Caribou Meat Guide: Taste, Nutrition, Cooking Tips, and Buying Advice

Rangifer tarandus: In North America and Canada, it’s known as caribou. But to the rest of the world, this arctic land mammal is better known as the reindeer.

And within this small category, you can find a surprising range of sizes — from the diminutive Svalbard reindeer to the massive boreal woodland caribou.

Caribou meat has been an important source of nutrition for indigenous peoples and settlers across the Northern reaches of North America and Eurasia.

But we wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t tried it, not least of which because it’s a very uncommon meat to cook with.

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We’ve contacted chefs and family members living in Canada to get the inside scoop on caribou meat, then combined those first-hand accounts with dozens of hours of recipe research and comparison.

Now, we’d like to share the fruits of that labor with you, by covering everything you need to know about caribou meat.

You’ll learn what it tastes like, how its nutrition facts stack up to common meats, how to cook it safely and effectively, and where to buy caribou meat to cook in your own kitchen.

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What Does Caribou Meat Taste Like?

The flavor of any animal’s meat is determined by its unique genetics, combined with the amount of exercise it gets and what it eats as the majority of its diet. Of the three, exercise is what gives game animals (like the caribou) their “gamier” flavor and tougher texture.

But fear not: Caribou is a versatile meat that’s been used by indigenous populations in cold weather areas for centuries.

And for every dish that could be too tough with reindeer meat, there are a dozen other ways to prepare it that will garner the best possible flavors (more on that in a moment).

Hunters and chefs have remarked that among game animals, caribou has a very mild flavor. It’s much less gamey than deer meat, all while maintaining a low fat content that makes it quite healthy.

So overall, the flavor of caribou meat is gentle and mild, while the texture is very similar to low-fat cuts of beef.

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A word of warning, though: The time of year that caribou is hunted and killed will make a big difference in its flavor.

Over the winter, caribou subsist on a diet almost entirely of lichens — they’re actually the only mammal known to do so, thanks to a special enzyme produced in their stomachs. Meat harvested in this season will be leaner, with a distinct grassiness to it.

And if it’s mating season for the caribou, avoid the meat altogether, as it will taste particularly awful.

Caribou Meat Nutrition

Caribou meat is a great nutrition source for many Arctic cultures. According to nutritionvalue.org, a 4 ounce serving of caribou game meat has the following nutritional values:

• 144 calories
• 3.8 grams of total fat, with 1.5 grams of saturated fat
• 94 milligrams of cholesterol
• 26 grams of protein
• 29% daily value of iron
• 7% daily value of potassium

In addition to these, caribou meat is particularly rich in B vitamins and minerals. It’s a complete protein source with a very low fat content, making it an exceptionally healthy protein choice.

By comparison, lean ground beef has nearly twice the calories and over five times the fat per serving. Chicken is nearly identical in protein and fat composition, but has significantly less vitamins and minerals in comparison to caribou.

Risks and Considerations for Eating Caribou Meat

As with any game meat, there are dangers inherent to eating caribou meat. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has this advice about common wildlife parasites and diseases:

• Never eat raw wild game meat. This goes for feeding scraps to dogs or cats as well, as they’re even more susceptible to parasites transferred through game meat.
• You cannot tell from a glance whether meat is infected with parasites or diseases. Don’t attempt to “eyeball” whether the meat is clean and safe.
• Always cook game meat thoroughly to prevent parasites and diseases. This means cooking to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F.

Additionally, it’s advisable to keep caribou meat frozen until ready to cook. When defrosting, leave it on a plate in your refrigerator, not out on the counter where it could develop bacterial infections.

Freezing will kill the bacteria and viruses that cause toxoplasmosis, adding a further layer of safety to your preparation.

How to Cook Caribou Meat

Because of its mild flavor and good nutritional content, there are myriad ways to cook with caribou meat.

Its low fat content, however, means that it’s best to cook it similarly to how you would cook chicken breast — either with wet heat cooking methods like braising, or with plenty of time to marinate.

But unlike chicken, caribou is a red meat. This gives it a flavor and texture closer to beef, pork, bison, and other game animals like deer, elk, or moose.

So when you’re looking for recipes to make the best of caribou meat, you can often substitute it directly for lean cuts of beef. Let’s unpack that one a little with a few “no recipe” recipes.

Ground Caribou Meat

Ground caribou meat makes a darned fine burger. It’s lean enough, though, that you’ll need to add a little bit of fat to keep it together and prevent it from drying out on the grill.

dding a portion of bacon to the ground caribou won’t do any favors for your waistline, but it’s a great way to insulate the lean caribou meat against the heat of a roaring grill.

