Savory Bear
Savory bear is a hearty dish featuring tender cubed bear meat marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, then cooked with mushrooms and flavored with Worcestershire for a rich taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pt. tarragon vinegar
- 2 peppercorns ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 stick cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 onions, quartered ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 c. minced celery ⓘ
- 2 lb. bear meat, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 1 c. minced shallots ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- flour ⓘ
- 1 pt. water ⓘ
- 1 stick butter
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire ⓘ
- 1 large can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the tarragon vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, cinnamon, onions, thyme, basil, rosemary, and minced celery in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the cubed bear meat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the marinade. If bear meat is unavailable, venison or beef can be used as alternatives. Keep an eye on the marinating time; longer marination will yield a more tender result. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning for a subtle smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory bear dish over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Date Kisses for dessert, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Fresh bread or a light salad can also complement the rich flavors of the bear meat.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Bear contains roughly 910 calories, with 37g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I can't find tarragon vinegar?
If tarragon vinegar isn't available, white wine vinegar mixed with a bit of dried tarragon can serve as a good substitute. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can work, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to taste as needed.
How do I know when the bear meat is done cooking?
Bear meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. If using a meat thermometer, check the thickest part of the meat. It should be tender and easily pull apart when fully cooked, typically taking 2-3 hours depending on the cooking method.
Can I freeze the marinated bear meat?
Yes, you can freeze marinated bear meat. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring all air is removed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).