Do you have a taste for game meat? We do too! In this article, we are going to explore the taste of Caribou so you know if this meat is suitable for you. We will also look at eating Caribou tongue, brain, and whether or not you can eat raw Caribou. Let’s get started!
What does caribou taste like? Caribou tastes similar to venison but with a much milder flavor. Caribou is only slightly gamey with hints of earthy flavors and tastes similar to low-fat beef but not as juicy or succulent.
If you aren’t into strong gamey flavors but still want to eat wild animals, then caribou is a great option. This great meat will remind you of smoother, less intense venison. Caribou is also low in fat and rich in protein, making it a healthier option than standard store-bought beef.
What Is Caribou?
Caribou, also known as a reindeer, is a type of deer which is found in North America, Scandinavia, and Russia. Caribou cows are 162–205 cm (64–81 in) in length and weigh 80–120 kg (180–260 lb). Their diet mainly consists of lichens.
What Does Caribou Meat Taste Like?
Caribou tastes like a combination of low-fat beef and venison. Caribou has a gamey beef flavor with some unique earthy notes. The meat tends to be smooth and overall mild. When cooked well, it is tender and delicate.
Caribou is one of the least intense game meats. It only has a slight amount of gamey flavor. If you didn’t know, you could mistake caribou for grass-fed beef. However, it still has a unique flavor that will remind you of venison, caribou is, after all, a type of deer.
The mild gamey flavor of caribou may be explained by the animal’s unusual diet. Caribou eat mostly lichens. Lichens are a combination of fungi and cyanobacteria or algae. Due to Caribou’s eating such an inoffensive diet, it is no wonder their meat is so smooth and not nearly as earthy as venison.
What Does Caribou Tongue Taste Like?
Caribou tongue tastes like pork tenderloin! Caribou tongue has more flavor than meat and tastes amazing in stews. The secret is to boil it for a few hours, then peel, slice it, and slow cook it with seasoning and sauce.
Caribou tongue is a delicacy among the Inuit. It is loaded with flavor, just remember you have to cook it a long time to make it nice and soft. You can eat caribou tongue by itself with salt and pepper or add it to a stew or combine it with your favorite veggies.
It may take you a little while to get over the fact that you are eating tongue but trust us, it is worth it! There is a reason the Inuit will never let a caribou tongue go to waste. Caribou is very versatile and is a great addition to veggies, pasta, and rice, or it can be eaten just by itself with some simple seasoning.
What Does Caribou Brain Taste Like?
Caribou brain is very creamy and rich. It tastes like a savory custard and has a similar texture to firm tofu. It does not have a strong flavor and is absent of any gamey taste. It has a subtle beef flavor with a smooth umami taste.
Caribou brain tastes very different from caribou meat. Caribou brain is very creamy and will remind you of dairy. It does not have an intense gamey, or iron flavor like organ meat. Instead, it is like eating creamy tofu with hints of beef flavor.
Caribou brain is definitely an exotic dish and not for the faint of heart. We recommend trying caribou meat and tongue before you progress to this uncommon meal. A great way to eat caribou brain is to grill it and combine it with chili oil, soybeans, garlic, and freshly chopped green onions.
Can You Eat Raw Caribou?
You can eat raw caribou, but you probably don’t want to. Indigenous people from Siberia, Scandinavia, and Canada have eaten raw caribou for thousands of years. Raw caribou is chewy and potentially dangerous due to parasites.
You should never eat raw game meat like caribou because there is a high risk of parasites. Caribou should be cleaned and cooked extremely thoroughly to prevent the risk of disease. Also, raw caribou is not good for eating as it is extremely chewy and lacks flavor. Eating raw caribou is like chewing on a piece of rubber.
Is Caribou Good to Eat?
Caribou is good to eat! It is the perfect combination of tasty and healthy. Caribou is loaded with protein, iron, and vitamin B while being low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. The only problem is finding a place to buy some!
We have never met someone who doesn’t rave about the taste of caribou. This meat is like gamey beef but still smooth and tender. It has a slightly earthy flavor, but it is not overpowering at all! Here are some of the best ways to eat caribou:
- Burgers
- Stews and soups
- Jerky
- Steaks
- Marinated
With so many different options, you can easily add caribou to your favorite meal!
Is Caribou Healthy?
Caribou is very healthy as it is low in fat, high in protein, and other vitamin minerals. Caribou is much healthier than beef. A 4-ounce serving of caribou contains 144 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 3.8 grams of fat.
Caribou is very high in iron. A 4-ounce serving contains 29% of your daily iron requirement. It is also loaded with potassium. A single serving contains 7% of your daily potassium requirement.
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to beef, then caribou is an amazing option. Beef typically has twice the amount of fat and calories compared to caribou. Caribou has similar macronutrients to chicken, but it is much richer in potassium, iron, and vitamin B.
How Much Does Caribou Meat Cost?
It is extremely hard to purchase caribou meat in the US. This is because there are very few caribou farms, and they don’t typically sell directly to consumers. Most people who eat caribou are hunters or have friends who are hunters.
If you want to buy caribou then expect to pay up to $100 per pound. Right now, you can purchase caribou from Exotic Meat Markets. This price is obviously crazy. You are better off contacting local hunters and seeing if they will sell their next kill to you or going on your own expedition.
Final Thoughts
Caribou is straight-up yummy! It tastes like a mix between beef and venison. Caribou is smooth, tender, mild, and only has a slightly gamey taste. It tastes like grass-fed beef with some hints of gamey and earthy flavors. Caribou is super healthy, and we can’t get enough of slow-cooked caribou ragù with pasta!