Stews and Soups

Stews and soups are a perfect way to make use of most cuts of caribou meat. Because you’ll be cooking the meat in a liquid base, it never really has the chance to dry out.

Try searing 1-inch cubes of caribou meat for just a minute in a hot pan, then set them aside. Make a simple base of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots, with plenty of salt and pepper.

Cube up a few potatoes, and sear them on one side with the base vegetables. Then return the caribou to the pot, and fill it with beef, chicken, or vegetable stock.

Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Served this way, caribou stew can make an excellent one pot meal.

For a special twist, use a cup or two of red wine as part of your stock, then sprinkle in fresh or fried herbs before boiling.

Braising

Braising is my preferred method for cooking larger cuts of lean meats. Sear a caribou steak for 30 seconds on each side, then set it aside.

Add onions and garlic to oil in the bottom of a Dutch oven, and let them caramelize slowly while your oven preheats to 350 degrees. Return the caribou steak to the Dutch oven, cover it halfway with a stock of your choice, and then put the lid on the Dutch oven.

Put it in your preheated oven and let cook for 40-50 minutes, until tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Caribou Jerky

Jerky and other drying methods are a great way to prepare caribou, too. In this case, the lack of fat in caribou meat is actually a big benefit: It’ll prevent the dried jerky from going rancid at room temperature. Jerky spice mixes are widely available, but you’ll need a dehydrator and/or jerky slicer to really make the best quality jerky possible.

Marinated Caribou Meat

Marinated caribou meat can take on a huge range of flavors. Try marinating a caribou steak with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper for a Mexican style flavor, then sear it and use it for fajitas.

Or make a marinade of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice wine vinegar, and serve with rice for a Japanese-inspired dinner.

So how should you not cook caribou meat? Well, I’m not a fan of using lean meats like caribou for grilling or pan roasting. The texture of caribou tends to dry out and get tough and chewy when it’s heated too much, too quickly — it just doesn’t have enough fat to really make for great steaks.

Where to Buy Caribou Meat

If you live outside of the natural range of caribou herds, finding their meat to try in your own kitchen can be next to impossible. There are reindeer farm options throughout the US, but again, not many sell directly to consumers. Where it’s rarely available online, it will often be very expensive — or used as an additive for sausages, rather than as the main ingredient.

Where caribou/reindeer meat is available, it’s usually in very short supply or by special order only. At the time of writing, the only online source we could find for buying caribou meat was Exotic Meat Market. Expect to pay around $100 for a pound of unadulterated caribou meat.

Indian Valley Meats makes meat sausage with reindeer meat as part of their recipe, but has no fully caribou products. When in stock, their caribou medallions wrapped in bacon are a very nice purchase.

Great Northern offers caribou seasonally by request, but you’ll have to put in an order for a large portion of the animal. Prices change based on yearly availability and hunting restrictions.

FAQs for Caribou Meat

And to wrap things up, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions people have about caribou meat.

Is caribou meat good to eat?

Caribou meat is good to eat as it is a rich source of protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle, skin, and blood health. Whether consumed raw, frozen, boiled, or dried, caribou provides an excellent protein content that aids in building and repairing tissues. Additionally, caribou liver and stomach contents are beneficial sources of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, bones, teeth, and boosts the immune system to combat illnesses.

Who eats caribou meat?

Caribou meat is consumed by various groups of people, including tribes who incorporate it into their diet alongside other game, fish, and marine mammals. However, for the Nunamiut Eskimos who reside in inland mountain regions, caribou holds unparalleled significance as their primary and most vital source of food.

What is the best way to eat caribou?

The best way to eat caribou is by cooking the backstrap and tenderloins on the barbecue or in a cast iron skillet. Enhance the flavor with butter and basic seasonings such as salt and pepper, but be careful not to overcook the steaks as the meat is already tender and flavorful on its own.

What does reindeer meat taste like?

The taste of reindeer meat varies depending on the animal’s diet. When fed on natural or managed pastures, wild reindeer have a more gamey flavor, while those that consume grains will have a milder taste. In general, reindeer meat is known for its rich, intense, and complex flavor, with hints of sweetness.

Is reindeer meat better than beef?

Reindeer meat is indeed superior to beef due to its leaner composition, elevated levels of vitamins B and D, and higher protein content. Moreover, reindeer meat contains significantly lower amounts of cholesterol and fat, with a fat content of approximately 2% compared to beef’s 9%. Consequently, it can be concluded that reindeer meat is a healthier alternative to beef.

Is reindeer healthier than beef?

