Wild Boar Recipes

When preparing to cook wild boar, it is necessary to remember that the meat contains far less fat than the variety of pork available in the domestic market. The meat also has a tighter grain and darker color as compared to the domestic variety. Still you must try to trim away as much fat as possible before cooking the meat. It is also important to remember that if not prepared and cooked correctly, the meat will be relatively dry than store bought pork. Therefore, be extra cautious while smoking, grilling or baking whole portions like ribs, legs or any large portion.

One good technique for preparing wild boar meat is to first soak it in a specially prepared soak or tenderizer. Place the deboned meat in a big ice chest. And cover the meat with ice-cold water mixed with a cup of vinegar or 15 to 20 oz of lemon juice for two to three days till the meat turns white. If the meat starts darkening or turning blue, there is excess vinegar in the soak. Change with fresh water having less vinegar if required.

Now that you know how to prepare your game meat, you can proceed with cooking it.

Smoking whole hogs or quarters

Smoking is slow cooking and is one of the best ways to prepare wild hog. It is great when you have a family get together with friends also around to share and enjoy the meal.

Wrap the meat completely to prevent the vapor from escaping. The drips and vapor should all be locked in as well as possible. Then slow smoke (you can also bake) at 300 degrees rotating/turning from time to time so that the whole portion is cooked evenly on all sides.

The cooking time for different sized portions will vary a lot. Quarters may take 5 or 6 hours to cook, whereas a full hog may have to be cooked overnight. You have to keep watch for readying your meat the way you want to serve it. In case you prefer serving it in slices, you should continue to cook until the meat becomes very tender and is ready to fall off the bone. At that point, unwrap the meat and brown and baste to firm it up. When you want the meat to be tender and juicy let it remain covered and keep cooking until leaves the bone. Serve with your favorite seasoning like pepper, lemon, potatoes, onions or any other you may prefer.

Wild hog sausages

You can make excellent sausages from wild hog meat. Here is how!

Ingredients:-

Ground Wild Boar Meat – 2 Lbs

Water – 1 Cup

Tenderquick Salt- 2 Tbsp 

Cayenne Pepper – 1/2 Tbsp

Nutmeg- 1 Tsp

For Oven Baking- 1/2 Tsp Liquid Smoke 

Garlic Powder – 1/8 Tsp

Black Pepper- 1/2 Tsp 

Method:- Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Refrigerate the prepared mix for at least 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator and form into logs. Place logs in a baking dish and bake in pre-heated oven for an hour and a half at 300 degrees or till the internal temperature is 160 degrees; smoke the logs till internal temperature rises to 160 degrees.