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elk burger on a wooden platter next to french fries
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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.
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

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