Elk burgers are lean, tender and full of flavor! This elk burger recipe teaches the best way to cook, best seasoning ideas and how to keep elk burgers from falling apart.
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If you have never had elk burger, you are in for a real treat! It is a leaner cut of meat, but don’t let that fool you! It is FULL of flavor.
Another common misconception is that elk burger is gamy or gamey (having the strong flavor or smell of game). I do not find that to be the case. If you buy from a reputable source, it is absolutely delicious and quite mild.
Elk burger patties on the stovetop or grill is one of my favorite basic ground elk recipes. In this article, I will teach you the best way to cook elk burgers (including elk burgers on the Traeger/smoked elk burgers), how long to cook elk burgers and give some recommendations on the best seasoning for elk burgers.
Why this recipe works
- This is one of the best starter ground elk recipes if you want to try some new and delicious wild game meat. If you want a delicious elk burger sauce, check out this Bang Bang Sauce. Top with this sweet and spicy Bacon Jerky if you want to get really fancy!
- Elk burger patties are a quick and easy lunch or dinner that your whole family will love! If you love burger recipes, definitely check out these Wagyu Burgers!
- Elk meat is leaner than traditional beef hamburger meat which provides a flavorful option that is lighter and healthier.
Recipe ingredients
- Ground Elk Burger Meat: Ground elk can be a little tricky to find. I have spotted it at Whole Foods and some specialty grocery stores depending on your area of the country. You can also purchase elk burger online.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil or any high heat cooking oil will work well.
How to cook elk burgers
- If you purchase frozen elk meat, allow ground meat to slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This adds to prep time but will allow for the juiciest elk meat.
- Divide burger into 2 to 4 elk burger patties (depending on how large you want your burgers).
- Form into round flat patties and season elk patties as desired.
- Generously add cooking oil to skillet. Heat skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
- Note: If you are grilling elk burgers, coat each patty with oil so it does not stick to the grill. I don’t recommend butter due to lower smoke point.
- Place each elk burger into the skillet.
- Flatten with spatula.
- Do not move or flip burgers until the bottom forms a caramelized brown crust.
- Cook to desired temperature on the first side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
- Flip each elk burger and cook to desired temperature on second side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
- For a half-pound burger, I start with about 3-4 minutes per side and check.
- Note: FDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
- Remove elk burgers from skillet or grill and serve with toppings of choice.
How to keep elk burgers from falling apart
The best way to keep elk burger patties from falling apart is to pre-oil your cast iron skillet and form your patties tightly. Make sure your oil is very hot when you add the elk burger patties to the grill and flatten them out with your spatula after you place them in the skillet. This will help the elk burgers hold together better.
Seasoning for elk burgers
If you are looking for the best seasoning for elk meat, here are a few ideas:
- Salt and pepper
- Steak seasoning
- Mesquite seasoning
- Paprika and smoked paprika
- Garlic or onion powder
- Cayenne or crushed red pepper
If you want gourmet elk burger recipes or other fun elk burger toppings, you can get fancy by topping with some brie cheese, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and fig jam or balsamic glaze.
FAQ and expert tips
Slowly defrost your ground elk in the refrigerator overnight. Form your ground elk into elk burger patties. Heat skillet with hot oil and cook elk burgers to desired temperature.
Elk meat is a lean meat that is milk, tender and flavorful. It works well in many cooking applications such as elk meatloaf, elk burgers, elk burger meatballs and elk stroganoff.
Looking for delicious sides to go with your elk hamburgers?
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Elk Burgers (Best Elk Burger Recipe!)
Equipment
- Grill, frying pan, skillet, cast iron skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground elk burger meat
- 2 tbsp oil olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil
- Lettuce (Optional)
- Tomato (Optional)
- Onion (Optional)
- Ketchup (Optional)
- Mustard (Optional)
Instructions
- If you purchase frozen elk burgers, allow to slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
- Divide burger into 2 to 4 elk burger patties (depending on how large you want your burgers).
- Form into round flat patties and season elk patties as desired.
- Generously add cooking oil to skillet. Heat skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
- Note: If you are grilling elk burgers, coat each patty with oil so it does not stick to the grill.
- Place each elk burger into the skillet.
- Flatten with spatula.
- Do not move or flip burgers until the bottom forms a caramelized brown crust.
- Cook to desired temperature on the first side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
- Flip each elk burger and cook to desired temperature on second side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
- For a half-pound burger, I start with about 3-4 minutes per side and check.
- Note: FDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
- Remove elk burgers from skillet or grill and serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 150-155°F
- Well Done: 160-165°F
- Salt and pepper
- Steak seasoning
- Mesquite seasoning
- Paprika and smoked paprika
- Garlic or onion powder
- Cayenne or crushed red pepper
- Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
- Brie Cheese
- Bacon
- Caramelized Onions
- Fig Jam
- Balsamic Glaze
Luke
I made these elk burgers and they were great. The flavor of the ground elk was very mild.
Dara
This elk burger recipe is super helpful. I followed the temperature recommends and they came out perfect.