Sautéed reindeer

Sautéed reindeer is a cherished traditional dish from Lapland and a favorite in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Sakha. It is typically prepared with thinly sliced reindeer steak or back meat, which is fried in fat and seasoned with black pepper and salt. To enhance the tenderness of the meat, cooks often add a splash of water, cream, or beer to the pan.

The dish is usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry preserves or sometimes with fresh lingonberries mashed with a bit of sugar. In Finland, sautéed reindeer is often accompanied by pickled cucumber, although this pairing is less common in Sweden.

Sautéed reindeer is more than just food; it is a cherished element of the culinary tradition in these regions, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.