• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Aubrey's Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Freebies
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Freebies!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Freebies!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Newest Recipes! » Dinner » Elk Burgers

    Elk Burgers

    Published: Jun 14, 2021 by Aubrey · This post may contain affiliate links

    Tweet
    Share
    Reddit
    Yum
    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    elk burgers on a wooden platter next to french fries

    This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).

    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

    process shots to make elk burger recipe
    1. 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.
    2. Divide burger into 2 to 4 elk burger patties (depending on how large you want your burgers).
    3. Form into round flat patties and season elk patties as desired.
    4. Generously add cooking oil to skillet. Heat skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
    5. 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.
    6. Place each elk burger into the skillet.
    7. Flatten with spatula.
    8. Do not move or flip burgers until the bottom forms a caramelized brown crust.
    9. Cook to desired temperature on the first side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
    10. Flip each elk burger and cook to desired temperature on second side (timing will depend on size and thickness of your burger).
    11. For a half-pound burger, I start with about 3-4 minutes per side and check.
    12. Note: FDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
    13. 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.

    elk burgers on a wooden platter next to french fries

    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

    How to cook frozen elk burgers?

    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.

    What does elk meat taste like?

    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.

    elk burgers cut in half on a wooden platter next to french fries

    Looking for delicious sides to go with your elk hamburgers?

    • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
    • Air Fryer French Fries
    • Air Fryer Tater Tots

    Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!

    You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!

    elk burger on a wooden platter next to french fries

    Elk Burgers (Best Elk Burger Recipe!)

    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.
    5 from 32 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 burgers
    Calories: 390kcal
    Author: Aubrey
    Cost: 14

    Equipment

    • Grill, frying pan, skillet, cast iron skillet or griddle

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground elk burger meat
    • 2 tablespoon 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

    Note: FDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Times will depending on the size and thickness of your burgers.
    Internal Beef Temperatures (approximate):
    • Medium Rare: 130-135°F
    • Medium: 145°F
    • Medium Well: 150-155°F
    • Well Done: 160-165°F
    Grilling Elk Burgers: Coat each elk hamburger with oil and season. Elk is lean so you want the oil to help the elk burgers from sticking to the grill. On medium-high heat, grill each burger until it reaches desired temperature. Grilling time will depend on thickness of the burger patty. 
    Smoked Traeger Burgers: Set smoker or Traeger temperature to 225 degrees and smoke for approximately 25-30 minutes. I recommend finishing your smoked elk burgers on the grill for a caramelized crust.
    How to Season Elk Burgers:
    • Salt and pepper
    • Steak seasoning
    • Mesquite seasoning
    • Paprika and smoked paprika
    • Garlic or onion powder
    • Cayenne or crushed red pepper
    Different Gourmet Elk Burger Recipe Options:
    1. Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
    2. Brie Cheese
    3. Bacon
    4. Caramelized Onions
    5. Fig Jam
    6. Balsamic Glaze

    Nutrition

    Calories: 390kcal | Protein: 49g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 730mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AubreysHealthyKitchen or tag #aubreyshealthykitchen!
    Tweet
    Share
    Reddit
    Yum
    Pin
    Share
    « Grilled Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon
    Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board »

    About Aubrey

    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Luke

      June 29, 2021 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      I made these elk burgers and they were great. The flavor of the ground elk was very mild.

      Reply
    2. Dara

      June 18, 2021 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      This elk burger recipe is super helpful. I followed the temperature recommends and they came out perfect.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    aubrey-wearing-crop-top-that-says-always-hungry

    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers! And for some more super top-secret fun facts....

    Healthy Recipes

    • Best Roasted Asparagus
    • Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
    • How to Bake Salmon
    • Blackened Cod
    • Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipes
    • Healthy Mushroom Soup

    Popular Recipes!

    • Tanghulu
    • Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
    • Lobster Ravioli Sauce
    • Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
    • Best Chicken Wing Sauce
    • Wagyu Burger

    Copyright © 2023 · Aubrey's Kitchen · Privacy Policy