Bear Meat

[tobster]

My nephew gave me some bear backstraps which I have in the freezer. This came from Ontario and he told me the hunting was very poor because the blueberries are so abundant this year that the bear can fill up on berries, sleep,fill up on berries, and on and on so have little interest in bait piles. That being said , I assume this meat might taste better than meat from a bear that has had a diet of carrion,etc. I know I could make chili, BBQ or the like, but it would seem this meat would deserve better. I have never eaten bear meat and would like to make the most of this. Any suggestions?

[BUGEYE]

my experience with bear was eating ham, bacon, ribs etc.
the meat will cure just like a pig.  for those backstraps, I would slice'em and fry like a porkchop.
with a coating of flour they will be tender and juicy.

[thejanitor]

You can tenderize it if you want by pounding it with the meat hammer, depending on the size of bear it was it may or may not need it. I would sear it in a greased hot pan with some (6-7) crushed rosemary leaves, flip it instantly to have both sides seared and then turn down the heat and let it simmer with just a little garlic powder, some coarse balck pepper and a very little amount of seasoned salt. once it is simmering add a few slices of onion and start a pot of either rice or make some good mashed potatoes..... when you remove the meat from the pan whip up some white gravy with the little drippings that are in the pan. I have a feeling you will like it. It will make it seem like a more worthy meal than just chili.  Although the chili is good too.
thejanitor