The Best and Juiciest Elk Burger Recipe (2024)

This the best elk burger recipe that uses 100% ground elk meat and no beef. Elk meat is leaner than beef but doesn't compromise on flavor to create some seriously juicy elk burgers.

If you have never tried elk meat before, this is a great elk burger recipe to try out. You will not be disappointed, elk meat can be just as flavorful as beef with more protein and less fat! Suddenly, that slice of cheddar cheese doesn't feel as bad or maybe it never mattered in the first place!

What is the difference between elk meat and beef?

The main difference between elk meat and beef is that elk meat overall has less calories, lower fat and cholesterol and a higher protein content than beef.

It is considered wild game meat but has recently been popularized along with bison meat and can probably be found in your local grocery store or ordered online through a specialty retailer.

Ground elk meat is closer to ground venison which some folks consider tough and gamey but I think it is just a unique, delicious flavor. It is one of my favorite game meat that is now more widely accessible. It honestly doesn't taste that much different than beef in my opinion and still makes for a juicy burger.

Ingredients for the Best Elk Burger Recipe:

• Ground Elk meat - Dr. King's Farms is a regional supplier of elk meat out of Western North Carolina. The owner is a Doctor whose whole family has been farming for generations. Check out his story and what they are about.
• Onion Straws - These provide a great salty, onion flavor but also help to moisten the meat with the breading - perfect combo!
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Brown Sugar
• Egg
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Oil - Use an oil with a high smoke point, I used avocado oil but canola and vegetable will also work.
• Burger buns
• Toppings - I would recommend caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato with mayo and ketchup but use whatever your personal preference is for favorite toppings.

Substitutions

Worcestershire sauce can be replaced with 1 Tablespoon of bbq sauce.

Variations of Elk Burger Recipe:

• Spicy - Add pepper jack cheese or use diced jalapenos in the ground meat
• Bbq - Use onion straws and barbecue sauce for toppings

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet - I recommend using a heavy cast-iron skillet but a pan
• Mixing bowl

Simple Tips

• Beef fat or bacon fat can be used instead of oil to give some more fat to the leaner elk meat compared to ground beef.
• If you don't have a cast iron skillet or are cooking for a group of people these can also be done in the oven on Broil or grilled.
• For accurate results, use a digital thermometer to reach your desired internal temperature of the ground elk meat.

Instructions

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full elk burger recipe.

Place the raw ground meat in a large bowl.

Add the dry ingredients, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.

Mix well using food grade vinyl gloves if possible.

Divide the elk hamburgers into four equal portions.

Form patties using your hands to about ¼" to ½" thick.

Place patties on parchment paper in a plate or container and cover.

Refrigerate burgers for 1 hour, up to overnight.

Using a cast iron skillet, heat the stove top to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.

Place your burger in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side.

If using cheese, place on burger after you flip the burger the first time. Cover with about 3 minute left to get the cheese good and melted and the desired internal temperature has been reached.

Remove the burgers from the pan and set aside.

Prepare your bun with your favorite toppings and that's it! Super easy burger recipe, great for Summer dinners or winter nights!

Storage

• Cooked elk patties can be frozen and kept for up to 3 months.
• Fresh cooked patties should be eaten within five days if storing in the refrigerator.

Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 160 °F
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid burning and harmful compounds

I hope you have enjoyed the best way I have tried to make the juiciest elk burgers. This perfect elk burger recipe is a great introduction to game meat and a healthier alternative to beef burgers. Please let me know what you think!