Grilled Black Bear Steaks with Maple BBQ Glaze
These grilled black bear steak with maple BBQ glaze are a showstopper. Our guides at Granite Peak Outfitters grill bear steaks over open flame after successful Idaho bear hunts — the sweet maple glaze complements the rich flavor of wild bear perfectly.
WILD GAME RECIPES
Sweet maple and smoky BBQ pair perfectly with rich bear meat
Prep: 15 min + 2 hr marinate
Cook: 15 min
Serves: 4
Bear steaks are probably the most intimidating wild game cut for first-timers to cook. The trichinella concern means you cannot serve them rare — but that does not mean they have to be dry or tough. The trick is to use thick-cut steaks from the hindquarter, marinate them, then grill to an exact 160°F using a two-zone fire. The maple BBQ glaze adds sweetness that plays off bear meat’s naturally rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 black bear steaks (backstrap or hindquarter), about 1 inch thick, trimmed of all fat
- For the marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp black pepper
- For the maple BBQ glaze: 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoons real maple syrup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of cayenne
Directions
- Trim ALL visible fat from the bear steaks. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over steaks in a zip-lock bag. Marinate 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Mix all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes. Set aside half for serving.
- Set up a two-zone grill: one side high heat (direct), one side medium-low (indirect).
- Remove steaks from the marinade and pat dry. Sear over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a good crust.
- Move steaks to the indirect side. Brush with the maple BBQ glaze. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once and re-glazing, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the reserved clean glaze drizzled over top.
Pro Tips from Our Guides
- The two-zone grill method is essential for bear steaks. Direct heat alone will overcook the outside before the inside reaches safe temp.
- 160°F is non-negotiable for bear. Use an instant-read thermometer.
- Real maple syrup makes a huge difference over pancake syrup. It caramelizes better.
- Thick-cut steaks (1 inch+) are much easier to cook to 160°F without drying out.
This is our go-to recipe for introducing first-timers to bear meat. The sweet maple glaze makes it immediately approachable.
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Why This Black Bear Steak Recipe Stands Out
This black bear steak recipe with maple BBQ glaze is a showstopper that converts even skeptics into wild game fans. The sweet maple and smoky BBQ flavors complement the rich, dark meat of black bear beautifully.
The key to this black bear steak recipe is grilling over medium heat and basting frequently with the maple BBQ glaze. Bear steaks must reach an internal temperature of 165°F, so use a meat thermometer.
Slice the steaks against the grain after a five-minute rest and drizzle with extra maple BBQ glaze. Serve this black bear steak recipe with grilled corn and coleslaw for the ultimate summer wild game cookout.
Our black bear steak recipe brings out the rich, slightly sweet flavor that makes bear meat a true delicacy among experienced hunters.
More Wild Game Recipes & Resources
All Wild Game Recipes · Bear Roast · Bear Chili · Bear Tacos · How to Hunt Black Bear · Best Rangefinders · Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness · Idaho Fish & Game
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