New to the world of game and wondering where to begin? Don't worry! Buying game can be an exciting culinary journey for beginners. Whether you're looking for something special for a special dinner or simply want to enhance your everyday meals, game offers unique flavors and textures that are far superior to the regular meat you're used to. In this guide, we'll give you helpful tips for choosing game and show you the best ways to prepare it.
1. Which types of game are suitable for beginners?
When choosing game for the first time, it's important to start with varieties that are similar in flavor and preparation to familiar meats. Here are some good choices for beginners:
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Venison steak : Venison steak has a rich flavor similar to beef, but with a deeper, more flavorful undertone. It's easy to prepare and beloved for its tenderness.
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Mallard : This bird has a slightly more intense flavor than chicken, but not too pronounced. Mallard can be baked or slow-cooked, and is ideal for those who love flavorful meat.
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Wild boar : This meat resembles pork, but is slightly firmer and has a more pronounced flavor. Wild boar is easy to prepare in stews, making it an accessible option for beginners.
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Ready-made : For those who aren't exactly kitchen gurus, ready-made game is also an option. Think, for example, of venison rendang, wild boar tikka masala, or the classic game stew. At Predetiër, you'll find a wide range of ready-made meals in their store and online.
2. What should you pay attention to when buying game?
As a beginner, it's important to know what to look for when buying game meat. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Quality over quantity : Game meat is often more expensive than standard meat, but the quality makes it absolutely worth it. When buying, pay attention to the provenance; sometimes something is sold as game that isn't! Game that has been treated well has a rich, full flavor and a beautiful texture. Game also doesn't contain additives like water. So, there's no such thing as a "flocked deer." This may sometimes seem more expensive, but you get much more for your money!
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Origin : Always choose game from a reliable source. At De Predetarian , we carefully select the finest game, paying particular attention to quality, ethics, and sustainability. Our game is always sourced in Europe, is truly wild, and contains no other factory farmed products such as eggs and dairy. This ensures you're not only buying delicious game meat, but also responsibly sourced meat.
3. Game meat tips for beginners
The way you prepare game can make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few simple tips for beginners:
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Let the meat rest at room temperature : Remove the meat from the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and retains its tenderness.
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Don't be afraid of a marinade : Game meat is naturally flavorful, but a good marinade can make it even juicier and more delicious. Try a marinade based on red wine, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme for a deeper flavor, but don't be afraid to try something Asian!
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Low temperatures and slow cooking : Many game species, such as wild boar and goose, are delicious when cooked slowly. This ensures the meat remains tender and the flavors develop well.
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Don't overcook it!: Because game is often leaner, it's best to be careful about overcooking. A venison steak, for example, is best served medium-rare.
4. Which game should you choose for your dish?
Now that you know which game is suitable for beginners, it's time to decide which game meat to try. Consider the following options for specific dishes:
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For a quick and easy dinner : Choose venison steak or a ready-made game burger, for example. These products are quick to prepare and require little additional seasoning.
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For a festive meal : Venison or wild boar are perfect for a more elaborate dinner. They lend themselves well to grilling, stewing, or casseroles, making them ideal for a dinner with friends or family.
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For the BBQ fan : Wild boar is perfect for the grill. Try wild boar burgers or a nice piece of back or hind leg to take your BBQ adventures to the next level.
5. Conclusion
Buying game doesn't have to be complicated for beginners. With the right choices and preparation methods, even a novice cook can create a fantastic game dish. Start with accessible species like venison, wild duck, or pheasant and experiment with different preparation techniques and flavors.
At De Predetariër, we're happy to help you begin your culinary journey with game. Visit our store at Gerard Doustraat 180 in Amsterdam or order easily online. We deliver throughout the Netherlands! Whether you choose a tender venison steak or a hearty piece of wild boar, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Order today and join the hunt for biodiversity.
