Grilled Bear Steaks with Herbs

Bear meat is a culinary rarity, with a flavor profile sitting somewhere between beef and venison—rich, dark, and slightly sweet. Because bears are omnivores, the meat can be fatty and fibrous, requiring careful preparation. A long marinade and slow, attentive cooking are essential to tenderize the fibers and mellow the gamey notes.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 680 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Wild Game

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Sharp boning or chef's knife
  • Sealable container or Ziploc bag for marinating
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Meat thermometer (Highly Recommended!)
  • Aluminum foil for resting

Instructions

1

Trim the meat thoroughly, removing silver skin and sinew, then pat completely dry.

Tip: Connective tissue shrinks under heat and toughens the steak, so trimming is vital.
2

Prepare the marinade: mix oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, coarsely chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

Tip: The acidity of the lemon helps break down tough muscle fibers, tenderizing the meat.
3

Coat the meat in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Tip: Game meat benefits from long marinating times to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
4

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then cool and cut into wedges.

Tip: Starting potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly from the center out.
5

Remove meat from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.

Tip: Cooking cold meat shocks the fibers, causing them to contract and toughen.
6

Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Check internal temperature: it MUST reach 160-165°F (71-74°C) for safety.

Tip: Do not serve bear meat rare due to parasite risks; it must be well-done.
7

While the meat grills, pan-fry the boiled potatoes in a little oil until golden brown.

Tip: Frying boiled potatoes caramelizes the starches for a delicious crust.
8

Remove meat from grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Tip: Resting allows juices that retreated to the center during cooking to redistribute.
9

Serve sliced meat with crispy potatoes and fresh salad.

Recipe FAQ

Is bear meat safe?
You must use tested meat (trichinella-free) if possible. Wild game can carry parasites, so it must NEVER be eaten rare. Always cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
What if it's tough?
Bear meat is naturally tougher. An acidic marinade (lemon, vinegar) and proper resting help, but don't expect the tenderness of veal.

Ingredients

  • 1.75 lbs Bear Meat (Steaks or Loin)
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 lb Potatoes
  • 7 oz Fresh Mixed Greens