Entree: Finland – Central Culinary Region – Poronkäristys (Sautéed reindeer)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 22 min

Total 42 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) thinly sliced reindeer meat (poronkäristys), usable weight
- 3 tbsp (45 g) butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 6 crushed juniper berries (crush lightly)
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock or water (more as needed)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) light beer or water (optional, for deglazing)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or 2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream (optional, to finish)
For mashed potatoes:
- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cut
- 4 tbsp (60 g) butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
- Salt and white pepper to taste
To serve:
- Lingonberry jam (to taste)
- Pickled cucumbers or gherkins (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare mashed potatoes: boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, mash with 4 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup warmed milk, season with salt and white pepper, and keep warm.
2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced reindeer in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear quickly until browned—about 1–2 minutes per side—being careful not to overcook. Remove browned meat to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the pan, and sauté the sliced onion until translucent and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in crushed juniper berries.
4. Return the browned reindeer to the pan, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, and pour in 1/4 cup beer or water to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add 1 cup beef stock (or more to partially cover the meat), reduce heat to low, and gently simmer 10–15 minutes until the meat is tender and flavors meld. If using, stir in 1/4 cup cream or 2 tbsp sour cream at the end and heat through without boiling.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve poronkäristys over mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers on the side.