Ezo deer, native to Hokkaido, are a unique part of Japan’s natural and culinary landscape. Known for their lean, high-protein meat and rich flavor, they have been valued for both tradition and sustainability. Whether enjoyed as a grilled steak or in specialty dishes, Ezo deer offer a delicious and nutritious experience. Keep reading to discover more about their characteristics, benefits, and how they are prepared in Japanese cuisine!
What is Ezo deer cuisine?
The Ezo deer is a subspecies of Japanese deer that inhabits only Hokkaido. It is larger than the Japanese deer found in Honshu and southward, with males reaching a maximum body length of 190 centimeters and a weight of 150 kilograms, making it the largest herbivore in Japan.
Like beef, Ezo deer meat has various edible cuts, each suited to different cooking methods. The most commonly enjoyed parts include the shoulder loin and belly meat. The shoulder loin, deep red like a ruby, is ideal for those who prefer lean meat but still contains some fat, making it juicy when cooked. Grilling over charcoal enhances its natural venison flavor. Belly meat, while leaner than beef or pork, offers a satisfying balance of meat and fat.
Ezo deer cuisine History
The history of Ezo deer cuisine In Europe and America, deer meat is referred to as venison. They treated this as a high-end ingredient. Ezodeer meat also has a history of being consumed by hunters and others, and it has been evaluated as being of a quality that rivals that of deer meat consumed in the West. It has been cherished by the Ainu people as a valuable food source alongside salmon, and in the early Meiji period, the Hokkaido Development Agency established a canned deer meat factory that exported the product overseas.
Nutritional value
Ezo deer meat is a lean, high-protein, and low-fat option, yielding about 20 kg per deer. With only 1–3% fat, it contrasts sharply with beef sirloin’s 40% fat content. Rich in iron, even more than beef liver, it is a nutritious choice, especially for middle-aged men, growing children, and anemic women. Additionally, it has little odor and is versatile for various cooking methods.
Ezo deer cuisine Dishes
Venison stew in red wine
Stews in particular allow you to enjoy the flavor of venison while keeping the flavor milder thanks to the use of other vegetables and sauces to remove the odor.
Ezo deer loin marinated in miso
If the venison still has a wild smell after removing the odor, we recommend marinating it. By marinating it in miso, the flavor of the miso will permeate the venison and make the smell milder.
FAQ
- Is Ezo deer meat delicious?
-
Ezo deer meat is considered very tasty when properly caught and processed. It has a mild flavor that most can easily eat, and is used as a premium ingredient for game dishes.
- Is Ezo deer meat safe?
-
Ezo deer meat is butchered in special processing facilities, and quality control is thorough. Health inspections are conducted with the government and hunting associations, so it is considered safe.
- How to cook Ezo deer meat?
-
It is recommended to simply grill Ezo venison with only salt and pepper. Ezo deer meat is butchered in special processing facilities, and quality control is thorough. Health inspections are conducted with the government and hunting associations, so it is considered safe.
Restaurants
French Cuisine Restaurant – Ousama no Shokutaku (The King’s Table) (王様の食卓)
Located in a 114-year-old historic building, you can enjoy Hakodate’s French cuisine while overlooking the bay. Chef Tsukasa Owada has been perfecting game dishes for over 30 years. “Deer pie is an original dish made with foie gras and truffle sauce. It features fresh local ingredients and dishes that bring out the delicate flavor of Ezo deer meat.
Hakodate Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) – Omi (箱館居酒屋 熾美)
An izakaya specializing in game meat that opened in April 2023. The management team, who are also game hunters, offer dishes with flavors that are easy to recreate at home, primarily using Ezo’s “Hakka” deer meat brand. “Hakka Chop Steak is an excellent dish made by low-temperature cooking and charcoal grilling. Enjoy the elegant sweetness of the fat of Ezo deer meat, a menu item limited to fall and winter.
Tabibito Kitchen (タビビトキッチン)
Features: A specialty restaurant in Sapporo offering authentic Hokkaido sika deer cuisine. Dishes with rare cuts such as “Sika Deer Thigh Steak” and “Sika Deer Shin Steak” are popular. They also offer menus with rare cuts such as smoked heart and tongue. It is known as a specialty restaurant for Hokkaido sika deer cuisine, where you can enjoy popular menu items that are also available at national product exhibitions.
Conclusion
Ezo deer meat is a flavorful and nutritious delicacy that showcases the natural bounty of Hokkaido. Its lean yet rich taste makes it a must-try for anyone looking to experience a unique side of Japanese cuisine. Whether grilled, stewed, or served in specialty dishes, it offers a delicious and healthy alternative to other meats. If you have the chance to visit Japan, be sure to seek out Ezodeer and savor its exceptional flavor for yourself!
If you enjoyed learning about Ezo deer, you might also be interested in trying other unique Japanese game meats like Hinai jidori or duck, which offer their own distinct flavors and culinary traditions!
Comments