Barbecued beaver is a unique dish that is not commonly prepared, and it may not be available in many places. However, if you have access to beaver meat and want to try barbecuing it, here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
Beaver meat (beaver tail and/or backstraps are often used)
Barbecue sauce of your choice (homemade or store-bought)
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinade (optional, for tenderizing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Beaver Meat:
Beaver meat can be quite tough, so it’s a good idea to tenderize it before grilling. You can do this by marinating the meat in a mixture of your choice, which may include ingredients like vinegar, oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Season the Meat:
Remove the beaver meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional seasonings or dry rubs that you prefer.
Grill the Beaver Meat:
Place the beaver meat on the preheated grill.
Cook the meat for about 5-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the cuts. Beaver meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety reasons.
Apply Barbecue Sauce:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the barbecue sauce onto the meat. Continue to grill, turning and brushing the sauce, until the meat is nicely glazed and caramelized.
Rest and Serve:
Once the beaver meat reaches the desired level of doneness and has a flavorful barbecue sauce glaze, remove it from the grill.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Serve: Serve the barbecued beaver with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
Please note that beaver meat has a unique flavor and can be quite rich. It’s essential to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Additionally, beaver trapping and hunting regulations vary by location, so be sure to follow local laws and regulations if you plan to obtain beaver meat for cooking.