Hippopotamuses might look like adorable creatures, but they are easily one of the most deadly animals in Africa.
They might look like they are slow and cumbersome, but they can reach incredible speeds that make them dangerous on land and in the water.
You might not think that hippo meat tastes good, or that you should eat this meat. But this exotic meat is actually quite tasty.
It is not a common option that people go for. Especially in the Western world.
But, in some places, hippo meat is enjoyed. For instance, Africa, especially because hippos are a native species to this continent.
The question is, what does hippo meat taste like?
Well, in this article, we are going to go over everything you need to know about what hippopotamus meat tastes like.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and get started!
What Is A Hippo?
Not everybody has seen the impressive eight thousand-pound hippos in person. These big semi aquatic animals are native to Africa.
The Afrikaans name for these creatures is seekoei which literally translates to sea cow.
Many people think that hippos are slow and cumbersome, but they are surprisingly quick on their feet.
They are generally gentle creatures, but they can be territorial. Hippos are not the kind of animal you want to mess with.
They might not eat you, but they can kill you with unsurprising ease. In some parts of Africa, hippo meat is considered to be a delicacy. But it is not super popular.
There are a lot of ways to enjoy hippo meat, some of the most popular are as follows: Grilled, roasted, or dried.
Many African people swear by hippo meat biltong. It is unparalleled.
Does Hippo Meat Taste Good?
People have been eating hippo meat for centuries. Most people that try this meat claim that it is similar to beef, but it has a mildly sweet flavor.
The texture on the other hand is a little tough. As such, you might need to marinate your hippo meat before you cook or smoke it.
But, what makes hippo meat truly unique when you compare it to other meat is the high-fat content and marbling.
Hippo meat easily has three times more unsaturated fat than beef. This adds a delightful oiliness or butteriness to your overall meat flavor.
But that is not all, hippo meat is also extremely succulent and juicy.
Even if you cook it over an open fire as is the traditional method.
But, hippo meat is actually far healthier than you know. It does not have as much cholesterol as other meats.
This is because it does not contain as much LDL-cholesterol.
Especially when you compare it to cattle. Hippo meat is not a common meat outside Africa. But it can be acquired.
Hippo meat is frequently served as steak, as dried meat known as biltong, or it is ground up into patties and grilled.
How your hippo meat tastes is entirely dependent on how you season it. But, it should still have a somewhat gamey yet beefy flavor.
What Is The Best Way To Enjoy Hippo Meat?
Despite hippo meat not being popular outside Africa, there are a lot of different ways that you can cook this meat.
One of the most popular methods is to grill it over a fire. You can enjoy it in a steak format or as a ground patty.
Either way, you should end up with delicious barbecued meat that is juicy, tender, and extremely flavorful.
You could also stew your hippo meat, much like you would with stewing beef.
A hippo stew can be cooked with an array of veggies like the following: Potatoes, onions, celery, Garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and more.
However, hippo meat can be quite tough. As such, you may need to tenderize it before you can enjoy this super flavorsome meat.
One way to tenderize your hippo meat is to boil it for several hours before you add your veggies to the pot.
This should keep your meat delightfully soft while reducing the risk of overcooked veggies.
Another popular method of tenderizing hippo meat is to marinate it overnight before you cook it.
We recommend using vinegar-based sauces. Soy sauce is a good choice. In essence, you need an acidic sauce that will help break down the proteins.
But, the best way to enjoy hippo meat is to dry it. An African delicacy known as Biltong is a delicious/cured meat that has been tried with traditional seasoning.
Hippo biltong is highly flavorful and has a kind of sweet, gamey, beefy flavor.
Hippo meat is not easy to come across. But, not that you know a few tricks, you should not have any trouble making a delicious dish using this uniquely flavorful meat.
Final Thoughts
The humble hippo is a unique and impressive animal. Not many people consider hippo meat to be an option, but it is actually a pretty delicious meat.
As long as it is properly prepared. It is super hard to explain what exactly hippo meat tastes like, some people describe it as being a mild meat that has a flavor similar to beef.
It is a very marbled meat that caramelizes beautifully.
But if you want to explore exotic cuisine and try a new yet delicious meat, you should try out hippo meat.
It can be tricky to cook, but as long as you follow a recipe, you should end up with a tasty dish.
If you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about what hippo meat tastes like, you absolutely need to check out our site.
We have a range of fantastic and interesting articles there that cover a wide range of food-related topics.
With a little perusing, you should be able to find something that will pique your interest.
Thanks for reading!
