Wild Game Chili Recipe

Wild Game

Wild game is popular at many Park City, UT, restaurants, and for good reasons. Visitors love trying something new, especially if it is an ingredient not found on their hometown restaurant menus.

Let's face it: how often do you find buffalo, elk, venison, or wild boar at your neighborhood eatery? I have tried and enjoyed all these "wild game" meats during my six years as a resident of Park City.

Are they better than beef? Are they worth the higher price?

That depends on your personal tastes. As much as I enjoy venison steak while in the mountains, I wouldn't pick it over a choice of prime-cut New York strip steak.

Zane's Wild Game Chile

One recipe I would like to try at home if I can find the ingredients, is Zane Holmquist's Wild Game Chili. Zane is the executive chef at the world-class Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley, just up the road from downtown Park City.

I'm not sure Zane remembers who I am, but we met many times when I lived there and even went to a Fourth of July barbecue at his house years ago.

Zane said this about cooking wild game meats in the Park City Magazine, where I found this recipe,

We're in the West; it's part of our heritage. It's also nice to broaden our horizons and use meat with unique textures and flavors.

He also says in the article, "Seasonings like garlic, verdant herbs, and earthy mushrooms help to balance the robust flavors of the wild game before cooking the meat to a medium-rare to medium doneness."

Wild Game Chile

If you're tired of the same old beef or turkey chili and craving something unique, wild game chili might be your new favorite dish. This culinary journey takes you beyond the conventional, offering a taste of the wild with ingredients like venison, bison, or even wild boar. Each wild game brings its own distinctive flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to this classic comfort food.

Wild game chili is more than just a meal; it celebrates nature's bounty and the rich culinary traditions that have evolved over generations. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to showcase your harvest or simply curious about exploring new flavors, this dish offers a versatile canvas for creativity in the kitchen.

In this post, we'll guide you through the essentials of crafting a memorable wild game chili, from selecting the perfect meat to mastering the art of spice and seasoning. We'll share tips and tricks to ensure your chili is flavorful, tender, and perfectly balanced, catering to novice and seasoned chefs.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and ignite your passion for cooking. So, roll up your sleeves, sharpen your knives, and let's dive into the world of wild game chili together!

Here's a list of different wild game meats in this recipe, along with their taste and texture components:

Bison (Buffalo)  Bison meat has a robust, slightly sweet flavor that is often compared to beef but with a richer, more complex taste. It is leaner than beef, resulting in a slightly denser and chewier texture.

Elk Elk meat has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, similar to beef but more delicate. It is lean and tender, with a finer grain than beef, making it juicy and flavorful.

Wild Boar Wild boar meat has a bold, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and spice. It's often considered more intense than pork. The texture of wild boar is coarse and slightly gamey, with a firm and chewy consistency.

Each of these wild game meats offers a unique culinary experience, providing a variety of flavors and textures to experiment with in your wild game chili or any other dish you choose to create!

Where Can You Buy Wild Game Meats?

Wild game meats can be purchased from various sources, depending on your location and local regulations. Here are some common places where you can buy wild game meats:

1. Specialty Butcher Shops: Some specialty butcher shops or gourmet grocery stores may carry a selection of wild game meats, such as venison, bison, or wild boar. These shops often source their meats from reputable suppliers who adhere to strict quality and sustainability standards.
2. Farmers Markets: Local farmers markets are great places to find fresh, locally sourced wild game meats. Farmers who hunt or raise game may offer rabbit, duck, or pheasant options.
3. Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in selling wild game meats. These websites often offer a wide range of options, allowing you to purchase exotic meats like elk, quail, or even alligator from the comfort of your home.
4. Hunting Clubs or Associations: If you have connections with hunting clubs or associations, you may be able to purchase wild game meats directly from hunters or through organized hunting events. This can be a great way to access fresh, locally sourced game meats.
5. Local Hunters: Building relationships with local hunters can also be a valuable resource for obtaining wild game meats. Hunters often have excess meat from their hunts and may be willing to sell or trade it with others.
6. Game Farms: Some game farms specialize in raising and selling farm-raised game meats. While these meats may not be considered "wild," they can still offer unique flavors and are often more readily available than true wild game.

When purchasing wild game meat, it is essential to ensure that the meat has been sourced responsibly and adheres to local hunting and wildlife regulations. Look for suppliers prioritizing ethical hunting practices, sustainability, and quality to ensure you get the best possible product.

Are Wild Game Meats Really Wild or Farm-Raised?

Wild game meats available for purchase can be either wild or farm-raised, depending on the specific type of meat and where you're purchasing it. Truly wild game meats come from animals that have been hunted in their natural habitats. These meats are typically sourced from animals like deer, elk, bison, wild boar, and various game birds that have been hunted legally and sustainably. 

Farm-raised game meats are sourced from animals raised on farms under controlled conditions. These meats can include a variety of game animals, such as elk, venison, rabbit, quail, and more.

When purchasing wild game meats, it's important to know whether you're buying truly wild or farm-raised meat, as this can impact the meat's flavor, texture, and overall quality. Both options can offer delicious and unique culinary experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific dish you're preparing.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Wild Game Chili

Prep Time45 minutes mins

Cook Time3 hours hrs

Total Time3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or corn oil
• ½ pound buffalo meat diced in ¾ inch cubes
• ½ pound elk or venison, diced in ¾ inch cubes
• ½ pound wild boar or pork, diced in ¾ inch cubes
• 1 onion medium diced
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pasilla chile powder
• 2 tablespoons New Mexican chili powder
• ½ cup coffee brewed
• 1 bay leaf
• 9 ounces tomato juice
• 18 ounces diced tomatoes canned
• 1½ cups beef stock or one 12-ounce can of beer
• 4 cups water
• sour cream for garnish
• green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Mix all the dry spices together and use half the mixture to season the meat.
• Heat the oil in a large stock or soup pot until hot but not smoking, and brown the meat for 10 - 15 minutes in the pan.
• Add the onions and garlic and saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the coffee, tomato juice, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, stock, water, and the remaining spice mixture. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender. You can adjust the consistency with more stock and check the seasonings.
• Garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving.

Notes

This sounds like a great recipe and I'm sure you can substitute some easier to find ingredients for the wild game meats and still have a great result.

By the way, one of my other favorite all time chili recipes is Deer Valley Chili and very popular to everyone who ski at the Deer Valley Resort.