Wild Game Meats - How Do They Taste?
Jim Hofman
Wild game meats are becoming increasingly popular on dinner tables and restaurant menus, not only due to their lower fat and cholesterol content, but also because they are easy to cook. More and more people are trying such wild game meats like buffalo meat, ostrich meat, alligator meat, and even rattlesnake meat, which are all available via online specialty sources.
However, the big question most consumers have is - how do wild game meats taste? As developers of one of the top online websites about wild game meats, we've tried just about every type imaginable, in various recipes. While you won't hear us utter the phrase "it tastes just like chicken", we'll give you our own personal taste descriptions for 6 popular wild game meats.
First, buffalo (bison) meat. Bison is, of course, very similar to beef but without all the fat and calories. Buffalo meat is somewhat dense and benefits from slow, lower heat cooking. Buffalo steaks and buffalo burgers taste just like regular beef, but slightly sweeter. You'll definitely notice the leanness too.
Alligator: You'll see alligator meat at many restaurants in Florida, usually prepared as tenders or nuggets. Most of the alligator meat that's sold or prepared in restaurants is tail meat, which is white meat with a taste similar to veal. Alligator meat is most commonly sold as tenders, but alligator steaks are available as well. You'd cook an alligator steak in much the same way as you'd grill a chicken breast.
Elk meat is extremely low in fat and benefits from cooking at a low heat level. The taste is similar to venison, somewhat sweet and quite pleasant. Elk is available as burgers, steaks, and roasts. Elk is a dark meat, usually a deep amber color. We prepared an elk roast, cooking it just as we would a pork roast, to a medium rare.
Pheasant has always been a popular choice for gourmet diners. Now, pheasant has become more of a mainstream choice due to its pleasant, mild flavor. Pheasant meat is pinkish white, very low in fat, and easy to prepare. We found pheasant to taste much like cornish hen.
Ostrich is usually available as burgers, but other cuts are becoming increasingly available as well. Ostrich is extremely lean, leaner even than buffalo meat. An ostrich burger seemed to us like a very lean ground sirloin burger, albeit without the fat and cholesterol levels. Ostrich is best cooked to medium rare.
Lastly, rattlesnake meat. Rattlesnake is often found on southwestern menus as you might expect. In fact, rattlesnake chili is quite popular although rattlesnake can be prepared several ways. Rattlesnake is slightly chewy, similar to chicken breast and the same type of white meat.
We had quite a bit of fun tasting and experimenting with these wild game meats. These meats are now available and have been raised under state regulated conditions, intended for the end consumer. The health benefits of wild game meats are notable in comparison to traditional meats, and their versatility in recipes is a plus. We found all of these meats very enjoyable, and enjoyed their interesting and pleasing, savory taste.
http://www.squidoo.com/wildgamemeats) Wild Game Meats like buffalo meat, elk meat, alligator meat, and rattlesnake meat are increasing in popularity due to their pleasing taste and lower choleterol. Visit us for availability and http://www.squidoo.com/wildgamemeats) Wild Game Meats recipes!
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