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Hvalsteik (Whale Steak): recipe illustration
Meat

Hvalsteik (Whale Steak)

A slice of whale meat seared in butter, with an intense, slightly wild flavor close to smoked beef. A traditional dish of the Faroe Islands, once served on special occasions and at community hunts.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Instructions

  1. Take the meat out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking so it won't cool down the pan.
  2. Cut the meat into steaks about 1.5 cm thick, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Melt half the butter in a large skillet over high heat until it foams slightly.
  4. Sear the steaks 1 to 2 minutes per side until you get a nice brown crust; the meat should stay pink in the center.
  5. Remove the steaks and keep them warm under a sheet of foil.
  6. In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion with the remaining butter for 3 minutes, then deglaze with the vinegar if you're using it.
  7. Return the steaks to the pan for 30 seconds to warm them in the juices, then serve right away with the potatoes and parsley.

Variations and tips

In the oven. Sear the meat, then finish it for 5 minutes in an oven at 200 °C for more even cooking.

With what you can find. If whale meat is unavailable, use good-quality beef cut into thick slices; the recipe keeps its pan-seared character.

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Original Ecomely recipe.