and to remove the gamey taste. Older meat should always be marinated. Be sure to remove the fat before preparation. Also cut out all sinews and other undesirable parts.
The flavor of bear can vary greatly, depending on the animal's diet and the amount of fat left with the meat. A bear that has eaten carrion will have objectionable flavors, while one that has fed on berries will taste completely different. Bear fat has a very strong flavor and will make the meat objectionable if not completely removed.
Care should be taken with bear meat to prevent the danger of trichinosis. Either be sure the meat is well cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. or that the meat has been stored at 10 degrees F. below 0 for at least 30 days.
Tenderness depends on the age of the bear. Young animals may be roasted; but don't overcook them. Older meat should be cooked with moist heat as in casseroles or stews. Marinating the meat may also help. Try using bear meat in your favorite recipe.
