Game meat: what it is, key types, and how to prepare them

One of the deepest roots of survivalism concepts lies in the consumption of game meat. And even though you may not need to hunt for your own food today — with sport hunting still occupying the space of the activity in question — the fact is that the striking characteristics of what is considered game meat can hold a prominent place in your barbecue arsenal.

Therefore, count on this exclusive Mundo CIMO material to learn everything about the best game meats, from their identification and main concepts to the best preparation tips to get the most out of each cut.

Happy reading!

What is game meat?

Game meat is classified as protein from legally purchased wild animals. That is, they are meats from wild animals that may live in a relatively controlled and monitored environment by humans, but that do not undergo the feeding and fattening processes promoted by agribusiness, for example.

As a result, game meat has different aspects from the proteins traditionally consumed in our diet. The muscular exertion and energy expenditure required to ensure survival away from the controlled environment usually result in leaner meats with firmer fibers.

How to choose game meat?

There are many concepts you need to consider when choosing the game meat that will grace your grill — with the first, of course, being the guarantee of good origin for exotic meats.

After this precaution aimed at preventing any type of contamination, it's time to identify the main possibilities offered by game meats, considering their unique aspects in texture, flavors, and aromas.

Mammal and wild bird meats

Let's start with the options closest to the meats we are used to consuming, highlighting the proteins of mammals and wild birds. Among options similar to our usual menu, we highlight the meats of:

• Bison: a leaner and firmer option than beef, but still very flavorful and rich in protein;

• Venison: another alternative similar to beef, but which also has less fat and a more elastic aspect;

• Rabbit: a classic of French cuisine and which, for many, resembles chicken meat when considering the fiber texture and milder flavors compared to other game meats;

• Wild boar: it is a parallel to pork that, despite being firmer than domestic pork, has a milder flavor and much less fat;

• Pheasant: the characteristic game bird follows the characteristics of low fat and slightly firmer fibers, but this time with a more pronounced flavor than traditional chicken breast.

Reptile and amphibian meats

In addition to game meats that are close to the animal proteins we usually consume, there is also a growing adherence to reptile and amphibian meats in Brazil. As strange as it may seem, the fact is that the consumption of these cuts is even common in other cuisines around the world.

The largest and most classic example is the use of frog meat. Light, delicate, and approaching the taste of fish, fried frog legs have long been part of the menu of many French restaurants as a tasty appetizer.

In parts of Central and North America, alligator meat is already consumed more frequently, while snake meat is part of Asian menus — especially in China and Vietnam. From texture to natural flavor notes, reptile meat approaches the references we have of poultry meat.

Preparations and tools needed to prepare game meat

With so many differences compared to traditionally worked proteins, it's only fair to also check out the best ways to treat and prepare game meats in the CIMO world:

1. Appropriate knives

Although some game meat options have more delicate aspects, it is more common to find resistance from the fibers or even the animal's hide.

Therefore, it is very important that you have the best kitchen knives on the market, capable of offering a safe and precise cut even with more resistant proteins. For this specific scenario, prefer cleavers and other more robust knives.

2. Marinades to tenderize and season

Another very interesting alternative, both for flavoring and tenderizing meats with firmer fibers, is to use marinades and complete meat seasonings.

In the process, you ensure that your favorite flavors and aromas penetrate the deepest layers of the game meat — working with fresh herbs, peppers, cumin, and similar — while the use of pineapple juice, lemon, or even vinegar acts with the potential to tenderize the meat due to their acids.

3. Attention to details during the barbecue

Considering primarily the already highlighted specific texture of game meat and the different fat contents compared to traditional cuts, it is important to take special care when grilling the meat in question.

The main objective is to serve meat cooked to perfection, with options similar to beef, such as venison and bison, which can be served rarer. This is because if the meat is overcooked, it can become even tougher and harder to enjoy than common cuts.

There is also special care with reptile meats, which require uniform and delicate cooking and need to be constantly turned to be cooked through and properly seared on the outside.

We, at Mundo CIMO, hope this post inspires you to explore exotic meats, using our guide to know how to select, prepare, and enjoy these unique flavors in this true culinary adventure.

You are invited to continue exploring new possibilities to enjoy the best of the world of meats by also checking out different types of barbecue around the world on our blog. See the most famous barbecue varieties worldwide and bring to your grill what best suits your preferences!