After spending a day hunting or fishing the best case for us all is that we end up in the kitchen preparing a freshly harvested meal. Dylan and I love to cook and we've been working our way through a handful of cookbooks these past few months. We liked some of them so much we gifted them to family and friends for the holidays.
If you're looking for new ways to cook your wild game and fish these are 4 must-have cookbooks worth buying.
BUCK, BUCK, MOOSE BY HANK SHAW
"Buck, Buck, Moose" by Hank Shaw is more than a cookbook. I've sat down more than once to read it through like an actual book because it has been a guide to the world of venison and wild game. While Hank Shaw, an award-winning author and hunter, delves into the art of cooking deer, elk, moose, and other game meats, he also offers a very comprehensive look at everything from field dressing to developing a deep understanding of the animals and their flavors. With an emphasis on sustainable practices, "Buck, Buck, Moose" presents an array of innovative and delicious recipes that celebrate the richness of wild game while empowering us with knowledge to appreciate and master the art of cooking these meats.
We've made numerous recipes for ourselves, friends and family and have loved every one.
THE MEATEATER FISH AND GAME COOKBOOK BY STEVEN RINELLA
"The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook: Recipes and Techniques for Every Hunter and Angler" by Steven Rinella is a treasure trove for those passionate about hunting and fishing. Rinella, who you likely know from his MeatEater tv series or podcast, not only shares his wealth of experience on a variety of species but also presents detailed recipes and techniques for preparing wild-caught fish and game. This book gives you an education from field to table broken down into seven categories: Big Game, Small Game, Waterfowl, Upland Birds, Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish and Everything Else. He offers some classics like Venison Bolognese, Venison Chili and Fish Chowder then goes into more adventurous (for me) recipes like Marrow Bones, Fried Alligator and Dove Jalapeño Poppers. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or an aspiring angler, this cookbook provides invaluable knowledge and mouthwatering recipes.
This was the first wild game cookbook we purchased and it has been a go-to ever since.
WILD GAME COOKING BY KEITH SARASIN
"Wild Game Cooking" has over 100 recipes for venison, elk, moose, rabbit, fish, and more. This cookbook, crafted for both seasoned hunters and adventurous home cooks, presents a vast repertoire of recipes, offering creative ways to prepare an array of game meats and fish. It guides readers through techniques that highlight the natural tastes of these meats while incorporating a mix of herbs, spices, and innovative cooking methods. A stand out in this book is the way the meals are plated – so beautifully they could be served at a restaurant.
One of our favorites in the winter is the Venison Stew that uses ground venison patties.
HOOK, LINE, AND SUPPER BY HANK SHAW
Hook, Line, and Supper" is an ode to the art of angling and the culinary delights that emerge from the waters. Filled with a blend of anecdotes, tips on fishing techniques, and overjoyed passion for the craft, Shaw intertwines his love for the sport with a collection of recipes for everything caught in lakes, rivers, streams and sea. From understanding the nuances of different fish species to showcasing diverse preparation methods that accentuate their natural flavors, this cookbook serves as an indispensable bible for anglers and food enthusiasts alike. It not only celebrates the thrill of the catch but also revels in the joys of transforming the bounty of the water into dishes that capture the essence of the outdoors.
Hank is so great he earned a double mention on this list. We were wowed by his expertise in wild game cooking and floored by how he explores the world of fishing in this cookbook.
Let us know in the comments, do you have any of these cookbooks? Any other must-have cookbooks on your list?
