Grilled Finnish Reindeer Steaks with Rosemary & Juniper

Introduction

Discover the authentic taste of Finland with these perfectly grilled reindeer steaks, seasoned with rosemary and juniper berries. Using the Arteflame grill, we’ll achieve a rich, steakhouse-quality sear at over 1,000°F before finishing to perfection on the flat cooktop. This method locks in the juices for an incredibly tender and flavorful meal. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 4 reindeer steaks (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp juniper berries, crushed
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches searing temperature.

Step 2: Season the Steaks

1. In a small bowl, mix juniper berries, rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic, mustard, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each reindeer steak.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

1. Place the steaks on the center grill grate where the temperature is around 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 1 minute per side to create a rich, caramelized crust.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the steaks to the outer area of the flat cooktop to cook them slowly to desired doneness.
2. Use a meat thermometer and remove the steaks from the grill when they are 15°F below the final target temperature.
3. Rest the steaks for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips

• Reindeer meat is leaner than beef, so avoid overcooking to retain tenderness.
• For extra flavor, baste the steaks with melted butter while cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.

Variations

• Herb Butter Reindeer Steaks: Mix butter with fresh thyme and garlic, then baste the steaks while grilling.
• Spicy Nordic Reindeer: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and paprika to the seasoning blend for extra heat.
• Sweet & Smoky Reindeer: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a hint of smoked paprika.
• Citrus Zest Reindeer: Add orange zest and a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor.
• Coffee Rubbed Reindeer: Combine finely ground coffee with brown sugar, salt, and pepper for a robust crust.

Conclusion

Cooking these traditional Finnish reindeer steaks on the Arteflame grill ensures bold flavor with a perfect sear. The combination of juniper berries and rosemary enhances the natural flavors for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy this Scandinavian delicacy with your favorite sides and experience the best way to grill reindeer.

Best pairings

• Grilled root vegetables (carrots, beets, or parsnips)
• Lingonberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast
• Buttered new potatoes
• Nordic-style rye bread with whipped butter
• A bold red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon