Wild game can be delicious, but it does often have a stronger, gamier flavor than other meat. This is important to keep in mind when you cook with wild game. You really want to look for recipes that use other seasonings and spices to balance out and mask some of that gaminess. Burgers are a common thing to make with wild game for this reason. Since burgers contain a lot of toppings and sauces, there are lots of opportunities to balance out your flavors. On that note, here are two wild game recipes for burgers you may want to try.
Bacon and Jam Wild Game Burgers
The sweetness of the jam and the saltiness of the bacon pair together really well to flavor these burgers. You can easily double the recipe if you're serving more than two people.
For 2 burgers, you'll need:
- 1/2 pound wild game meat of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of black pepper
- 2 large, fluffy buns
- 2 slices of Swiss or Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until lightly crispy
- 2 tablespoons jam -- raspberry and strawberry both work well
- 1/2 an onion, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Sautee the onion in the canola oil until lightly brown and caramelized. Set aside.
Split the wild game meat in half. Shape each half into a patty, and season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook the patties on a skillet for about 3 minutes per side.
Place the burger patties on your buns. Top with the cooked onions, cheese, and bacon. Spread the top of the bun with jam, and enjoy.
Spicy Mustard Burgers
Mustard is pretty standard on burgers, but this recipe has you make your own spicy mustard sauce which pairs perfectly with the flavor of wild game.
For two burgers, you'll need:
- 1/2 pound wild game meat of your choice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce
- a pinch of sugar
- 2 slices of your favorite cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- 2 large buns
Combine the mustard, mayo, hot sauce, and sugar. Stir well, and set aside.
Divide the beef in half, and form each half into a patty. Sprinkle the patties with salt and pepper. Cook them for 3 minutes per side in a skillet, using some canola oil to prevent sticking.
Place the cooked burgers on their buns. Add cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Spread the top bun with your spicy mustard mix, and enjoy.