Ground Elk Burger Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic dish, then ground elk is your answer. These savory…
If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic dish, then ground elk is your answer. These savory elk burgers offer a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s distinct from traditional beef and is perfect for grilling season. Imagine biting into a juicy burger that not only pleases your palate but also provides a leaner alternative packed with protein.
The elk is among the largest deer species globally and ranks as one of the biggest land mammals in both North America and Eastern Asia—second in size only to the moose. Elk primarily eat grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Their meat is lean, protein-rich, and considered a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meats like beef and chicken. Naturally low in fat, cholesterol, and calories, elk meat offers a nutritious option for health-conscious eaters.
This recipe is great for those who appreciate game meat and want to impress their friends at the next cookout. Ground elk is versatile and can be seasoned in various ways, making it a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. If you’re wondering how to cook venison burgers, read on for our delicious elk burger recipe.
Ground Elk Burger Recipe
These ground elk burgers are juicy, flavorful, and have a hint of nature that sets them apart from regular beef burgers. They're perfectly seasoned and grilled to create a mouthwatering crust while remaining tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground elk meat
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of condiments for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground elk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
- Grill the Burgers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Serve: Place the cooked elk burgers on buns and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other preferred condiments. Enjoy!
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Elk Meat Flavor
Ground elk meat offers a unique flavor profile that distinguishes it from traditional beef. It has the Unami taste like beef but it is slightly sweeter and gamier. The flavor allows you to taste the flashbacks of the deer’s life as he ran freely across the untarnished pastures and mountains of New Zealand, eating 100% organic grass and berries. Related – 5 Insights on What Venison Tastes Like.
Where does Elk Meat Come From
Most elk meat in the US is farm raised in New Zealand, with large, wide open pastures fit for filming the most epic trilogy of all time, and for raising healthy venison.
“There are about 1400 deer farms in Aotearoa [the native word for NZ] New Zealand, running a total of 833,000 deer (2020), of which 582,000 are in the South Island.” (image and quote source – deernz.org)
Where to buy elk meat
Elk meat can be purchased from many small artisan farms online, and can be purchased from some organic stores such as Mother’s Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. You might also be able to source elk from a local butcher. Costco also carries ground elk in some stores.
How long to cook venison burgers
Cook venison burgers for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Cook to rare or medium rare to avoid drying out the meat. A suggested internal temperature is 130-140°F.
If you’re wondering how to keep your elk burgers from falling apart, be sure to press the elk together with a good amount of force. Mixing the ground beef with the ingredients below such as chopped onion, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce will help the elk bind to itself. From there, move the burgers carefully.
