Gourmet Elk Burger Recipe (Grilled)

Name: Gourmet Elk Burger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 202 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground elk meat; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika powder; 1 tsp sumac powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ((optional)); ⅛ tsp ground cloves; 3 tbsp minced parsley; 2 tbsp minced red onion

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Elk is one of my favorite game meats; It's right up there with bison and moose. So when I decided to come up with an Elk Burger recipe, I knew it had to be something special. I like to serve this delicious burger with some of my favorite Potato Salad on the side.

Why This Recipe works

Let me just warn you that this Elk Burger Recipe is not going to give your average elk burgers. As a matter of fact, if you were to buy this elk burger at a fancy restaurant, it would most likely be called a "Gourmet Elk Burger."

The ingredients in this elk burger recipe list might or might not be familiar to you. But don't let that scare you. This just might end up being your favorite elk burger recipe!

Ingredients Needed For This Recipe

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Elk — Although this is an elk burger recipe, you can substitute ground deer burger (venison burger) if needed.
Sumac Powder — Sumac powder is used in many Mediterranean recipes and has a delicious lemony flavor. It's a key ingredient in Middle Eastern Kabobs. If you can't find sumac powder locally, it can be purchased on Amazon.
Fat — If the elk meat isn't already mixed with suet, you can add a few slices of ground bacon. Or use a few tablespoons of olive oil, bacon grease, or frozen shredded butter.

Elk Burger Seasoning

So how is the seasoning for my Elk Burgers recipe different than the average recipe? Let’s just say it has some of the same ingredients used in my Kofta Kabob recipe.

The truth is, when I was planning my elk dinner, I wanted to make Elk Kabobs. It then dawned on me that my Kabob skewers were back in San Diego. I morphed my elk kabobs recipe into an elk burger recipe instead.

Some of the ingredients I used in my elk burger recipe are salt, pepper, sumac, cloves, onion, and parsley. Let's just say the end result was amazing!!!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Defrost elk meat if frozen and add to a medium-sized bowl. Add all the spices, minced parsley, and onion.

raw elk meat with onions, parsley and spices

Step 2: Work all the elk burger ingredients together, using your hands, until completely blended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours.

Step 3: Divide the meat into four equal portions and form into four burger patties.

Step 4: Grill elk burgers over medium flame for four minutes. Flip to the other side and cook for three additional minutes. Add a slice of cheddar cheese and cook one minute longer.

Serve these elk burgers with fries, or keep the Mediterranean theme going and serve the elk burgers with some Tabouli and Hummus on the side.

elk bruger, fries, with beer and condiment bottles behind it

Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

Is Elk Meat Healthier Than Beef?

According to Montanelk.com, 22% of the meat energy from elk is derived from fat, compared to 33% of beef.

Not only that, but elk meat is lower in cholesterol than beef, pork, and lamb. Further, being leaner also means it's lower in calories.

When we consider how wild game meat compares to hormone-ridden beef sold in stores, it's easy to see that elk meat is the obvious choice.

For all these reasons, elk meat is becoming more popular, especially with health-conscious individuals.

So do what you need to do to get your hands on some elk burger and try this exotic Elk Burger Recipe soon.

Do you need to add Fat to Ground Elk Burger?

Because ground elk meat is so lean, the butcher will usually mix in some suet when processing the elk. This is done to help bind the meat together.

If, however, you are grinding your own elk burger, consider getting some beef fat from your local butcher. Most butchers will give it to you free of charge, or for a reduced price.

You will want to mix in approximately 10% of cow fat with the ground elk meat. For example, for every pound (16 oz) of elk meat, mix in 1.6 ounces of fat.

If you don’t already have a kitchen scale, what are you waiting for? I love mine!

What Does Elk Meat Taste Like?

Did you know that although people think of deer meat when they hear the word "venison" but in fact, elk meat is also considered venison? The things you learn when you do just a little research...

Elk meat really does not taste that different than beef. However, it is slightly sweeter than beef. Surprisingly, it does not taste gamey like deer meat and is perfect for making Venison Stew.

Unfortunately, elk meat can be hard to find in your local grocery store. If you do find it, it will most likely be pricy.

If you have a hunter who stocks your freezer with elk meat, be sure to give them a little extra love!

The cooking time yields a medium-cooked burger. If you prefer your elk burger rarer, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Because of the unique ingredients in this recipe, I don't recommend the usual ketchup and mustard with these elk burgers. Instead, I would pick from the following: mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
I served these burgers on grilled sourdough, topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Surprisingly, it all came together beautifully!
To keep with the Kebab theme, I served these burgers with Tasty Mashed Potatoes or Hummus!
If you don’t want to hassle with a butcher, add one to two tablespoons of olive oil to one pound of ground elk burger.

Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.

Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!