Mountain Lion Recipe
This preparation adapts traditional American barbecue techniques to mountain lion ribs, creating a dish that showcases the meat's suitability for low-and-slow cooking methods. The technique transforms what might be considered lesser cuts into incredibly flavorful, tender barbecue that rivals traditional pork ribs.
Brining: Dissolve salt and brown sugar in water with bay leaves. Submerge ribs and refrigerate 4-6 hours.
Rub Preparation: Combine all rub ingredients in small bowl.
Preparation: Remove ribs from brine, pat dry, and apply rub generously. Let sit 30 minutes.
Smoker Setup: Prepare smoker for 225°F. Soak wood chips 30 minutes.
Smoking: Place ribs in smoker and add soaked wood chips. Maintain 225°F temperature.
Long Cook: Smoke 3-3.5 hours until meat starts to pull back from bones.
Sauce Application: Brush with barbecue sauce and cook 30 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Resting: Remove from smoker and rest 10 minutes before cutting.
Service: Cut between bones and serve with additional barbecue sauce.
A bold Zinfandel or cold beer provides the right complement to smoky, sweet barbecue flavors.
Per serving: 485 calories, 45g protein, 28g fat, 18g carbohydrates. Smoky barbecue with lean wild game protein.