Introduction
Caribou skewers glazed in a luscious wild berry reduction, reverse-seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The center grill grate sears at 1,000°F for a steakhouse-quality crust, while the surrounding griddle ensures even cooking. This recipe delivers an unparalleled balance of flavors, with smoky, juicy caribou complemented by sweet and tangy berries.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs caribou meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup mixed wild berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill
- Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood on top.
- Light the napkins and let the fire heat the grill for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the berry glaze
- On the hot Arteflame cooktop, add the wild berries.
- Mash them slightly with a spatula and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Let the glaze simmer until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Skewer and season the meat
- Thread the cubed caribou meat onto skewers.
- Season with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Step 4: Sear the caribou
- Place the skewers on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear at 1,000°F.
- Sear each side for about 1 minute to lock in juices.
Step 5: Finish cooking on the griddle
- Move the seared skewers to the surrounding griddle cooktop for even cooking.
- Brush the berry glaze over the skewers and cook, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F (for medium-rare).
- Remove the skewers from the grill when they are 15°F below the target temperature as they will continue to cook.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle extra berry glaze over them before enjoying.
Tips
- Use metal skewers to avoid burning wooden ones.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Control doneness by moving skewers closer or further from the fire on the flat cooktop.
Variations
-
Spicy Berry Glaze: Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper to the berry glaze for a spicy kick.
-
Herb-Infused Caribou: Mix finely chopped rosemary and thyme into the seasoning for added depth.
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Citrus Berry Twist: Add 1 tbsp orange zest to the glaze for a fruity contrast.
-
Maple Bourbon Glaze: Replace balsamic vinegar with 1 tbsp bourbon for a smokier caramelized flavor.
-
Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the skewers with melted garlic butter after grilling for extra richness.
Best Pairings
- Roasted root vegetables grilled on the Arteflame cooktop.
- Wild rice pilaf for an earthy complement.
- Full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Grilled asparagus with butter for a crisp contrast.
Conclusion
This grilled caribou skewer recipe showcases the power of the Arteflame grill to create tender and flavorful bites with a perfect sear. The wild berry glaze adds a rich, tangy-sweet dimension that enhances the natural flavors of the caribou meat.