Whale Steak (Hvalbiff)

Hvalbiff is a traditional dish consisting of whale steaks. Fresh whale steaks are usually fried and seared over high heat on both sides, with a raw middle point. They can also be marinated before frying or grilling. Seasonings such as salt and pepper are typically added after the steaks have been fried.

The steaks are often served with onion sauce, baked potatoes, or sautéed vegetables such as onions and bell peppers. Most people describe the flavor of whale steaks as oily, salty, sweet, and slightly reminiscent of beef and game meat. In Norway, minke whale is the most common species that's hunted.

The species is free-range and not endangered. However, in 2000 the conservation organization WWF warned that Norwegian whale meat is toxic and contains hormone-disrupting chemicals and metals such as organic mercury that is bio-cumulative. None of the chemicals have exceeded the WHO limits at the time of the warning.

Apart from aboriginal whaling, Norway and Iceland are the only two countries that continue to practice commercial whaling.