No Risk Whiskey Bear Steaks

 

      Since we now have a freezer full of fresh Michigan Black Bear meat of course there will some recipes.  We looked forward to the challenge.  Our larder is filled with roasts, steaks, and burger, as well as one ham for smoking later.  For this first trial we chose a very nice steak recipe endorsed by the Wyoming Fish n Game website.  

2 good bear steaks

Marinade

½ cup soy sauce

¼ cup Worcestershire 

¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar 

2 shots whiskey

Kosmos SPG to taste 

Garlic powder

Paprika

Olive oil

2 Tbsp unsalted butter 

1 tsp minced garlic

      Marinade the steaks in sealed bag and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, as much as 24, turning occasionally.  This is crucial to curing the meat.  Remove from the fridge and bring to room temperature, around 30 mins.  Dry thoroughly with paper towels.  

      Season the steak generously with SPG, a few dashes of garlic powder and paprika.      You may cook these in a skillet or broil as long you achieve an internal temp of 165F.  B Before cooking drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil all over the steak.  Heat cast iron skillet on high until hot.  Add 2 tbsp olive oil and reduce heat to medium high once the oil is slightly smoking.

      Carefully add in the steak, one piece at a time and allow it to sear in the pan for about 2 minutes.  Turn the steak over and add in butter and garlic.  Let the steak cook while occasionally monitoring temp.  Meat is done at 165F.  This can be tricky as bear meat is sufficiently cooked at 165F for 3 minutes.  If you like your steak rare, it may not happen.

      Remove from pan and place the steak on a plate.  Cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.  Serve with your favorite side dishes.  Baked taters w/trimmings and any veg work well.  This time I served them with a mix of Brown/Wild Rice and Corn o' Cob.  We loved the steaks, finding the tenderness a little tough but easily solved by slicing thin.  The flavor is very good. 

"I would think it be fitting, I think, if all the last manmade tracks on earth would be found the huge footprints of the great bear."  

Earl Fleming

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