Reindeer meat is leaner than beef, with a fat content of only two percent. In comparison, beef typically has a fat content of nine percent, while lamb can have as high as 17 percent. Additionally, reindeer meat contains more than twice the amount of vitamin B12 compared to veal or lamb.

How much meat comes off a caribou?

The amount of meat that comes off a caribou is approximately 100 lbs (45 kg), which is equivalent to about 240 lbs (109 kg) of dressed weight from a 400-lb (181-kg) caribou.

How much does it cost to hunt caribou?

The cost of hunting caribou can vary, with prices typically ranging from $7,500 to around $10,000. However, it is worth noting that combining the caribou hunt with other big-game animals like grizzly and moose can often provide better value for money. Combination hunts are usually more affordable compared to a hunt solely focused on caribou.

Can you eat caribou medium rare?

You can eat caribou medium rare. The tender cuts are best enjoyed when cooked to medium rare or rare. Caribou meat is lean and lacks fat, resulting in juicy and flavorful steaks when not overcooked. To enhance the taste, consider incorporating local ingredients such as berries into sauces and dressings for the final steaks. The addition of berries adds a touch of sweetness that pairs excellently with caribou steaks.

Why do humans hunt caribou?

Humans hunt caribou because it is the primary food source for inland mountain people, specifically the Nunamiut Iñupiat. Throughout history, the Nunamiut people have relied on caribou for sustenance, consuming various parts of the animal such as meat, fat, and even making broth from its meat and bones.

Do they eat caribou in Alaska?

They eat caribou in Alaska, as migrating caribou move through many villages in varying seasons, providing a staple food source amid vast expanses of Alaska’s western mountains and tundra. However, due to the influence of a vast global economy and access to technology, traditional food dishes and food storage techniques have undergone changes.

Did Native Americans eat caribou?

Native Americans did consume caribou as part of their diet, along with other game, fish, and marine mammals. However, for the Nunamiut Eskimos, who lived in inland mountain regions, caribou was the primary and most significant food source.

What parts of caribou can you eat?

You can eat various parts of the caribou, which provide a higher protein content per pound compared to beef, pork, or chicken. Additionally, caribou meat contains minimal amounts of fat. The organs of the caribou offer a diverse array of vitamins and minerals. By consuming all parts of the caribou, it is possible to maintain a balanced diet.

Is caribou a deer or elk?

Caribou is a member of the deer family and is an herbivore. Although elk and caribou have many similarities, there are several differences between these two mammals. An adult elk is taller and heavier than an adult caribou.

Is caribou a deer meat?

Caribou is not considered deer meat, even though it belongs to the deer family (Cervidae). The definition of venison typically includes Mule deer and White-tailed deer, as well as Elk. However, some individuals prefer to separate caribou and moose from the term venison, categorizing them separately from the two deer species.

How many caribou can you hunt in Alaska?

The number of caribou that can be hunted in Alaska depends on the specific units and residency status. Currently, there are only a few units, including 9D, 10 (Adak Island), 24A, 25A, 25B, 25D, and 26C, where a non-resident can harvest more than one bull caribou. However, the units that are most popular and have many transportation options typically have a bag limit of one bull caribou.

Why are caribou hunted?

Caribou are hunted by groups from the Arctic, Subarctic, Plateau, and the northern part of the Eastern Woodlands due to their provision of meat, grease, hides, sinew, bone, and antler for various purposes such as food, shelter, clothing, tools, and weapons.

What do the Inuit use caribou for?

The Inuit use caribou for various purposes, as caribou meat serves as their main source of food and different parts of the caribou are utilized for making clothing, tents, and tools, as observed by the members of the Fifth Thule Expedition.

Is caribou game meat?

Caribou is considered game meat, as it has a mild flavor that is less gamey than deer, despite being raised in a more wild environment.

What is reindeer meat called?

The meat from reindeer is called venison.

Is caribou meat tender?

Caribou meat is naturally tender and delicious, known for its mild and pleasant flavor. It does not have the strong “gamey” taste often found in other ungulates, although proper processing and preparation can eliminate this taste in any big game animal. This is especially true for mountain caribou meat.

Where does caribou meat come from?

Caribou meat comes from the Arctic, Subarctic, and Boreal regions of North America, where they are abundant. They have been a vital resource for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland, who have relied on them for survival for generations.

Is reindeer meat like beef?

Reindeer meat is not similar to beef. Unlike beef, it is not gamey at all and has a remarkably lean texture. Although it is a type of venison, it is not tough like other venison meats and has a surprisingly mild taste. While there may be a slight metallic tang to the palate, overall, it is quite enjoyable.