Norwegian Winter Grilled Reindeer Steaks with Juniper Butter

Introduction

There is something uniquely primal and deeply satisfying about grilling game meat in the crisp, cold air of winter. Reindeer, a culinary cornerstone of the indigenous Sámi people and a delicacy across Norway, offers a flavor profile that is distinct from traditional beef—it is leaner, slightly sweeter, and possesses a tender, metallic richness that speaks of the wild Arctic tundra. While often reserved for stews, high-quality reindeer steaks are best prepared quickly over intense heat to preserve their delicate texture. Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe allows you to achieve that critical, steakhouse-quality sear on the center grate while gently basting the meat in aromatic butter on the solid steel cooktop. This dish is not just a meal; it is an embrace of kos—the Norwegian concept of cozy contentment—bringing the rustic elegance of the Nordic wilderness straight to your fire.

Ingredients

The Meat & Marinade

• 4 Reindeer steaks (fillet or loin), approx 6-8 oz each
• 2 tbsp Fresh juniper berries, crushed (dried works if fresh unavailable)
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves, stripped from the stem
• 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper

For The Grill

• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, high quality
• 2 cloves Garlic, smashed
• Coarse sea salt (Maldon preferred) for finishing

Serving Accompaniments

• 1/2 cup Lingonberry jam (wild cranberry sauce is a suitable substitute)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Venison

1. Pat the reindeer steaks dry with paper towels. Game meat must be dry to sear properly.
2. In a mortar and pestle, crush the juniper berries with the fresh thyme and black pepper to release their oils.
3. Mix the spices with the olive oil to create a rub.
4. Coat the steaks generously with the mixture. Let them rest at room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes before grilling. Note: Never grill cold reindeer meat; it shocks the fibers and makes them tough.

Step 2: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood (birch or oak pairs well with game).
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes. You want the center grill grate to be extremely hot for searing (600°F+) and the flat steel cooktop to be medium-hot (around 400°F).
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick cooking area.

Step 3: The Sear and Baste

1. Place the reindeer steaks directly on the center grill grate. Sear for exactly 1 minute per side to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.
2. Move the steaks onto the flat steel cooktop.
3. Place a knob of butter and the smashed garlic near the steaks on the cooktop. As the butter melts and foams, toss in a sprig of rosemary.
4. Baste the steaks with the garlic-juniper butter while they finish cooking.
5. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Do not overcook.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the steaks from the grill immediately once they hit temperature.
2. Let the meat rest on a warm board for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the lean muscle.
3. Slice against the grain, sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt, and serve with a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side.

Tips

Working with reindeer meat requires a shift in mindset if you are used to cooking highly marbled beef ribeyes. Reindeer is incredibly lean, with almost no intramuscular fat. This means the margin for error is slim; cooking it past medium-rare will almost certainly result in a dry, livery texture that does a disservice to the animal. The most critical tip for this recipe is to monitor the internal temperature religiously. Pull the meat off the grill a few degrees before your target temperature, as the residual heat will carry it over the finish line. Additionally, because the meat is so mild yet distinct, avoid overpowering marinades. The juniper berries are traditional for a reason—they cut through the slight gaminess without masking the natural, earthy sweetness of the meat. Always slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every bite.

Variations

While the classic Norwegian preparation focuses on juniper and thyme, there are several ways to adapt this recipe to suit your palate or local ingredient availability. If you cannot source reindeer, this exact method works beautifully for venison, elk, or even lean bison steaks, though cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the cut. For a more indulgent twist, you can create a creamy game sauce (viltteus) by deglazing the flat cooktop with a splash of game stock and heavy cream right after removing the steaks. Another popular variation involves wrapping the edges of the steak in thin bacon before grilling; this adds a layer of fat that bastes the meat as it cooks and introduces a smoky element that pairs well with the open fire. Finally, try substituting the thyme with crushed rosemary and orange zest for a festive holiday flavor profile.

Best pairings

To truly honor this Nordic dish, the sides and drinks should reflect the earthy, wintery theme of the main course. Reindeer steaks pair exceptionally well with root vegetables that can stand up to the strong flavor of the game. Try roasting Hasselback potatoes or parsnips directly on the flat top of your Arteflame while the meat cooks; the caramelized sugars in the vegetables complement the savory meat perfectly. For a vegetable side, sautéed Brussels sprouts with chestnuts or a simple cucumber salad with vinegar offer a nice textural contrast. In terms of beverages, a full-bodied red wine with good acidity, such as a Northern Rhône Syrah or an Italian Barbera, cuts through the richness. Alternatively, for a truly authentic experience, serve this with a dark, malty bock beer and a small glass of aquavit to sip slowly alongside the meal.

Conclusion

Grilling reindeer steaks on the Arteflame is more than just preparing dinner; it is a culinary transport to the snowy fjords and forests of Norway. The combination of the searing open flame and the consistent heat of the plancha creates the perfect environment for cooking such lean, delicate game meat. By respecting the ingredients and keeping the seasoning simple with juniper and herbs, you allow the natural quality of the meat to shine through. Whether you are an avid hunter utilizing your harvest or a gourmet griller looking to expand your repertoire beyond beef and pork, this recipe offers a sophisticated yet rustic experience. Gather your friends around the fire, pour a glass of hearty red wine, and enjoy the unforgettable taste of the Nordic winter.