My Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Flavorful Wild Boar Ham Steaks

As an avid hunter and meat enthusiast, I love experimenting with wild game in the kitchen. Wild boar in particular is one of my favorites to cook with The rich, deep flavor of wild boar ham steaks is unmatched when prepared properly

In this article I’ll share my foolproof process for cooking wild boar ham steaks. Whether you’re an experienced wild game chef or just getting started, these tips will help you achieve tender juicy, and delicious results every time. Let’s get cooking!

Why Choose Wild Boar Ham Steaks?

First. a quick primer on why wild boar makes for such excellent eating

• Lean and tender – Farmed pigs tend to have more fat while wild boar is quite lean. Less fat means less chance of the meat drying out.

• Intense flavor – The wild diet and active lifestyle of boars results in a deeper, gamier taste. I find it more pleasing than bland store-bought pork.

• Ethical and sustainable – Hunting wild boar helps control invasive populations and is more ethical than factory farming.

For these reasons, wild boar ham steaks are a favorite choice for cooks wanting a tasty and eco-friendly alternative to standard pork.

Step 1 – Proper Preparation is Key

Before cooking your wild boar ham steaks, proper preparation is essential:

• Trim excess fat – Wild boar is lean, but you’ll still want to trim off any thick chunks of fat. Leave about 1/8 inch for flavor.

• Remove silverskin – Use a sharp fillet knife to remove the silverskin membrane from the surface of the steaks. This will prevent curling when cooked.

• Slice against the grain – Cut your ham steaks about 3/4 to 1 inch thick against the grain. This makes them easier to chew.

• Use a meat tenderizer – To help tenderize the meat, use a needle tenderizer tool or meat mallet. Don’t overdo it though!

• Marinate overnight – For maximum flavor and moisture, marinate the steaks in your favorite marinade 12-24 hours.

Step 2 – Choosing Cooking Methods

Wild boar ham steaks can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods. Here are some of my favorites:

• Pan frying – This is one of the quickest and easiest methods. Season the steaks, then cook in a hot pan with oil or butter until browned and cooked through.

• Grilling – For added smoky flavor, grill the steaks over medium high heat, about 4 minutes per side. Glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last few minutes.

• Braising – For super tender and flavorful meat, braise the ham steaks low and slow in broth, wine or other liquids.

• Smothering – One of my favorite recipes is smothering the steaks in a flavorful gravy made with onions, mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup.

• Curing – For deli-style ham steaks, try curing them overnight in a salt and brown sugar brine before cooking.

Step 3 – My Signature ‘Smothered’ Wild Boar Recipe

Of all the cooking methods for wild boar ham steaks, my personal go-to is a recipe I call “smothered” ham steaks. It may not be fancy, but the deep, savory flavor is incredible.

Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 wild boar ham steaks
• Cajun seasoning
• Flour for dredging
• 3 Tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup water or broth
• Fresh mushrooms (optional)

Instructions:

• Season ham steaks liberally with Cajun or other spice mix

• Dredge seasoned steaks in flour

• In a cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium high heat

• Cook ham steaks on both sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side

• Remove steaks and set aside

• Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until soft

• Stir in can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup water or broth

• Bring mixture to a simmer then return steaks to the pan

• Cover skillet and reduce heat to low

• Let steak simmer for 45 minutes, spooning gravy over steaks occasionally

• For extra flavor, add fresh mushrooms during the last 10 minutes

• Serve steaks and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice

The creamy mushroom gravy takes these steaks over the top. The low and slow cooking gives even tougher cuts of meat a wonderfully tender texture. This is comfort food at its finest!

Step 4 – Safely Cook Wild Boar to Proper Temperatures

When handling and cooking wild game like boar, food safety is paramount. Follow these guidelines:

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat

• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat sealed and away from ready-to-eat foods

• Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked meats

• Cook to safe internal temperatures – steaks and chops to 145°F, roasts to 160°F

• Allow meat to rest 3-5 minutes before cutting or consuming

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days

• Freeze any longer term leftovers for 2-6 months for best quality

Following these food safety tips will protect you and your dinner guests from potential parasites or bacterial contamination.

Step 5 – Sauce and Side Dishes for Whole Meal

A properly cooked wild boar ham steak is delicious on its own, but sauce and side dishes can round out the meal:

• Savory gravy – The pan drippings and juices from preparing the ham steaks make an easy and flavorful gravy or jus.

• Tangy chutneys – A fruity chutney adds sweetness and acidity to balance the rich meat.

• Mac and cheese – This classic comfort food is a perfect match with wild game.

• Roasted vegetables – Hearty roasted squash, Brussels sprouts or asparagus make flavorful accompaniments.

• Creamy polenta – The smooth, corn-y texture pairs wonderfully with wild boar.

• Garlic mashed potatoes – You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes and wild game!

With the right sides, a beautiful wild boar ham steak dinner can rival any gourmet restaurant. Now get out there and put your wild game cooking skills to work! Your taste buds will thank you.