Traditional Swedish Grilled Reindeer Steak with Juniper Butter

Introduction

Transport your taste buds to the pristine wilderness of Swedish Lapland with this exquisite recipe for grilled reindeer steak. Reindeer meat, a staple in Nordic cuisine, is renowned for its incredible tenderness, lean texture, and a flavor profile that is distinctively rich without being overly gamey. It sits somewhere between fine venison and high-quality beef, offering a unique culinary experience that celebrates the natural bounty of the forest. When cooked on an Arteflame grill, the high-heat center grate provides the perfect sear to lock in juices, while the flat cooktop allows for gentle basting, ensuring this lean meat remains succulent.

To elevate the natural flavors of the steak, we pair it with a compound butter infused with crushed juniper berries and fresh thyme. Juniper is the quintessential spice of Scandinavia, offering a piney, citrusy sharpness that cuts through the richness of the meat. This dish is not just a meal; it is a celebration of rustic elegance, bringing the ancient traditions of Swedish cooking to your modern outdoor kitchen. whether you are a game meat aficionado or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises an unforgettable feast.

Ingredients

For the Reindeer Steaks

• 4 Reindeer steaks (approx. 6-8 oz each), sirloin or tenderloin cuts are best
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Sea salt (flaky if possible)
• 1 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Juniper Butter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tbsp Dried juniper berries, crushed (use a mortar and pestle)
• 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Juniper Butter

1. Begin by ensuring your butter is completely soft and at room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, crushed juniper berries, chopped fresh thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until the herbs and berries are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
3. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twist the ends to seal, and place it in the refrigerator to firm up while you prep the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Steaks

1. Remove the reindeer steaks from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing them to come to room temperature is crucial for even cooking.
2. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better crust.
3. Rub the steaks generously with olive oil, then season thoroughly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using wood or charcoal. Let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop is very hot.
2. You are looking for a very high heat at the center grate for searing, and a medium-high heat on the flat carbon steel cooktop for finishing.

Step 4: Grill the Steaks

1. Place the reindeer steaks directly on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until a rich, dark brown crust forms.
2. Move the steaks to the flat cooktop surface. Place a slice of the cold juniper butter on top of each steak.
3. Continue grilling on the flat top for another 2-3 minutes per side, spooning the melting butter over the meat as it cooks.
4. Reindeer is very lean and is best served rare to medium-rare (internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F). Do not overcook.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the steaks from the grill and transfer them to a warm cutting board or plate.
2. Let the meat rest for at least 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
3. Top with an extra slice of fresh juniper butter just before serving for a glossy, aromatic finish.

Tips

Cooking game meat requires a slightly different approach than cooking domestic beef, primarily due to the low fat content. The most critical tip for reindeer is to never cook it past medium. Because the meat is so lean, cooking it to well-done will result in a tough, dry texture and a liver-like flavor. Aim for a warm red center to appreciate the delicate texture. Using a digital meat thermometer is highly recommended to pull the steaks off the heat at exactly the right moment, keeping in mind the temperature will rise a few degrees while resting.

Another vital tip involves the juniper berries. Dried juniper berries can be quite hard, so it is essential to crush them thoroughly. You don't want to grind them into a powder, but rather crack them enough to release their aromatic oils and ensure no one bites into a whole, hard berry. If you cannot find reindeer meat, this recipe works exceptionally well with venison backstrap or elk medallions, as they share similar structural and flavor characteristics with reindeer.

Variations

While the classic juniper and thyme combination is traditional, there are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit your palate or utilize what you have on hand. The beauty of the Arteflame grill is its versatility, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles while maintaining that signature wood-fired taste. If you want to lean into a sweeter profile to contrast the game, consider incorporating berries directly into the sauce or butter. Here are a few variations to try:

• The Forest Mushroom Twist: Sauté chanterelle mushrooms on the flat top alongside the steaks and pile them on top for an earthy addition.
• Red Wine Butter: Instead of lemon zest, add a teaspoon of reduced red wine to the butter for a deeper, more tannic flavor profile.
• Meat Substitution: Use Venison, Elk, or even Bison steaks if Reindeer is unavailable in your area.
• Spice Rub Variation: Add a pinch of ground allspice and ground cloves to the steak rub for a festive, winter-spiced Swedish flavor.
• Herb Swap: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or sage for a more robust, woody aroma.

Best pairings

To create a complete Swedish dining experience, the sides you choose should reflect the rustic nature of the main dish. Traditionally, game meat in Scandinavia is served with something sweet and acidic to cut through the richness of the protein. Lingonberry jam is the classic accompaniment; a small dollop on the side of the plate works wonders. If you cannot find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce is a suitable substitute. For starch, potatoes are a must—Hasselback potatoes or simple roasted potatoes cooked on the flat top of your grill with rosemary are ideal.

When it comes to beverages, you want a drink that can stand up to the bold flavors of the juniper and the iron-rich meat. A full-bodied red wine like a Syrah or a Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully, offering dark fruit notes that complement the game. Alternatively, for a true Nordic vibe, try a dark lager or a porter beer, which echoes the roasted notes from the grill.

Conclusion

Grilling reindeer steak on the Arteflame is more than just cooking dinner; it is an immersion into the culinary heritage of the North. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the tender, lean meat, and the aromatic, piney burst of juniper butter creates a flavor profile that is sophisticated yet deeply primal. This dish proves that game meat, when treated with respect and cooked properly, can rival the finest cuts of beef found in any steakhouse.

We hope this recipe inspires you to step outside your culinary comfort zone and explore the delicious world of game meats. Whether you are hosting a winter barbecue or simply looking for a unique weekend meal, this Swedish grilled reindeer steak is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, light up the grill, and enjoy the wild, wonderful flavors of Sweden right in your own backyard.